Legislation on mercury

Denmark has national legislation on Mercury. Furthermore Mercury is covered by a variety of legislation at EU level.

Danish legislation

Denmark has introduced a general national ban on the import, export and sale of mercury and mercury-containing products with certain exceptions. "Mercury" means the element mercury either in metallic form or in chemical compounds. "Mercury-containing products" means products containing more than 0.01 per cent by weight of mercury.

You can find out more about the regulations here: Fact Sheet: Mercury

EU legislation

Some types of products are not covered by the Danish Statutory Order, but must comply with (other) EU legislation concerning mercury. This applies for example to batteries, cosmetics, medical equipment, paint, varnish, packaging, waste products and electrical and electronic products. Use of mercury for disinfection purposes of  timber and textiles are also covered by other regulations.

Other examples of  EU legislation are

• The Rotterdam Convention's obligations concerning prior consent in connection with the export of dangerous chemicals were implemented through Regulation (EC) No 689/2008 concerning the export and import of dangerous chemicals. Fact Sheet: Export and import of dangerous chemicals
• REACH, Annex XVII. This legislation contains prohibitions on the use of mercury in thermometers, measuring instruments for private households, etc.
  The Commission is expected to present a proposal for a ban on the use of mercury in certain measuring instruments for professional use as well as a proposal for a ban on five phenyl mercury compounds (used as catalysts in the production of certain types of plastic) during 2011. These proposals are expected to be discussed during 2012.
• Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (the RoHS Directive) Fact Sheet: Electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS)