Czech MEP Ondřej Krutílek (ECR) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to further extend the exemption for mercury use in certain high-pressure sodium lamps beyond the current expiry date of 24 February 2027, citing limited availability of substitutes and socio-economic impacts of replacement.
The written parliamentary question, submitted on 15 April 2026 under Rule 144, targets Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2022/283, which amended Annex III to the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU). That directive extended the exemption for part of item 4(b)-I — covering lamps with a colour rendering index above 80 and power input of 105 W or less — but only until February 2027.
whether the Commission is considering a further extension. He points to the limited availability of mercury-free substitutes and the socio-economic consequences of a forced phase-out, signalling concern that ending the exemption could disrupt users reliant on these lamps.
The MEP advocates for maintaining industrial flexibility and avoiding abrupt regulatory deadlines that could impose costs on sectors dependent on high-pressure sodium lighting. This reflects a broader cleavage between environmental objectives (reducing mercury use) and economic pragmatism (ensuring viable alternatives exist).
The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it leans toward granting a further extension or holding the line on the 2027 deadline, signalling the balance it strikes between health/environmental goals and industry readiness.