The manufacture and import of traditional light bulbs has now been banned according to new EU regulations.

A European Union (EU) ban on the manufacture and import of traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs has come into force today (1 September).

The use of traditional light bulbs is being gradually phased out by the EU, which hopes to have fully removed all stock of the conventional bulbs by 2012.

The new rules about the manufacture and import of light bulbs were agreed by all 27 EU governments last year.

Consumers are being encouraged to switch to more energy-efficient bulbs, which use up to 80% less electricity.

According to the EU, the energy-efficient light bulbs provide exactly the same light quality as conventional bulbs.

The banning of traditional light bulbs has not been a popular decision and has seen some UK citizens stockpile the bulbs as the energy-efficient bulbs are more expensive.

Critics claim the light quality is noticeably worse than the traditional bulbs, and can trigger headaches and rashes in people with light sensitive disorders.

Retailers will be able to continue selling any remaining stock of the traditional light bulbs until they run out.