Mercury

Mercury is among the most dangerous environmental toxins, threatening the environment and human health. It is a volatile metal that can be airborne over long distances. Mercury cannot be degraded but accumulates in soil, water and living organisms. Therefore, the use and emission of mercury must be reduced. A general ban on releasing mercury and mercury-containing products has existed in Sweden since 2009. The ban aims to minimise emissions to the environment. References to mercury encompass mercury and chemical compounds and mixtures in which mercury is used or has been added. Specific uses of mercury that are subject to harmonised EU rules are exempt from the Swedish ban. Thus, EU law takes precedence over national regulations, which means that mercury may be used in specific cases despite the general ban in Sweden. Examples of such uses are batteries, light sources, other electrical and electronic products, and specific measuring instruments where limited levels of mercury may occur.

The Swedish Chemicals Agency’s regulation KIFS 2017:7 contains certain exceptions to the Swedish ban. Several of these exemptions are time-limited and allow some use of mercury in analytical chemicals and specific measuring instruments. In addition to these exemptions from the general ban, the agency may grant exemptions in individual cases. Applications for exemption must be sent to the Swedish Chemicals Agency. Note that exemptions are only valid for two years and that a new application for exemption must be sent to the Swedish Chemicals Agency before the validity period has expired.