Our History

Given that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are an important technology for saving energy and addressing climate change by mitigating emissions of greenhouse gases and that there are currently a range of unaligned standards and specifications for CFLs in different Asian countries with only minor differences, manufacturers and suppliers of CFLs showed strong interest in harmonizing CFL quality standards in order to reduce barriers to trade, improve product quality, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Thus in June 2008, lighting companies, manufacturers, lighting councils and associations as well as supporting organizations signed the Manila Compact The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expresses an intention to develop a quality system for integrated compact fluorescent lamps. While it is not a binding document, it forms a foundation and basis for future cooperation and coordination between the signatories.

The development of the agreement was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, as part of their joint efforts to promote energy-efficient lighting in Asia under the umbrella of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP).

Signatories to the Manila Compact are composed of lighting suppliers, manufacturers, lighting councils and associations, and supporting organizations.