Overview

Amazon enforces strict compliance requirements for sellers listing general service lamps (GSLs), which include standard incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LED bulbs, and organic LED (OLED) lamps. Sellers must ensure their lighting products meet federal energy efficiency standards and provide proper documentation before listing these items on the marketplace. Failure to comply can result in listing removal and other enforcement actions.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Federal energy efficiency standards apply — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits the sale and distribution of general service lamps that do not meet a minimum efficacy standard of 45 lumens per watt (lm/W), which effectively bans most traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Multiple lamp types are covered — This policy applies to general service incandescent lamps (GSILs), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), general service LED lamps, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lamps used in common household and commercial applications.
• Certain lamp types are prohibited — Amazon does not allow the listing or sale of non-compliant or prohibited lighting products, including several categories of traditional lamps that fail to meet current energy standards.
• Testing and certification are required — All general service lamps must be tested to comply with applicable regulations and standards, and sellers must be prepared to submit compliance documentation upon request.
• Product detail pages have specific requirements — Listings must include the model, part, or item number, the manufacturer or brand name, and the lumen and watt output of the product.

Types of Lamps Covered

This policy covers the full range of general service lamps that sellers might list on Amazon. General service incandescent lamps (GSILs) are standard incandescent or halogen-type bulbs intended for general lighting. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are single-base, low-pressure mercury discharge lamps that use a fluorescing coating to produce light. General service LED lamps use light-emitting diodes as the primary light source and are designed for broad lighting applications. OLED lamps function similarly but use organic light-emitting diodes. All of these product types fall under the same compliance framework and must meet DOE efficiency requirements.