The revised Regulation on Mercury prohibits the last intentional remaining uses of mercury in the EU and contributes to the Zero Pollution objective of a toxic-free environment. It represents a breakthrough in the safeguarding of human health, with clear environmental benefits.
The new rules prohibit the use and export of dental amalgam by 1 January 2025. Member States requiring more time to adapt their national healthcare system get a limited and temporary derogation for the use, manufacture, and import of dental amalgam (until 30 June 2026). Eventually, dental filling materials will soon be free from mercury, except for specific medical needs and when deemed strictly necessary by a medical practitioner.
Under the revised regulation, Member States will have to stop manufacturing, importing and exporting certain categories of mercury-containing lamps (as of 31 December 2025 or 31 December 2026, depending on the lamp category). These will be replaced by alternatives like LEDs, which are less toxic and more energy efficient.
Next steps
The regulation is now directly applicable in all Member States.
The Commission will publish guidance on abatement technologies for mercury emissions from crematoria by 31 December 2025.
Background
Mercury is a very toxic substance which is used in industrial processes and various products. Exposure to high levels of mercury can be extremely damaging to human health and the environment.
On 14 July 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for a revision of the Mercury Regulation to further restrict the use of mercury in the EU.
The revised Mercury Regulation complements the existing Mercury Regulation from 2017, which already addresses the entire lifecycle of mercury, from primary mercury mining to the final disposal of mercury waste.
Details
- Publication date
- 30 July 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment
