EU ushers in sweeping mercury ban: Dental fillings and lamps targeted

Mercury was widely used for years, especially in dental amalgams. However, the new EU regulation bans the use of mercury in fillings and its export.

Most EU member states will implement this ban starting next year. Countries such as Czechia and Slovakia, which need more time to adjust their healthcare systems where mercury fillings are subsidized, have been granted an exception valid until June 30, 2026. Future dental filling materials will not contain mercury unless required for medical reasons.

By 2027, EU countries will also phase out the production, import, and export of certain types of mercury lamps. Depending on the category, the ban on production will come into effect in either 2026 or 2027. These lamps will be replaced by more environmentally friendly options, such as LEDs, which are less toxic and more energy-efficient.

The new regulations aim to eliminate the intentional use of mercury in the EU and reduce its presence in the environment as part of the EU's "zero pollution" goal.

Mercury poses a serious threat to the environment because it spreads easily, accumulates, and has a long lifespan. It also has a harmful impact on human health, including transmission from mother to child through the placenta and breastfeeding.

Products containing mercury, such as dental amalgams and mercury lamps, are the main sources of mercury use in the EU but were not fully covered by the previous EU regulation from 2017. Currently, there are available and affordable alternatives that do not contain mercury.

By the end of next year, the European Commission will also present guidelines on technologies for reducing mercury emissions from crematoria.