ALA Announces Finalization of Test Procedure Rule for GSLs, Saving Manufacturers From Increased Cost

The American Lighting Association (ALA) has announced an update on the finalization of Test Procedure Rule for General Service Lamps (GSL). The association reported that the test procedure for GSL, as clarified in the final rule published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2025 (90 FR 4589), has successfully passed.

According to a statement by the association, “ALA is proud to support this crucial step forward, as the rule provides much-needed clarity and regulatory certainty for manufacturers in the rapidly evolving lighting industry.”

As Congress directed in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), the lighting industry has worked with extensive support from national laboratories and the Department of Energy, to transition to solid-state lighting (SSL), specifically light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This market transformation, backed by approximately $500 million in federal appropriations and billions of dollars in private investment, has yielded immense energy savings and innovation in the lighting sector.

The ALA noted, “The final rule clarifying product testing and certification requirements for LED lamps is a positive and welcome development for the lighting industry. Without this clarification, manufacturers would face the need to invest in excessively expensive test equipment, which would ultimately increase costs for American consumers and businesses. This rule strikes a balance between maintaining high standards for product performance and easing the burden on manufacturers, ensuring that consumers can enjoy innovative features – such as connectivity and color tuning – without the risk of excessive cost increases.”

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) offered comments on the rule, which also emphasized its commitment to the energy conservation standards for GSLs, which were promulgated in April 2024 (89 FR 28856).

According to the ALA, its manufacturer members have – by and large –  fully integrated these standards into their operations, transitioning away from traditional glass-based light sources and embracing energy-efficient LED technology. This transformation has been driven by consumer demand for longer-lasting, energy-saving solutions, which are now affordable and widely available.

ALA concluded in its update to members, “We look forward to continued collaboration with Congress and federal agencies as we work together to ensure that the U.S. lighting industry remains a leader in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.”

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