UV zero mercury countdown is in progress

This page shares a simple tool: a countdown clock that records 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

High performance ultraviolet emission lamps are widely used indrinking water disinfectionThe solidification, pharmaceutical and food processing, micro lithography and many other fields in the printing or polymer industry are at the forefront of significant changes. According to the latest integrated version of EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS), the manufacture, import, and export of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps will be largely prohibited from February 24, 2027 onwards. *

For centuries, mercury has been considered a valuable element. In 15th century France, mercury was used for deworming. In the early 16th century, luxurious mirrors were made from a mixture of mercury and tin, a production process that was kept strictly confidential, and those who leaked it could even be sentenced to death

These eras have long passed. Due to its toxicity, mercury is listed as one of the top ten chemicals most dangerous to public health by the World Health Organization (WHO). The EU has therefore tightened restrictions on the use of mercury under the RoHS directive. A comprehensive ban on mercury containing ultraviolet lamps, although accounting for a small proportion of all mercury sources, is still an important step in reducing these risks

In February 2022, the European Commission released a series of legislative documents that effectively terminated the existing exemptions for the use of mercury in ultraviolet lamps. The latest integrated version of EU Directive 2011/65/EU, issued on August 1, 2024, confirms that many exemptions will terminate after February 24, 2027 (*)

This decision is consistent with the Minamata Convention, a global initiative aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the hazards of mercury. The Minamata Convention is named after Minamata Bay in Japan, where thousands of people were poisoned in the mid-20th century due to mercury pollution in industrial wastewater

It is worth noting that technological advancements have led to the development of safer mercury free alternatives in many fields. Especially UV-LED, excimer lamps, and even lasers provide promising possibilities for replacing mercury vapor lamps

It should be noted that although the production and sale of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps will be widely prohibited in the future, certain exceptions may apply

Spare parts: Currently, there is no time limit on the supply of mercury containing ultraviolet lamps as spare parts for existing equipment, which will be banned in February 2027. This means that even after the ban takes effect, as long as the lamps and equipment are installed before the deadline, the production and sale of certain ultraviolet lamps can still continue. This includes medium voltage lamps that emit ultraviolet light

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. It is crucial to fully understand the impact of the upcoming ban on mercury containing ultraviolet lamps on specific applications and comprehend this exemption

Simply put, 'specially designed' refers to ultraviolet lamps being customized to become part of larger equipment, which is itself exempt from the ban. Careful consideration is needed here. Multi purpose ultraviolet lamps do not meet the exemption criteria. Even more complicated is that if the device seller fully understands the exemption purpose of the end user, the banned lamps may still be sold for exemption 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 is exempt from RoHS regulations. Note: Laboratory equipment used for both scientific research and commercial purposes may not necessarily meet the exemption criteria

-Large equipment: UV lamps designed specifically for use in large tools or industrial installations may be exempt from the ban

According to the law, defining what constitutes large equipment may be challenging. Generally speaking, if the equipment cannot be loaded into a 40 ton truck, it is usually considered a large equipment. (Don't worry, there are actually more precise rules than this.)

Whether it is a UV disinfection system, UV printing, or UV curing machine, whether they are classified as large or small equipment often requires specific analysis based on the situation. Manufacturers (or importers) have the responsibility to make correct judgments. If one's own judgment is inconsistent with that of legal authorities or market competitors, legal consequences may arise

Some device manufacturers may have their own "creative" explanations. But it must be remembered that 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 have a responsibility to clearly and explicitly record which products are exempt and which are not. These documents must be clear, understandable, and verifiable to third parties such as customs or end-users

Currently, for UVC-LEDdrinking water disinfectionThe standards for mercury vapor lamps are currently being developed, and UV systems based on mercury vapor lamps are still the only approved option for public drinking water supply in many countries. Considering the timeline, the official certification of UV-LED is facing challenges. There are significant differences in wavelength range and radiation characteristics between traditional mercury vapor lamps and UVC-LEDs, which requires the development of new testing and characterization schemes for UV-LED devices

The ban on mercury in ultraviolet lamps brings both challenges and opportunities, raising many questions: 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

The UV zero mercury countdown clearly indicates that time is rapidly passing. The transition to mercury free ultraviolet technology requires innovative solutions, a sound legal framework, and rapid decision-making

It was previously mentioned that the exemption will terminate after February 24, 2027. It has been added that this information is based on the latest integrated text of EU Directive 2011/65/EU ("RoHS") issued on August 1, 2024

Our main purpose in publishing this article is to raise awareness of the issue, rather than to express specific views or provide legal advice

The information provided is based on the latest integrated version of EU Directive 2011/65/EU (commonly referred to as "RoHS") released on August 1, 2024. According to the integrated version, the exemption for the use of mercury in lamps emitting ultraviolet spectra appears to expire on February 24, 2027

EUR-Lex - 02011L0065-20240801 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa. eu)

This modification was introduced on February 24, 2022 through the European Commission's authorization directive (EU) 2022/279, and according to the information from the EU Publishing Office, the directive is currently in effect

Authorization Directive -2022/279- EN - EUR Lex (europa. eu)

It should be noted that the integrated version of EU Directive 2011/65/EU is for reference only and does not have legal binding force (based on information provided by EUR Lex). But it integrates the original instructions and subsequent revisions and corrections (such as 2022/279) into one document

We emphasize that the information in this article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the legal information provided