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As of February 24, 2025, D65 and D50 standardized daylight fluorescent lamps, used for colorimetric evaluation in the graphics industry, are no longer authorized for sale in the European Union. This ban is the result of the end of the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) exemption, which previously allowed the use of these light sources despite the presence of mercury.
This regulatory change has a direct impact on standardized lighting desks, essential for color matching in proofing, offset or digital printing workflows. These light booths, often used in print shops, quality control laboratories or at packaging manufacturers, will now have to be equipped with led sources compliant with ISO 3668 and ISO 3664:2009 standards.
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The new led systems, adapted to standardized observation conditions, offer an alternative that respects environmental requirements, while guaranteeing the color stability and spectral rendering necessary for reliable evaluation of proofs and prints.
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Manufacturers of normative lighting systems (such as Just Normlicht, GTI, X-Rite and press manufacturers) have of course already adapted their offer to this transition by developing D50 and D65 calibrated led modules, taking into account metamerism indices and luminous uniformity standards.
For printers still using this type of light, this change means extra vigilance when replacing or calibrating lighting systems: compatibility between old fluorescent references and new led technologies can only be ensured with devices specifically designed to reproduce the required spectral curves. This may also require adjustments to colorimetric validation procedures, particularly for Fogra or G7 certifications.
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This development, although already underway for several years, marks the end of a technological era in favor of a more sustainable solution, in line with the requirements of the circular economy and the objectives of reducing hazardous substances in the industrial environment.
