at the moment their is no law. Doesn't mean that its in the works to bann them. Eventually they will be banned. in the future though you will beable to use any lamps so long as the CFL/ LED and socket are the same size. The reason for this is that the CFL and LED use less power thus the wiring is more than ample to handle the lower energy use.
On the other hand if the lamp is made specifically for CFL the Wiring in the lamp would not beable to handle an indecent version of the bulb.
I doubt they would make a law banning the selling of back stock of the less energy efficient lamps and lights. The law that is created will only effect "NEWLY MANUFACTURED" lights and construction requirements.
Not being funny, but you don't live in the U.K, so you don't know what will or will not be banned here. retailers in the U.K, have agree with the government to stop selling incandescent bulbs, but they don't have to. The dreaded E.U wants to make it law if it will happen is another thing, in my opinon it is nothing to do with the E.U. the main retailers may stop selling incandescent bulbs, but I expect there will still be smaller retailers selling them for a while.
I don't think it should have anything to do with the government what bulbs we sue, if I want to burn a 100watt bulb all night, then that is up to me, my money. If they want to ban incandescent bulbs, then maybe they should also ban 500watt outdoor lights that is all now all the rage.
I don't think we are going to get to the stage where the wiring in houses will just be enough to use low energy bulbs, well not for many years anyway.
I am stocking up on incandescent bulbs, just in case it gets difficult to buy them, I have not got 40 of them, that should last for a few years, should get another 50 or so in the next 12 months, Unless I have a lot of problems with bulbs blowing that should last me for at least 60 years, which by that time if I am still alive, I doubt i will care as I will be over 100 years old by then.
I don't like low energy bulbs and I don't see why I should be forced to use them, when other people don't give two hoots and still uses their 500watt outdoor light or their big 4x4.
Anyway you seen the size of these Low energy bulbs, they are massive and sticks out like a sore thumb.
Fend or please, I am staying with my incandescent bulbs.