Lighting Regulations & Fluorescent Safety Disclaimer

Last updated: June 2026. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Lighting regulations change frequently and differ by state and locality. You are responsible for confirming the rules that apply to you, and you should consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance.

Why Some Lighting Products Are Restricted

Federal and state governments have enacted energy-efficiency standards and mercury-reduction laws that restrict the manufacture, sale, and distribution of certain incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lamps. These laws are intended to reduce energy consumption and limit mercury in the environment. Because this legal landscape is changing rapidly, the products available on our website may change without notice, and some items may not be available for sale or shipment to every state.

Federal Rules — U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • General service lamps (incandescent & halogen): Since 2023, DOE energy-conservation standards have required most general service lamps to produce at least 45 lumens per watt. This standard effectively ended the manufacture, import, and retail sale of most traditional incandescent and halogen A-line bulbs nationwide.
  • Stricter standards ahead: DOE has finalized higher efficiency requirements that raise the minimum well above 45 lumens per watt, with manufacturer compliance phased in later this decade. These will further limit certain lamp types over time.
  • Exemptions: A number of specialty lamps (for example, appliance, certain colored, plant/grow, and specific-application lamps) are exempt from these federal standards. We make commercially reasonable efforts to offer only lamps that are compliant or properly exempt.

State Fluorescent & Mercury-Lamp Bans

A growing number of states prohibit the sale or distribution of mercury-containing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) as new products. These bans are typically phased in — screw- and bayonet-base CFLs first, followed by pin-base CFLs and linear tubes. States with enacted restrictions include, among others:

  • California (AB 2208): screw/bayonet-base CFLs since Jan 1, 2024; pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps since Jan 1, 2025.
  • Vermont: CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps phased out (2024–2025).
  • Colorado: compact and linear fluorescent lamps since Jan 1, 2025.
  • Rhode Island: pin-base CFLs and linear fluorescent lamps since Jan 1, 2025.
  • Minnesota: screw/bayonet-base CFLs since Jan 1, 2025; pin-base CFLs and linear lamps from Jan 1, 2026.
  • Hawaii: screw/bayonet-base CFLs since Jan 1, 2025; pin-base CFLs and linear lamps from Jan 1, 2026.
  • Maine: fluorescent phase-out effective Jan 1, 2026.
  • Illinois (Clean Lighting Act): screw/bayonet-base CFLs from Jan 1, 2026; pin-base CFLs and linear lamps from Jan 1, 2027.
  • Oregon, Washington, and additional states have adopted or are considering similar measures.

Most of these laws include exemptions for lamps used in specialty, medical, industrial, and other specific applications. Covered products, effective dates, and exemptions differ by state and are subject to change. The list above is provided for convenience and may not be complete or current.

Sales & Shipping Restrictions

We make reasonable efforts to comply with applicable federal and state lighting laws. As a result:

  • Certain fluorescent, incandescent, or halogen products may not be available for sale or shipment to addresses in states that restrict them.
  • If you place an order for a restricted product going to a restricted destination, we may cancel and refund that item or contact you about a compliant alternative.
  • Product availability, pricing, and shipping eligibility may change at any time as regulations are updated.

Customer Responsibility

You are responsible for knowing and complying with the laws and regulations that apply where you live, work, and use our products. By placing an order, you represent that the products you purchase are legal for you to buy, possess, and use for your intended application and location, including under any applicable specialty, replacement, or exempt-use provisions. Batteries N Bulbs is not responsible for a customer’s purchase, possession, use, or disposal of any product in violation of federal, state, or local law.

Mercury Content, Safety & Disposal

Fluorescent lamps (including CFLs and linear tubes) and certain other lamps contain small amounts of mercury and must be handled and disposed of responsibly:

  • Handle with care to avoid breakage, and keep lamps in their original packaging during storage and transport when possible.
  • If a fluorescent lamp breaks, follow the U.S. EPA’s cleanup guidance: have people and pets leave the room, air it out for 5–10 minutes, shut off central forced-air HVAC, and carefully scoop up the materials using stiff paper or cardboard and a sealed container. Do not vacuum, as that can spread mercury vapor and powder.
  • Do not place mercury-containing lamps in household trash where prohibited. Recycle them through a household hazardous-waste program or an authorized lamp-recycling location. We also accept used fluorescent lamps and tubes for recycling — contact us for details.

No Warranty; Limitation of Liability

The regulatory information on this page is summarized for convenience, may not reflect the most recent changes, and does not constitute legal advice. We make no representation or warranty that any particular product is permitted for sale, possession, or use in your jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Batteries N Bulbs disclaims any liability for loss, penalty, fine, or damage arising from a customer’s purchase, possession, use, or disposal of any product in violation of applicable law. Additional terms are set out in our Terms of Service.

Questions Before You Order?

If you’re unsure whether a product can be shipped to your location or used in your application, please contact us before ordering. We’ve been helping customers find the right, compliant lighting since 1992, and we’re glad to recommend an LED or exempt alternative.