| Home   | Focus Areas   | What's New   | Events   | Join the CFL Initiative   | Library Resources   | FAQ   | Contact Us
:: What's New   CFL Harmonisation Initiative News   New Report Benchmarks CFLs in Asia   Posted 14 Aug 06 -- While 90% of CFLs are now produced in China, there are more than 33 different national standards and labeling schemes to regulate and classify them. The International CFL Harmonisation Initiative has benchmarked CFL quality and performance in seven Asian economies in order to analyze and understand key market issues and trends related to the testing, regulation, trade, and quality of CFLs.       Background In order to provide a snapshot of the global CFL industry and the specific issues facing individual markets, the Australian Greenhouse Office commissioned an international market review in seven Asia-Pacific economies. The list of economies studied represents a range of income levels and economic development, and it also includes the world&rsquos two most populated countries: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.   Objective of the Review The primary objectives of this international CFL market review are to gather and compare CFL market information from seven economies in the Asia-Pacific region in order to analyze and understand key market issues and trends related to the testing, regulation, trade, and quality of CFLs and survey CFL manufacturers and suppliers in order to solicit their views on the costs of certification and compliance, and the potential benefits of a globally harmonised approach to testing and regulation of CFLs. The Global CFL Market At present, the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) industry is undergoing rapid global expansion. Global CFL sales have risen 13 fold since 1990, and production has grown from 100 million to more than 1.5 billion units. Amid this unprecedented proliferation of CFLs, production has migrated chiefly to China. In turn, Chinese manufacturers and distributors export CFLs widely throughout the world. At the same time, a growing number of countries are adopting CFL promotion programs, and in some cases carrying out large-scale bulk procurement of CFLs (ranging up to millions of lamps).   Problems in the CFL Market The current climate of CFL production and distribution creates two problems, both of which the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative aims to tackle: First, an abundance of poor-quality CFLs are entering the markets of economies either importing CFLs or manufacturing their own. This is largely due to the fact that there exists no international quality mark, or minimum level of quality, for CFL lamps. Moreover, each economy maintains largely different standards of expected quality, or no standard at all. This proves to be problematic, as it leaves consumers to distinguish between products with no set of guidelines on which to base their CFL purchase. Without any universal quality guidelines, the consumer is attracted to cheaper, lower-quality products. Second, CFLs are increasingly manufactured in a centralized location but regulated by no centralized or common set of standards. Although nearly all CFLs are produced in China, each economy maintains different test procedures, specification levels, and minimum energy performance standards, if any at all. And many economies have in place neither the technical standards nor the method and means of testing CFL quality. In short, there is a lack of a common approach to regulating and certifying the quality of this globalised product.   Proliferation of National Standards A global search found more than 33 different national standards and labeling schemes for CFLs in place, and four under consideration. 9 economies have a MEPS program, and eight of these are mandatory 4 economies are considering MEPS for currently under consideration and 24 economies operate a labelling scheme for CFLs, although only three of these are mandatory. The remaining 21 are voluntary, and one more program is currently under consideration. Comparison of CFL Quality across Economies In order to understand the extent of the &ldquolow-quality&rdquo CFL problem, we estimated the market share in each country comprised by models that are of inferior quality, with low lifetimes, and not made to international standards. Each of the National Consultants was asked to obtain estimates of market share for four different quality levels, based on market surveys and interviews with domestic suppliers. The market shares of poor quality CFLs were quite substantial &ndash ranging from 15% to as high as an estimated 34% of CFLs sold in the market.   Lack of a Harmonised Test Procedure Currently there exists no systematic or harmonised test procedure for CFLs. Although most economies use a variation of the two IEC standards for performance and safety, even these permutations can vary significantly. Furthermore, many of the economies that have in place, or are planning, CFL programs are not using a quality test procedure as the basis for the program. Without testing, it is impossible to distinguish between products, aside from brand recognition, and consumers cannot separate a good quality from a poor quality CFL. Additionally, a lack of testing then makes it difficult for policymakers and regulators to certify and track product quality in the market.   Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) Of the seven economies studied, only the Philippines has a stringent, mandatory MEPS program in place. China also has a mandatory MEPS program, but it only establishes limits for values of energy efficiency and a rating criteria for self-ballasted lamps. Three economies are in the process of developing a minimum standard for CFLs. Vietnam has a program under consideration, while Australia and New Zealand are developing their respective programs in unison to be based on the Chinese model and to be harmonised with the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative.   Energy Labelling Only the Philippines has a mandatory labelling program. Four economies employ voluntary labelling programs. Both China, India, and Australia have voluntary programs, while Indonesia uses a comparative labelling program that tracks the energy efficiency of home electrical appliances or efficacy of CFLs. Additionally, Australia, as well as India, is developing its labelling program further to harmonise with the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative. Neither Vietnam nor New Zealand have implemented a CFL labelling scheme.   Benefits of a CFL Harmonisation The responses clearly indicate that suppliers view the certification and compliance costs as significant: 16 of 23 suppliers reported that a harmonised CFL test procedure would result in at least a substantial reduction in compliance costs. Suppliers also reported that testing and compliance costs range as high as a few percent of production costs for domestic sales, and an even greater percentage for exports. Although the absolute compliance costs for each supplier are not prohibitive in and of themselves, they represent the cost to only a single supplier. When these costs are multiplied across the full range of CFL suppliers across the world, the costs accumulate to tens of millions of dollars a year in unnecessary retesting and certification costs.   Click link below to download a copy of the report:   Last updated   2006-10-01 21:25:19   File attachment: International-CFL-Market-Review----FINAL.pdf   size : 672.398  KB. Other News Proceedings - 6th International CFL Stakeholder Forum, Xiamen, China, 2 - 3 April 2007 Posted 3 May 07 -- Click to download materials. Last updated 2007-07-13 11:43:48 Proceedings - 5th In'l CFL Stakeholder Forum, Washington DC, 23-24 October, 2006 Posted 7 Nov 06 -- Click to download materials. Last updated 2006-11-30 12:23:12 Proposals Posted for Review Posted 15 Oct 06 -- New proposals on compliance and specifications have been posted for review. Last updated 2006-11-07 18:30:02 US Stakeholder Meeting Planned Posted 18 Aug 06 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative is planning a consultation meeting in October to discuss progress and solicit input with key industry and NGO stakeholders. The meeting will be held in the Washington, DC area on 23-24 October, with details to be announced by the end of August. Last updated 2006-11-07 18:29:08 Washington DC Stakeholder Forum on 23-24 October, 2006 Posted 18 Sep 06 -- The US Department of Energy hosts the next important step on the road to rationalising technical specifications for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) around the globe. Last updated 2006-10-16 11:38:08 Review Updated Compliance Paper Posted 17 Aug 06 -- The CFL Harmonisation Initiative has issued an updated paper on the issues and potential activities associated with international compliance on CFL testing and quality. A paper was posted prior to the London CFL Forum in June 2006, highlighting key areas to be addressed by any compliance proposals, and raising a number of questions. Following extensive discussion at the London forum, further proposals for a staircase framework for international compliance actions have been developed and initial proposals issued for consultation. Click here for more information. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:25:51 3rd Forum of the International Harmonisation Initiative Meets In London Posted 30 Jun 06 -- More than 35 delegates representing 14 countries recently attended the 4th Forum of the International Harmonisation Initiative held in London on June 19th and 20th. The fourth event of its kind held since May 2005, the meeting made significant headway in four main areas. Most importantly, the attending delegates pledged their full support to the latest proposed testing protocol for submission to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC.) Regular international events such as this forum help to foster the success of the CFL Harmonisation Initiative, which, when successful, will increase the availability of higher quality, energy-efficient compact flourescent lamps around the world. Click here for more information on the forum. Click here to read the communique. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:24:26 Compliance Paper Available for Review Posted 10 Jun 06 -- Development of local, regional or global performance measurements, MEPS, Labelling or programme support of any kind become less meaningful if non-compliant models taint the marketplace. The International CFL Harmonisation Initiative has posted a discussion document that includes a summary and review of earlier and current compliance schemes to identify what information is current available to market actors, and to identify key issues to stimulate an informed debate on what might be appropriate as a future global compliance framework for CFLs. Further, the paper identifies a number of questions, the answers to which might form the basis of an acceptable, and cost effective, compliance framework in the future. To review the compliance paper, click here. