Minamata Convention on Mercury

May 2026

[Public Comment Proposed 2 months ago
Secretariat invites submissions on challenges implementing obligations for mercury-added cosmetics (COP-6 decision MC-6/4)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat (Ref. MC/ES/2026/36) invited Parties and stakeholders to submit information on challenges in implementing obligations regarding mercury-added cosmetics, linked to COP-6 decision MC-6/4. The call explicitly seeks input on implementation and enforcement issues (e.g., manufacture/import/export and compliance challenges) and notes potential support pathways under Articles 14 (capacity-building/technical assistance) and 15 (Implementation and Compliance Committee). Submissions are due by 30 June 2026; the communication also notes additional cutoffs for Party submissions to the Implementation and Compliance Committee (13 July 2026 and 1 December 2026) for consideration at specific committee meetings.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury May 22, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/ec5be0e9-5df7-4443-9037-96d357281a12)

[Deadline Update Live 2 months ago
Secretariat letter MC/COP6/2026/32 communicates COP-7 timeline and multiple submission windows (including Article 6(6) exemption-extension request timing)
The Secretariat issued letter MC/COP6/2026/32 summarizing key dates related to COP-7 (including meeting dates) and highlighting timelines for Party actions/submissions. The letter flags that Parties intending to request an exemption extension under Article 6(6) should submit requests preferably by 6 March 2027 and no later than 6 July 2027, and it also lists several nearer-term submission/comment deadlines for COP-7 preparatory work (e.g., effectiveness evaluation scientific report comments; inputs on mercury-added cosmetics implementation challenges; inputs on financial mechanism experiences). Compliance and policy teams supporting Party submissions or tracking likely future controls should calendar these dates.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury May 20, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/936793a7-8889-4bca-9110-6574fdd2f8ee)

[Guidance Update Live 2 months ago
COP-6 outcomes package published in all six UN languages (decisions now accessible)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat published the COP-6 outcomes/decisions package in all six UN languages. While this does not itself create new obligations, it provides the authoritative decision texts that Parties and compliance/legal teams use for interpreting COP-6 outcomes and planning domestic follow-up/implementation work.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury May 6, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/123fe99c-ec35-43e9-a889-35f666e8056d)

April 2026

[Public Comment Proposed 3 months ago
Draft OESG Scientific Report for first effectiveness evaluation published for review; comments due 8 June 2026
The Minamata Convention Open-Ended Scientific Group (OESG) released a draft scientific report (dated 10 April 2026) supporting the Convention’s first effectiveness evaluation process and opened an eight-week period for Parties to provide input. The draft report and the Secretariat news item specify a comment deadline of 8 June 2026. While not a binding legal change, it is an actionable consultation milestone for Parties and technical stakeholders supporting national positions and future COP decisions tied to effectiveness evaluation under the Convention.

Minamata Convention on Mercury (effectiveness evaluation — Open-ended Scientific Group) Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat (Open-Ended Scientific Group) Apr 10, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/d3e044cb-c92c-4254-a943-d151d97a55eb)

March 2026

[Public Comment Proposed 4 months ago
COP-7 intersessional calls for submissions opened (mercury compounds/possible annex, cosmetics, financial mechanism review, dental amalgam guidance, mercury waste thresholds)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat opened intersessional calls for information/submissions in preparation for COP-7. The page requests (i) voluntary submissions by 31 Mar 2026 on mercury compounds (supply/use/trade and views on possible compounds to list in a potential new annex that could make listed compounds subject to Article 3 trade provisions); (ii) information by 30 Jun 2026 on challenges implementing the mercury-added cosmetics ban; (iii) information by 30 Apr 2026 for the third review of the financial mechanism; and (iv) proposals to update mercury waste threshold tables due no later than 6 Mar 2027. It also notes draft guidance under development on dental amalgam national action planning following COP-6 outcomes. Compliance/government affairs teams should track these submission windows because they can shape future treaty guidance and potential amendments (e.g., a new annex on mercury compounds and updated waste thresholds).

Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury Mar 31, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/28005b93-b101-4ee5-b3eb-e4a886f804dd)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
Hong Kong gazettes commencement dates to control eight COP5 mercury-added product categories under Mercury Control Ordinance
Hong Kong issued a commencement notice (gazetted 26 March 2026) to bring into force new/expanded controls under the Mercury Control Ordinance (Cap. 640) for eight mercury-added product categories adopted under Minamata Convention COP5 amendments. The notice sets staged commencement (prohibition on manufacture/import/export after commencement, with limited allowances as specified) including: 27 March 2026 for certain button zinc silver oxide/zinc air batteries with mercury content <2 wt% and certain high-accuracy measurement bridges and RF switches/relays (≤20 mg Hg) and certain cosmetics (with specified trace/preservative exceptions); 31 December 2026 for specified compact fluorescent and halophosphate fluorescent lamps; and 31 December 2027 for specified triband phosphor fluorescent lamps. A grace period for supply/sale is stated through 31 January 2029, after which supply may be prosecuted. This is a jurisdictional implementation action aligning Hong Kong controls with Minamata COP5 Annex A changes (and related applicability for PRC/HKSAR).

