Move aims to reduce the usage of light bulbs with poor energy efficiency ratings by 2012 - but will also save consumers money on electricity bills, according to a consumer group.
Shops will not be allowed to buy new stocks of incandescent, opaque light bulbs from September this year, under an EU initiative to cut energy usage.
Pearl light bulbs of 60 watts and 25 and 40 watt frosted bulbs will no longer be available in Europe, as the EU seeks to phase out inefficient bulbs by 2012. Customers will now have to choose from the low-energy alternatives available.
A spokesman for the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs said: "From September 1st it will be illegal for manufacturers to sell frosted incandescent bulbs to EU retailers. Anyone who has them in stock can still sell them off."
However, consumer group Which? has suggested that, on top of the environmental benefits, consumers will be able to gain financially from the ban. Lizzy Payne, a technology researcher at the group, claimed that changing four traditional bulbs to energy-saving alternatives could result in savings of £28 on electricity bills each year.
But she advised consumers to be careful when choosing new bulbs, as "there are big differences between the best and worst low-energy light bulbs on the market".
The EU had already banned 150 watt bulbs last year and some large UK shops have stopped stocking 100 watt bulbs on a voluntary basis since the start of this year.
