At the dentist – Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
(STRASBOURG) – EU institutions reached political agreement Thursday to phase out use of dental amalgam and prohibit the manufacturing, import and export of a number of mercury-added products, including certain lamps.
Mercury is a very toxic substance which represents a global and major threat to human health and the environment. It is used in industrial processes and in a variety of products including in lamps and dental amalgam. Exposure to high levels of mercury can cause harm to the central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, and the immune system.
Given the availability of alternatives, the revised Mercury Regulation will prohibit the last intentional remaining uses of mercury in the EU. By prohibiting the use of dental amalgam as of 1 January 2025, and introducing a prohibition to manufacture, import and export of certain mercury-containing lamps, the revised regulation will further protect Europeans from toxic mercury.
EU states will have to make the shift from dental amalgam to mercury-free dental filling materials. They will also have to cease producing and exporting mercury-containing lamps, replacing them instead with mercury-free alternatives like LEDs, which are also more energy efficient. These measures are aligned with those taken under other relevant EU legislation, such as the Regulation on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
Outcomes:
- The use and export of dental amalgam will be prohibited by 1 January 2025.
- A limited and temporary derogation until 30 June 2026 for the use, manufacture and import of dental amalgam will be allowed for Member States requiring more time to adapt their national health care system.
- The use, manufacture and import of dental amalgam will continue to be allowed for specific medical needs when deemed strictly necessary by a medical practitioner.
- The manufacture, import and export of six additional mercury-containing lamps will be prohibited from 31 December 2025 or the 30 June 2026, depending on the lamp category.
The European Parliament and Council will now have to formally adopt the new Regulation before it can enter into force. It will then enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Commission proposal on the revision of the Mercury Regulation
