Another step was taken on Thursday 16 December towards introducing stricter rules on limiting the use of mercury. This highly toxic heavy metal affects both the environment and human health.
On 16 December, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), on behalf of the Council, endorsed the deal reached with European Parliament negotiators on a new draft regulation on mercury on 6 December (see EUROPE 11684).
The text stipulates that from January 2019, the use of mercury in dental amalgams will only be allowed as long as it is encapsulated. Moreover, its use for dental treatment of milk teeth, children under 15 years and pregnant or breastfeeding women will be banned from 1 July 2018 unless there are specific medical needs.
The text also insists that dentists use devices to avoid mercury from ending up polluting water.
The Commission will report by 30 June 2020 on the feasibility of a phase out of the use of mercury in dental amalgam for a later date, preferably by 2030 (Parliament initially wanted a ban in 2022). In the meantime, member states will prepare national plans to reduce the use of dental amalgam.
The agreement also seeks to ban imports and export of products containing mercury such as batteries and lamps, except for a few exceptions, as well as the use of mercury in industrial processes.
Once adopted, the regulation will mean that the EU can ratify the international Minamata Convention. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)