2017, Kuwait has banned the import of incandescent light bulbs, including halogen bulbs. Malaysia It was reported in 2012 that Malaysia would ban production, import and sales incandescent bulbs by 2014 as part of efforts to save power and to help cut greenhouse gas emissions. Nepal Nepal has banned incandescent light bulbs. North Korea North Korea reportedly made LED bulbs mandatory in 2014 to alleviate its energy crisis. Philippines The Philippines was among the first Asian countries to phase-out incandescent light bulbs. In February 2008, president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called for a ban of incandescent light bulbs by 2010 in favor of more energy-efficient fluorescent globes to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and household costs during her closing remarks at the Philippine Energy Summit. No legislation was passed in regards to the phase-out and mostly involved the lessening the demand for incandescent bulbs. Qatar Qatar has banned incandescent light bulbs. Singapore Singapore is phasing out incandescent light bulbs through 2019–23. South Korea South Korea has phased out incandescent light bulbs under 150 watts since 2014. The government has prohibited manufacture and import of all incandescent lights. All incandescent bulbs are going to be replaced by LED and CFL light bulbs. Taiwan Taiwan banned incandescent bulbs in 2012. Tajikistan Tajikistan reportedly banned incandescent light bulbs in 2009 to save energy, though this was criticized as alternatives were expensive at the time. United Arab Emirates The UAE has banned incandescent light bulbs. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan banned the sale of light bulbs over 40W on 1 January 2017. Europe European Union All member states of the EU agreed to a progressive phase-out of incandescent light bulbs by 2012. The initial Europe wide ban only applied to general-purpose, non-directional incandescent bulbs, so did not affect any bulbs with reflective surfaces (e.g. spotlights and halogen down lighters) or special purpose bulbs including those used in devices such as household appliances, traffic lights, infrared lamps and automotive lighting. The sale of the most inefficient bulbs was phased out. The first types to go were non-clear (frosted) bulbs, which were taken off the market in September 2009. Also from September 2009 clear bulbs over 100 W were made of more efficient types. This limit was moved down to lower wattages, and the efficiency levels raised by the end of 2012. In practice, some manufacturers and retailers have found loopholes in the new rules so that some incandescent are