Bridges Trade BioRes • Volume 6 • Number 19 • 3rd November 2006

EU Takes Steps to Reduce Global Mercury Exposure

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The European Commission has proposed a regulation to ban all EU mercury exports and to mandate the safe storage of surplus mercury. Pending joint approval by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, the legislation would take effect beginning in July 2011.

Both the ban and the storage measures are part of the EU’s stated commitment to reduce levels of mercury in the global environment, as exposure to high levels of mercury in any form — metallic, inorganic or organic — can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing foetus. The EU mercury strategy launched by the Commission in 2005 outlines 20 measures to reduce mercury emissions, cut supply and demand, and protect against mercury exposure.

Although many environmental and health groups applauded the EU’s initiative in addressing the international mercury threat, some were still not satisfied as the proposed legislation will not cover mercury compounds or mercury-containing products. While some are concerned that the proposed implementation date of 2011 is too distant, others fear that there will not be enough time to allow for development of an environmentally-sound method of permanently storing mercury.

The EU is also attempting to kick-start international action on mercury regulation. The Commission organised an international conference on mercury on 26-27 October, at which the EU and more than 30 non-EU countries began to discuss means of reducing human and environmental exposure. Next February, the possible development of a legally binding international agreement will be discussed at a meeting of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) Governing Council. Delegates hope to find more common ground than at the last Council meeting, where the US, Australia, and Japan preferred voluntary agreements to binding instruments (see BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 4 March 2005, http://www.ictsd.org/biores/05-03-04/inbrief.htm#3).

“Environment: Commission proposes ban on EU mercury exports,” EU PRESS RELEASE, 26 October 2006; “European Commission Proposes Ban on EU Mercury Exports,” ENS, 30 October 2006.