Fluorescent to LED | The 2027 Problem and Re-selection

“Fluorescent lights will be unusable by 2027”—have you heard such claims?

Strictly speaking, that’s not quite accurate. This article will clarify the true meaning of the "2027 problem," what will happen to the fluorescent lights you currently use, and key considerations when choosing LED ceiling lights, all based on facts.

What is the "2027 problem"?

At the fifth Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in November 2023, it was decided to gradually phase out the manufacture, import, and export of fluorescent lamps for general lighting. This is an international agreement to reduce mercury contained in fluorescent lamps.

The timing varies by type:

Compact fluorescent lamps: Manufacturing, import, and export will cease by the end of December 2026.
Linear and circular fluorescent lamps: Manufacturing, import, and export will cease by the end of December 2027.

In other words, the "2027 problem" means that fluorescent lamps will "no longer be manufactured." (Source: Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

Will the fluorescent lights I’m currently using immediately become unusable?

No, that is not the case.

There will be no prohibition on the sale of products manufactured before the phase-out date (stock) or on the use of fluorescent lights you already own. You can continue to use your current fluorescent lights until they reach the end of their lifespan.

However, once manufacturing ceases, replacement fluorescent lamps are expected to become harder to find and prices are likely to rise over time. It is realistic to consider switching to LED at some point.

Switch at the right time, rather than rushing to buy more

There's no need to rush out and buy a large stock of fluorescent lamps. The most efficient way to switch is to do so when your current fluorescent light fixture starts to malfunction, or when you move or redecorate. This way, you can make a waste-free choice to switch to LED ceiling lights.

LEDs consume less power and have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lights, offering long-term benefits in terms of replacement effort and electricity costs. For an estimate of electricity costs, please refer to LED Ceiling Light Electricity Costs.

Key considerations when switching from fluorescent to LED

If you're making the switch, it's worth considering not just the "brightness," but also the quality of light you'll be using for a long time.

Brightness suitable for room size: According to the room's area (e.g., 6-tatami mat, 8-tatami mat)
Dimming and color temperature adjustment: The ability to change colors according to the time of day, which wasn't possible with fluorescent lights.
Light quality: Color rendering index (Ra), blue light safety (RG0), flicker-free design
Installation: No construction required if there's a hook ceiling (Basic installation guide)

In the case of lipro

lipro Solar Ceiling Lights feature a spectrum close to natural sunlight with Ra97+, RG0 blue light, and flicker-free design (Powered by SunLike). With dimming and color temperature adjustment from 3000K to 5000K, they allow for different uses throughout the day, something not possible with fluorescent lights. Available for 6- and 8-tatami mat rooms, no construction required with a hook ceiling.

Summary: Don't panic, but start planning

Fluorescent lights will stop being manufactured by 2027, but existing ones can still be used. There's no need to rush to buy more; simply switch to LED lights, considering both brightness and light quality, when your fixture needs replacing or when you move house.

Reference Information

Ministry of the Environment: "Manufacturing, Import, and Export of Fluorescent Lamps for General Lighting to Be Phased Out by 2027"
https://www.env.go.jp/chemi/tmms/lamp.html
Fifth Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (November 2023)