EU study recommends ban on mercury imports

Europe should consider an import ban on mercury in both its pure form, elemental mercury, and its compounds as part of a revised strategy on its uses, consultancy Bio Intelligence Service has said in a study issued by the European Commission last week.

But there should be exemptions for use in R&D and for medical purposes and antiques restoration where there are no mercury-free alternatives. Imports for disposal purposes would also be exempted. Imports are extremely low compared with exports.