European Commission publishes 12 delegated
acts to end the exemptions for the use of mercury in lamps. These lamps include
general-purpose
compact (CFL) and linear fluorescent (LFL) lamps. Considering
the wide availability of mercury-free alternatives, this announcement will
enter into force on March 16, 20 days from when it was published. The EU Member
States have six months to modify their national legislation to include these
delegated acts.
Before now and according to the EU rules (RoHS Directive) that restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment, electronics with mercury can only be placed on the market when certain exemptions are given by the Commission.
However, according to this new announcement, the Commission cancels all exemptions regarding the use of mercury. Mercury-free alternatives are widely available for industries and manufacturers to use. This is in response to the proposal submitted to the European Parliament and Council in December 2021.