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:22:47 Linkage with CFL Quality Charter Meeting Posted 10 Jun 06 -- CFL Harmonisation participants can attend European CFL Quality Charter Meeting on 19 June, 2006. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:22:15 Discussions Under Way on Submission of Draft CFL Testing Protocol to the IEC Posted 7 Jun 06 -- Discussions are under way with members of the IEC lamps committee and a number of National Representatives on the most appropriate mechanism through which the testing protocol developed by the Harmonisation Initiative should be submitted for formal IEC consideration. To view the most recent draft of the protocol click here Last updated 2006-10-01 21:21:29 3rd Forum of the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative, London, England, 19-20 June 2006 Posted 24 May 06 -- The London workshop in will mark the next important step on the road to rationalizing technical specifications for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) around the globe. The workshop is the third in a series of bi-annual meetings that provide transparent reporting to all stakeholders on the progress of the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative; but more importantly set the agenda for the coming 6 months activities. Click here for more details. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:20:36 Manufacturer Briefing in Frankfurt: 25 April 2006 Posted 10 May 06 -- A briefing was held for European Manufacturers and other stakeholders on the current status of the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative. The briefing was hosted by Lighting Council Australia (LCA) and the China Association of Lighting Industries (CALI). For more information about the Frankurt event, copies of handout materials and a list of participants, click here. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:20:15 Draft CFL Test Protocol Posted for Review Posted 21 Apr 06 -- A new draft test protocol, "Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps -- Methods for Measuring the Performance", has been posted for comment and review by international experts interested in harmonisation and rationalization of testing and specifications for CFLs. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:19:55 Final Opportunity to Contribute to Draft Testing Protocol [  ] Posted 24 Feb 06 -- Call for contributions to draft international CFL test protocol. The International CFL Harmonisation Initiative is attempting to develop a revised, comprehensive testing protocol for CFLs with the ultimate goal of submitting this protocol for adoption by the IEC. Below is a letter to members of the CFL Network, which was mailed out on 20 February 2006. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:18:26 New Proposal on CFL Performance Specifications Posted 22 Nov 05 -- As a result of the discussions at the 2nd CFL Forum in Seoul, Korea on 1 November, the Working Group on CFL Performance Specifications has revised its proposal for a common set of international performance specifications for CFLs. Click here to review the new discussion paper. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:17:14 International Round-Robin Testing of CFLs to be Launched Posted 28 Oct 05 -- We are happy to advise that a number of major international testing laboratories have agreed to take part in a CFL round robin testing on behalf of the International CFL Harmonization Initiative. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:16:32 Draft Revision of Energy Star CFL Specifications Posted 15 Oct 05  -- The process of revising USA's ENERGY STAR CFL criteria is underway, with the initial meeting held in Washington DC on 21 September 2005. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:16:03 Free Registration Period Extended for Seoul Forum Posted 5 Oct 05 -- The organising committee has decided to extend the free registration period for the Second Forum on the CFL Harmonisation Initiative until 14 October.  The Forum will be held in Seoul, Korea on 1 November. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:15:27 Sign up for the 2nd Forum of the CFL Harmonisation Initiative Posted 1 Sep 05 -- The CFL coordinating group are pleased to invite you to the second forum of the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative. In case you missed the first forum in May 2005 in Shanghai, or are not aware of the initiative that has already gained the support of more than 22 international governments, private-sector companies, and non-governmental organizations worldwide. