BNA campaigns for exemption from EU regulations

The German Federal Association for Nature and Species Protection (BNA) is campaigning for important lighting for terrariums and bird keeping to be granted an exemption. Many light sources for pet keeping, especially in terrariums, are prohibited under current EU regulations, as the corresponding exemptions for animal husbandry no longer apply as they did in the past. This particularly affects classic heat lamps for terrariums (“light bulbs”/basking spots), which “only” emit light and heat in the infrared range. An exemption for mercury metal halide lamps will only apply until 2027 – these lamps are currently the only approved products that provide a combination of UVA/B radiation, visible light, and heat in terrariums.

In order to continue using these light sources beyond 2027, an exemption from the EU Commission is required. The BNA has therefore drafted a technical statement and sent it to Lighting Europe, the industry association for the lighting industry. Lighting Europe is also seeking an exemption for mercury vapor lamps, which are also used in areas other than pet keeping.

“We hope that the joint efforts of the BNA and Lighting Europe will succeed in obtaining the exemption, thereby ensuring not only animal welfare but also the ex-situ conservation of amphibians, reptiles, and birds beyond 2027.”