Mercury, a toxic chemical, will be phased out in the EU, protecting human health and the environment

The revised Mercury Regulation has entered into force. It will put an end to the last remaining deliberate uses of this highly toxic substance in the EU. This is an important step towards achieving the EU's zero pollution target for a toxic-free environment.

With the new Regulation, the use and export of dental amalgam will be banned from 1 January 2025. A temporary derogation until 30 June 2026 will be granted to member states that need more time to adapt their national healthcare systems. Eventually, dental filling materials will no longer contain mercury, except in cases of specific medical needs and when a doctor deems it strictly necessary.

Member States will also stop manufacturing, importing and exporting certain categories of mercury-containing lamps – from 2026 or 2027, depending on the lamp category. These lamps will be replaced by alternatives such as LEDs, which are less toxic and more energy efficient.

Mercury is an environmental problem due to its long-range atmospheric transport, long lifetime and ability to accumulate in ecosystems. It has significant negative effects on human health and is transmitted from mother to child through the placenta or breastfeeding. Mercury-containing products, including dental amalgam and mercury-based lamps, represent the largest deliberate use of the substance in the EU, and were not fully addressed by the previous 2017 Mercury Regulation. Mercury-free alternatives are now easily accessible and cost-effective.

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