EC unveils regulation to meet mercury ban pledge
26 October 2006 13:59 [Source: ICIS news]
BRUSSELS (ICIS new)--The European Commission unveiled proposed regulations on Thursday to meet its pledge to ban mercury exports by 2011.
Under the proposed regulation, mercury that is no longer used in the chlor-alkali industry, or that is produced in certain other industrial operations, would be put into safe storage once the export prohibition takes effect in July 2011.
"This proposal underlines the Commission's determination to protect people and the environment from exposure to this highly toxic metal.
“In banning exports of mercury and requiring its safe storage, the EU will be setting an example for global action to reduce emissions. I urge other countries to support moves towards a worldwide agreement," said EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas in a statement.
Dimas on Wednesday told ICIS news the EU would help third world nations tackle their own mercury problem, ahead of an international summit on the issue.
The EU's mercury export is mainly surplus mercury from the EU chlor-alkali sector, which is phasing out the use of mercury, and is mostly provided through Mayasa in
According to the EC, Mayasa, the Spanish government and the European chlor-alkali industry have agreed to the ban from the date proposed.
Cefic, the European chemical industry organisation, has also given a voluntary commitment to ensure safe storage of mercury from the chlor-alkali industry from 1 July 2011, the Commission noted.
The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the Council of environmental ministers for approval.
By: Meghan Sapp
+44 20 8652 3214
For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.
Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.
| ICIS news FREE TRIAL |
| Get access to breaking chemical news as it happens. |
| ICIS Global Petrochemical Index (IPEX) |
| ICIS Global Petrochemical Index (IPEX). Download the free tabular data and a chart of the historical index |
Related Articles
- 25 Oct 06 12:58 FACTBOX: Mercury and the EU
- 27 Jun 07 16:54 Mercury storage up for debate by EU ministers
- 08 Dec 06 21:14 Canada tightens rules for hazardous chemicals
- 25 Oct 06 12:56 INTERVIEW: EC to help tackle third world mercury
- 30 Oct 06 11:46 EC approves Plastic Omnium acquisition of Inopart
- 27 Oct 06 12:49 US still opposes global mercury export ban
- 27 Oct 06 12:39 Kyrgyzstan economic woes hamper mercury ban
- 27 Oct 06 10:00 Brazil plans some curbs on mercury use but no ban
- 26 Oct 06 15:33 China to continue mercury trade until it’s banned
- 26 Oct 06 14:48 INTERVIEW: UN must set global mercury ban - EC
- 04 Oct 06 12:04 UNEP reports reduction in long-life chem pollution
- 28 Jul 06 16:02 INSIGHT: The real biomonitoring challenge
- 18 Jul 06 11:52 EC to set new limits on chems, pesticides in waters
Latest News
- 19 Jun 13 13:46 Israel’s Oil Refineries to repair damaged unit within two weeks
- 19 Jun 13 13:11 Indian Jolly Containers expanding PP copolymer conversion units
- 19 Jun 13 13:00 VIDEO: ICIS Europe Lunchtime Bulletin 19 June 2013
- 19 Jun 13 12:50 EU Q1 ethylene oxide exports up by 2% year on year
- 19 Jun 13 12:43 Europe LLDPE imports down in March: Eurostat