Minamata Convention on Mercury (Hong Kong implementation via Mercury Control Ordinance, Cap. 640) Hong Kong SAR Environment and Ecology Bureau (Environment and Ecology Bureau) Mar 26, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/a641e5e0-b1a9-4f9a-afc6-beb323153a33)

[Deadline Update Live 4 months ago
Hong Kong appoints staggered commencement dates for mercury-added products regulation
Hong Kong appointed staggered commencement dates for regulation of eight additional mercury-added products under the Mercury Control Ordinance, implementing COP-5 amendments. Section 4(1) and (7) take effect March 27, 2026; Section 4(2), (3), and (5) take effect December 31, 2026; Section 4(4) and (6) take effect December 31, 2027. Products include certain electronic/electrical/lighting products and cosmetics.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong SAR Government Mar 26, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/4d92827f-982d-42ac-998f-755b166862a7)

[Deadline Update Live 4 months ago
Hong Kong sets commencement dates for 8 more mercury-added products under Minamata COP-5
Hong Kong has announced commencement dates for the regulation of eight additional types of mercury-added products (MAPs), giving effect to amendments adopted at COP-5 of the Minamata Convention. This follows the May 2025 amendment to the Mercury Control Ordinance (Cap. 640) and represents the second batch of products being brought under regulation to align with Minamata Convention requirements, including certain electronic/electrical/lighting products and cosmetics.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Hong Kong Environment and Ecology Bureau Mar 26, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/3faea754-a07b-40bf-b2f0-c5a45486046f)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
COP-6 Annex A amendments: UN Depositary notification triggers non-acceptance window; default entry into force 23 March 2027
The UN Depositary issued the formal notification of amendments to Annex A adopted at the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6). This starts the one-year period during which Parties may notify non-acceptance. For Parties that do not opt out, the amendments will enter into force on 23 March 2027 (per the notification). Compliance teams supporting Minamata obligations should track whether jurisdictions of interest lodge non-acceptance or require an additional instrument (for Parties with relevant declarations), and prepare for downstream national implementing measures reflecting the Annex A changes (e.g., mercury-added product controls such as dental amalgam and lamp-related provisions as referenced in COP-6 materials).

Minamata Convention on Mercury United Nations Secretary-General (Depositary) Mar 23, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/2c954d24-9f7f-49c2-ad3a-56d0a8b89884)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
UN Depositary issues notification of COP-6 adoption of amendments to Minamata Convention Annex A, triggering one-year non-acceptance window
The UN Secretary-General (Depositary) issued Depositary Notification C.N.114.2026.TREATIES-XXVII.17 communicating that COP-6 adopted amendments to Annex A (decision MC/COP.6/Dec.3). The notification explains the Article 27 procedure: Parties have one year from the date of the depositary communication to notify non-acceptance; otherwise, the amendment enters into force for Parties that do not object after that one-year period (with special handling for Parties that made an Article 30(5) declaration). This is a formal treaty-level legal update and a compliance-tracking trigger for Parties and stakeholders supporting implementation planning.

Minamata Convention on Mercury (treaty amendments — Annex A) United Nations Secretary-General (Depositary for the Minamata Convention on Mercury) Mar 23, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/03e706fa-991d-4fbe-9ed5-90466e2e5d2c)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
China accepts Minamata Convention COP-5 amendments after withdrawing non-acceptance notification
China has officially accepted the Minamata Convention COP-5 amendments to Annexes A and B by withdrawing its notification of non-acceptance on March 2, 2026. This brings China into alignment with the global mercury phase-out requirements adopted at COP-5, including restrictions on mercury-added batteries, switches, relays, fluorescent lamps, and cosmetics, as well as manufacturing process phase-outs for polyurethane production and sodium/potassium methylate/ethylate production. Parties that do not opt out within one year of the amendment's adoption are bound by the amendments.

Minamata Convention on Mercury United Nations Treaty Collection Mar 2, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/a0df6dcf-dc53-44a5-bbc1-6551931b201b)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A & B amendments; amendments enter into force for China
The UN Depositary notified that China withdrew its prior notification of non-acceptance of the COP-5 amendments to Annexes A and B. As a result, the COP-5 Annex A/B amendments entered into force for China on the date of withdrawal indicated in the notification. Organizations operating in or trading with China should monitor domestic implementing measures and compliance expectations reflecting applicability of the amended Minamata Annex A/B obligations in China (including product and process controls covered by those annexes).

Minamata Convention on Mercury United Nations Secretary-General (Depositary) Mar 2, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/2686062f-31de-4ee1-952f-4a2c65a970e8)

[Regulation Change Live 4 months ago
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A and B amendments; amendments enter into force for China (and apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR)
A UN Depositary notification states that China withdrew its previous notification of non-acceptance of the Minamata Convention amendments to Annexes A and B adopted by COP-5 (Decision MC-5/4). As a result, the amendments entered into force for China on 2 March 2026 (and are stated to apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR). This changes the applicability timeline of the COP-5 Annex A/B controls for China/HK/Macao and is a key compliance trigger for entities operating in or supplying these jurisdictions.

