Halogen lightbulb ban: When does it start and why are they being banned?

Halogen lightbulbs are soon to become obsolete in the UK following a ban made by the European Union. Retailers will no longer be allowed to stock halogen lightbulbs and will have to replace them with other types of bulbs that are more energy efficient. Companies will be allowed to sell their remaining stock of halogen lightbulbs until they run out. However, they won’t be permitted to buy any more once the ban officially begins. The EU first began phasing out incandescent lightbulbs in 2009.