There are many types of lamps in use which includes Incandescent light bulb, Halogen lamp, Fluorescent lamp, Metal-halide lamp, Sulphur lamp, Sodium vapour lamp, LED, CFL etc. Some lamps contain dangerous substances such as mercury, krypton-85 and thorium.

IMDG Code exempt following lamps from its provisions provided they do not contain radioactive material or mercury in quantities in quantity specified above special provision 366 of the Code.

1. Lamps that are collected directly from individuals and households when transported to a collection or recycling facility;
2. Lamps each containing not more than 1 g of dangerous goods and packaged so that there is not more than 30 g of dangerous goods per package, provided that:
   1. the lamps are manufactured according to a certified quality management system;  (ISO 9001:2008 may be considered acceptable for this purpose)
   1. each lamp is either individually packed in inner packagings, separated by dividers, or surrounded with cushioning material to protect the lamps and packed into strong outer packagings meeting the general provisions of section 4.1.1.1 of IMDG Code and capable of passing a 1.2 m drop test.
3. Used, damaged or defective lamps each containing not more than 1 g of dangerous goods with not more than 30 g of dangerous goods per package when transported from a collection or recycling facility. The lamps shall be packed in strong outer packagings sufficient for preventing release of the contents under normal conditions of transport meeting the general provisions of 4.1.1.1 of IMDG Code and that are capable of passing a drop test of not less than 1.2 m.
4. Lamps containing only gases of class 2.2 (according to section 2.2.2.2 of IMDG Code) provided they are packaged so that the projectile effects of any rupture of the bulb will be contained within the package.

Refer to section 2.7.2.2.2 of IMDG Code for lamps containing radioactive material.