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Along with it's fluorescent ban, Canada passed legislation to ban from import and manufacture metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps starting on 1/1/2029. But....."However, considering that not all existing fixtures have direct mercury-free replacements yet, the Amendments will include an exemption for replacement lamps to be used in existing fixtures, with no end date."
The net effect of this "ban" for the foreseeable future "..aims to promote the use of mercury-free LED lighting in new installations, while allowing for the continued use of existing HID fixtures."
Like for fluorescent, these bans all are all about the use of mercury in lighting products. Canada ratified the Minimata Convention on Mercury and these moves are part of their compliance with that convention.
Future impact on Horticultural lighting
These bans have been focused on mercury containing product for general lighting use. Separately Canada is looking at bans on these product for horticultural lighting. HPS products in particular is still in heavy use for growing plants and complete LED replacements are still in research and development. Canada's Department of the Environment has taken the stance of "..recognizes the concerns of the greenhouse industry. The Amendments will not prohibit lamps containing mercury for growing plants at this time. These lamps will be listed as an exemption in Schedule 1 to the Regulations, with no end date."
At some point LEDs will be judged as a full replacement for HID technologies for general and horticultural lighting, so these bans will go in effect at a future date. Manufacturers should be aware and stay informed about these changes.