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:14:39   CFL International Program Update Communiqué - Workshop on Regional CFL Quality Assurance, Manila, Philippines , 28 Jun 2007 Posted 13 Jul 07 -- Suppliers, experts, and other stakeholders in the region attended a workshop aimed at initiating a regional quality assurance program for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Last updated 2007-07-30 15:48:28 Workshop on Regional CFL Quality Assurance [  ] Posted 11 Jun 07 -- Suppliers, experts, and other stakeholders in the region are invited to attend a workshop aimed at initiating a regional quality assurance program for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Last updated 2007-07-13 00:56:18 Manufacturers Support Harmonized Lighting Efficiency for ASEAN. Posted 11 Jun 07 -- With the high level of international interest in clean energy initiatives that mitigate climate change, a number of countries internationally have announced steps to phase out the use of inefficient lamps. Last updated 2007-06-11 14:10:58 Thailand Announces Plan to Phase Out Incandescent Lamps. Posted 11 Jun 07 -- Following the lead of Australia, which announced a similar plan in February, Thailand became the first developing country to announce plans to phase out the use of incandescent lamps. Last updated 2007-06-11 13:31:24 Electricity Commission’s 2nd Request for Proposals for Compact Fluorescent Lamp Programmes Posted 1 Dec 06 -- The Electricity Commission is calling for proposals to expand the compact fluorescent lamp programme. Last updated 2006-11-30 14:10:11 Swedish CFL Strategy Posted 13 Nov 06 -- The Swedish Energy Agency (STEM) has issued a discussion paper, in anticipation of launching a large market transformation project for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Last updated 2006-11-13 11:20:58 Consumer Magazine Tests Indian CFLs Posted 19 Oct 06 -- Consumer VOICE magazine has published a report on test results for 14 different brands of 15-watt CFLs in the Indian market. Last updated 2006-11-13 10:47:38 Respond to International CFL Program Survey [  ] Posted 27 Oct 06 -- This survey is being carried out by the Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI) Last updated 2006-10-27 23:34:26 New Zealand Targets 3 Million Energy-Saving Lamps Posted 16 Oct 06 -- New Zealand's Electricity Commission has agreed to support the installation of up to three million energy-saving bulbs in New Zealand homes by end of June 2007. Last updated 2006-10-17 10:50:50 New Zealand Establishes Lighting Stakeholder Group Posted 15 Sep 06 -- In the wake of a large, scale national program to promore increased sales of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), the New Zealand government has announced terms of reference for the formation of a Lighting Efficiency Stakeholder Group. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:12:07 New Lamps Specs Announced by UK Group Posted 10 Sep 06 -- The Energy Saving Trust (EST) announced a new set of lamp specifications covering CFLs, fluorescent-tube lamps, and halogen lamps. The specifications were issued in August 2005. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:11:23 South Africa´s Massive CFL Giveaway Posted 15 Jul 06 -- The South African utility Eskom is planning to give away more than 7 million CFLs to deal with a power shortage and rolling black-outs. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:10:29 Bright Idea Could Put Old-Fashioned Light Bulbs in the Shade Posted 13 Apr 06 -- The end could be nigh for the old-fashioned light bulb. Scientists have developed wafer-thin sheets that fill a room with natural light at the flick of a switch, according to research published today.The end could be nigh for the old-fashioned light bulb. Scientists have developed wafer-thin sheets that fill a room with natural light at the flick of a switch, according to research published today. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:09:32 Energy Star Calls for CFL Comments by 20 Jan. 06 Posted 5 Jan 06 -- A second draft of the ENERGY STAR Criteria for CFLs - Version 4.0 (as of 12/21/05). This draft was developed from formal comments and feedback gathered during the first comment round. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:08:45 Call for Papers for April 2006 Buildings Conference in Frankfurt Posted 1 Sep 05 -- The International Conference on Improving Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings (IEECB) will be held in Frankfurt, Germany during 26 - 27 April 2006. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:07:09 Report Compares CFL Labeling Programs Posted 1 Sep 05 -- The report examines critical differences among energy-efficiency labeling programs for CFLs in Brazil, China, United States, and the seven members of the international Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI) in terms of technical specifications and test procedures, and reviews issues related to international harmonisation of these standards. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:06:16 Report on Comparative Testing of CFLs Posted 28 Aug 05 -- SARI/E (South Asia Regional Initiative on Energy) of USAID has carried out various activities to promote energy efficiency, including work on test methods and harmonisation. Last updated 2006-10-01 21:05:07 Impact of U.S. Energy Policy on the CFL Market CFL manufacturers wanting to use the Energy Star label for their CFL products must meet the more stringent Energy Star 3.0 specifications. Last updated 2006-09-10 21:55:04	HOME   FOCUS AREAS   Performance Specs   Test Protocol   Verification Testing   Compliance   WHAT'S NEW   CFL EVENTS   JOIN THE CFL INITIATIVE   LIBRARY RESOURCES   SUPPORTERS   RELATED SITES   FAQ   CONTACT US   FOCUS AREA CONTACTS
Copyright © 2006, International CFL Harmonisation Initiative