UV Zero mercury countdown is in progress
2025-07-22
619 reading
blog
This page shares a simple tool: A countdown clock, Recording how many days are left until the next step of phasing out mercury containing ultraviolet lamps. This tool can be found in the website support section.
The countdown is determined by "Advanced UV Life Association" provide, Introduction of Youweixin to China, Intended to remind scientists, industry, Users and policy makers, Leave for everyone to quickly transition to mercury free (UV) Time is running out in the world.
Why do we need itUV Zero Mercury Countdown?
High performance ultraviolet emission lamps are widely used indrinking water disinfection, Curing in the printing or polymer industry, Pharmaceutical and food processing, Micro lithography and many other fields, At the forefront of major changes. According to EU directives 2011/65/EU (RoHS) The latest integrated version, self 2027 year 2 moon 24 later, Manufacturing of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps, Imports and exports will be largely prohibited. *
Reminder about Mercury
For centuries, Mercury has always been considered a valuable element. at 15 France in the Century, Mercury is used for deworming purposes. at 16 At the beginning of the century, The luxurious mirror is made of a mixture of mercury and tin, This production process is strictly confidential, The leaker may even be sentenced to death.
These eras have long passed. Due to its toxicity, Mercury is banned by the World Health Organization (WHO) Listed as one of the top ten chemicals most dangerous to public health. The EU is therefore RoHS Under orders, restrictions on the use of mercury have been tightened. A comprehensive ban on mercury containing ultraviolet lamps, although accounting for a small proportion of all mercury sources, But it is still an important step in reducing these risks.
Ban Decision
2022 year 2 moon, The European Commission has released a series of legislative documents, In fact, the existing exemption for the use of mercury in ultraviolet lamps has been terminated. 2024 year 8 moon 1 The EU Directive released on the day 2011/65/EU Latest integrated version confirmed, Many exemptions will be granted 2027 year 2 moon 24 Termination in the future (*) .
This decision is related to "Minamata Convention" maintain consistency, This convention is a global initiative, Intended to protect human health and the environment from the hazards of mercury. Minamata Convention named after Minamata Bay in Japan, Mid century, There is mercury pollution in industrial wastewater, Causing thousands of people to be poisoned.
It is worth noting that, Technological advancements have led to the development of safer mercury free alternatives in many fields. especially UV-LED, excimer lamp, Even lasers, Provides a promising possibility for replacing mercury vapor lamps.
Exemption from the ban on ultraviolet lamps
It should be noted that, Although the production and sale of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps will be widely banned in the future, But certain exceptions may apply.
spare parts: currently, There is no time limit for the supply of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps as spare parts for existing equipment, These devices are 2027 year 2 Month is disabled. This means that even after the ban takes effect, As long as the lighting fixtures and equipment are installed before the deadline, The production and sales of certain ultraviolet lamps can still continue. This includes medium voltage lamps that emit ultraviolet light, etc.
There is an important exemption that is often overlooked: Devices specifically designed for installation in another device that is excluded from the ban are also excluded from the ban. To fully understand the impact of the upcoming ban on mercury containing ultraviolet lamps on specific applications, Understanding this exemption is crucial.
In layman's terms, "specially designed" It refers to UV lamps being customized to become part of larger equipment, And the large equipment itself is exempted from the ban. Careful consideration is needed here. Multi purpose ultraviolet lamps do not meet the exemption criteria. Even more complicated is, If the device seller fully understands the exemption purpose of the end user, Banned lighting fixtures may still be sold for exempted purposes.
In this context, The most relevant non prohibited devices for the UV industry may include:
- Research and development equipment specifically designed for inter enterprise and scientific research purposes, Exemption from exemption RoHS regulation. Attention: Laboratory equipment used for both scientific research and commercial purposes may not necessarily meet the exemption criteria.
- large-scale equipment: UV lamps designed specifically for large tools or industrial installations may be exempted from the ban.
by law, The definition of large-scale equipment may be challenging. generally speaking: If the device cannot be installed 40 Ton truck, Usually considered as large equipment. (Don't worry, Actually, there are more precise rules than this. )
Whether it's the UV disinfection system, UV printing or UV curing machine, Is it classified as a large or small device, Often requires specific analysis of the situation. manufacturer (Or importer) Responsible for making correct judgments. If one's own judgment is inconsistent with the judgment of other parties such as legal authorities or market competitors, Possible legal consequences.
Some device manufacturers may have their own "creativity" explain. But it must be remembered, The original intention of the law may differ from the manufacturer's preferences. Large tools and heavy machinery are not equivalent.
To enjoy exemption, Careful consideration must be given: The original intention of the law may differ from the manufacturer's preferences. Large tools and heavy machinery are not equivalent.
Even if there are exemptions, Manufacturers also have a responsibility to be clear, Clearly record which products are exempt, Which ones do not enjoy. These documents must be submitted to third parties (Like customs or end users) clear, Easy to understand and verifiable.
UV-LED New testing standards and certifications for water treatment
currently, target, aim at, address, focus on, in response to UVC-LEDdrinking water disinfectionThe standards are currently being formulated, However, UV systems based on mercury vapor lamps remain the only approved option for public drinking water supply in many countries. Considering the time schedule, UV-LED Official certification faces challenges. Traditional mercury vapor lamps and UVC-LED There are significant differences in wavelength range and radiation characteristics, This requires UV-LED New testing and characterization schemes for equipment development.
Conclusion
The ban on mercury in ultraviolet lamps poses challenges, Also brings opportunities, It has caused many problems: Can we fully transition to mercury free technology before the deadline? What are the consequences if it cannot be achieved? Are there any exceptions? Will the exemption be further extended?
UV Zero Mercury Countdownindicate clearly: Time is rapidly passing by. The transition to mercury free UV technology requires innovative solutions, A sound legal framework and prompt decision-making.
Additional notes
Previously, it was mentioned that exemptions would be granted 2027 year 2 moon 24 Termination in the future. Additional explanation has been provided, This information is based on 2024 year 8 moon 1 The EU Directive released on the day 2011/65/EU ( "RoHS" ) Latest integrated text.
Our main purpose of publishing this article is to raise awareness of this issue, Rather than expressing specific opinions or providing legal advice.
The information provided is based on EU directives 2011/65/EU (Usually referred to as "RoHS" ) 2024 year 8 moon 1 The latest integrated version released daily. According to this integrated version, "Mercury is used in lamps emitting ultraviolet spectra" The exemption seems to be pending 2027 year 2 moon 24 Due date.
EUR-Lex - 02011L0065-20240801 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa. eu)
This modification should be made 2022 year 2 moon 24 Authorized Directive by the European Commission (EU) 2022/279 introduce, According to the information from the European Union Publishing Office, The instruction is currently in effect.
Authorization instructions - 2022/279 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa. eu)
It should be noted that, EU Directive 2011/65/EU The integrated version is for reference only, Not legally binding (according to EUR-Lex Information provided) . But it will include the original instructions and subsequent revisions and corrections (as 2022/279) Integrate into one document.
We emphasize, The information in this article is for reference only, Does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the legal information provided.
