The Minamata Convention which was enacted in 2013 is the latest multilateral chemical treaty. Its aim is to control the global emission of mercury. To this end it protects human health and the environment directly where mercury emissions occur, but also in places affected by the transport of mercury.

In this way the future contracting parties to the convention must ensure that the use of mercury in industrial production is clearly reduced. As from 2020, the production and sales of products containing mercury, for example certain light bulbs or thermometers, but also pesticides or biocides, is prohibited. In addition, the storage and disposal of mercury waste will be subject to severe restrictions.

The Minamata Convention will enter into force as soon as it has been ratified by at least 50 countries.

Numerous restrictions concerning the use of products containing mercury already exist in the EU. Mercury compounds in plant protection products were severely restricted by Directive 79/117/EEC and were banned entirely as from 1991. In the Federal Republic of Germany, plant protection products containing mercury were authorised up to 1981 and were banned entirely in 1982. In the German Democratic Republic they were authorised up to 1990.

Associated links:

• Minamata Convention website
• EU-Commission: overview of the EU mercury strategy
• Federal Ministry for the Environment: background information on the Minamata Convention