Minamata Convention on Mercury (treaty amendments — Annexes A & B; COP-5 decision MC-5/4) United Nations Secretary-General (Depositary for the Minamata Convention on Mercury) Mar 2, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/2542587a-4c1d-4947-9aab-9c4898180730)

January 2026

[Guidance Update Live 6 months ago
Budget/programme of work for the 2026–2027 biennium published (Convention governance output)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat published the budget/programme of work for the 2026–2027 biennium, including planned activities supporting implementation (e.g., COP-7 resourcing, Implementation and Compliance Committee work, capacity-building/technical assistance, effectiveness evaluation activities, and national reporting support). While not a new binding requirement for regulated entities, this official programme-of-work publication can influence timing/availability of future guidance, reporting support, and implementation/enforcement capacity across Parties.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury Jan 15, 2026](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/233b7be5-f8e7-4bbd-8ecf-e24f12b92864)

December 2025

[Regulation Change Live 7 months ago
UK enacts Control of Mercury Amendment Regulations 2025 implementing Minamata COP-4 and COP-5
The UK has enacted the Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1255), implementing decisions from COP-4 and COP-5 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The regulations phase out various mercury-added products including compact fluorescent lamps, linear fluorescent lamps, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, strain gauges, mercury vacuum pumps, and tyre balancers with staggered deadlines through December 31, 2027. The regulations apply to England, Wales, and Scotland, with Northern Ireland following EU Mercury Regulation under the Windsor Framework.

Minamata Convention on Mercury UK Government Dec 15, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/507c5ff9-d2cf-41b1-bd67-0a6c0577be43)

[Regulation Change Live 7 months ago
SKIP — Great Britain adopts The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 implementing Minamata COP-4/COP-5 product phase-outs
Skipped because the research indicates an implementation action, but available sources in the registry do not include the statutory instrument text itself; only an explanatory memorandum and a Welsh Government written statement are provided. (If needed, keep as an announcement; however, dates and scope are still clearly stated in official sources.)

Minamata Convention on Mercury (Great Britain implementation via The Control of Mercury Regulations) Welsh Government / UK Government (as referenced) Dec 2, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/94e73e18-54e8-4985-bf9d-ca5df638ac19)

[Regulation Change Live 8 months ago
Great Britain makes The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (updates mercury-added product restrictions)
Great Britain made The Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, amending the Control of Mercury framework to update restrictions/phase-out dates for mercury-added products (including certain lamp categories and specified measuring/industrial devices as described in the research summary). This is relevant to “Mercury Free” compliance because it tightens or updates product phase-out timelines and restrictions, requiring affected manufacturers/importers/distributors to transition to mercury-free alternatives and manage inventory/sales in line with the amended dates.

UK (Great Britain) — The Control of Mercury Regulations (Minamata Convention implementation) UK Government (Great Britain) Dec 1, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/e26b5d14-d1e6-48ce-8bb6-1952e1813639)

November 2025

[Regulation Change Live 8 months ago
Minamata Convention COP-6 adopts dental amalgam phase-out amendment with 2034 deadline
The Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Minamata Convention adopted decision MC-6/6 amending Annex A to establish a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034. The amendment enters into force on 23 March 2027. Parties must implement phasedown measures and eventually prohibit manufacture, import, and export of dental amalgam. The decision includes practitioner-based exemptions for specific patient medical needs.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Minamata Convention Secretariat / UN Environment Programme Nov 7, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/1ea729e2-f2c7-43ab-a0cd-30717c69d2d3)

[Regulation Change Live 8 months ago
Minamata COP-6 sets 2034 global phase-out date for dental amalgam
The Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) adopted Decision MC-6/3 amending Annex A to establish 2034 as the global phase-out date for the manufacture, import, and export of dental amalgam. This landmark decision requires Parties that have not phased out dental amalgam use to submit national action plans and marks the first time-bound global agreement to eliminate mercury use in dentistry.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Minamata Convention Secretariat / UNEP Nov 7, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/22eea06d-ccc3-4ac1-a662-5d0cac90febe)

[Regulation Change Live 8 months ago
Minamata Convention COP-6 amendments enter into force March 23, 2027
COP-6 of the Minamata Convention adopted Decision MC-6/3 amending Annex A to establish a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034 and phase-out schedules for mercury-containing fluorescent lamps. The amendments enter into force on March 23, 2027 (one year after Depositary notification). Fluorescent lamp phase-outs include CFLs ≤30W by December 31, 2025; higher-wattage CFLs and halophosphate phosphor lamps by December 31, 2026; and triband phosphor lamps by December 31, 2027.

Minamata Convention on Mercury Minamata Convention Secretariat / UNEP Nov 7, 2025](https://regulations.certivo.com/minamata-convention-on-mercury/891579b2-6c17-4794-bde4-fccc258df4f8)