New legislation restricting the use of mercury, a persistent pollutant that has adverse effects on the environment and human health, was recently adopted by the European Parliament. The bill, already informally agreed with the Council of Ministers, aims to close the gap between existing EU legislation and the United Nations Minamata Convention against mercury pollution. The legislation will replace the 2008 mercury export ban regulation, while incorporating its provisions. It also restricts mercury imports, bans its use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and phases out its use in manufacturing processes. The legislation also aims to phase out the use of mercury in dental amalgam by 2030. EuCheMS provided input on this topic through an open consultation organised by the European Commission.
Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/