Recently, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, together with the Ministry of the Environment, announced that the Cabinet has passed a resolution to revise certain provisions of the Mercury Pollution Control Law Enforcement Order. The main purpose of this amendment is to halt the production activities of mercury-containing products, including specific batteries and fluorescent lamps, to further prevent mercury pollution in the environment.

Background

The revision of the Mercury Pollution Control Law aims to prevent environmental pollution caused by mercury, ensure the accurate implementation of the Minamata Convention, and protect human health and the living environment by taking necessary measures against the production of specific mercury-containing products. According to the requirements of the Minamata Convention, the Japanese government designated these specific mercury-containing products under Article 1 of the Mercury Pollution Control Law Enforcement Order and prohibited their production.

According to the revised ordinance, the production ban will be phased in starting January 1 of 2026, 2027, and 202for different categories. The specific implementation timetable is as follows:

This decision marks a significant step forward for Japan in environmental protection and public health, aimed at reducing mercury pollution in the environment and protecting ecosystems and human health from the dangers of mercury.

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