The proposal will prohibit mercury in switches and relays, used as chemical in analysis, in measuring devices and as dental amalgam. The use of mercury in thermometers has been prohibited in Norway since 1998.

Time limited exemptions

There will be time limited exemptions for some areas of use until 31 December 2010. Regarding amalgam, the proposal concerns making new dental fillings. For some groups of patients there will be exemptions.

Mercury is regulated in the Norwegian Product Regulations according to the EU Directives on packaging, batteries, components in vehicles and electrical and electronic equipment.

National hearing

The proposal is an amendment of section 2-6 in the Product Regulations. The national hearing has a deadline for comments within 20 March 2007.