Moving mercury and products containing mercury
The rules businesses must follow when moving mercury and products containing mercury between Great Britain, the EU and Northern Ireland.
Mercury is toxic and can be harmful to people and the environment.
There are restrictions on the movement of:
- elemental mercury
- mercury compounds
- mixtures of mercury
- products containing mercury
The compounds, mixtures and products are listed in annex 1 and annex 2 of the Mercury Regulations.
Businesses must follow these rules if they move mercury or products containing mercury into or out of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
Exporting mercury from GB to the EU
If you move mercury or products containing mercury from GB to the EU, it’s classed as an import into the EU.
Businesses in GB must get written consent from the importing country. Contact the regulator in your country for advice on how to get consent.
Importing mercury into GB from the EU
You cannot:
- export mercury or products containing mercury out of the EU
- receive shipments of mercury from the EU
There are exemptions if:
- you export mercury compounds for laboratory-scale research or laboratory analysis
- the products are essential for civil protection and military uses
- the products are for research, for calibration of instrumentation, or for use as a reference standard
If an exemption applies, you are allowed to import the mercury or product.
Moving mercury from GB to Northern Ireland (NI)
You must have a written consent from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to move mercury from GB to NI.
Moving mercury from NI to GB
Businesses in NI must follow restrictions for exporting mercury to countries outside of the EU. This includes moving mercury from NI to GB.
To move mercury from NI to GB, you must have written consent from the relevant GB regulator. This is:
- the Environment Agency in England
- the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland
- Natural Resources Wales in Wales
You need to contact the regulator to request consent.
Transporting mercury
When you transport mercury, you need to follow rules on moving dangerous goods.
Moving mercury waste
If you want to move mercury waste, read the guidance for waste: import and export.
Contact the regulator in your country
If you need help, contact the regulator in your country. Ask for the chemical compliance or regulation team.
- Environment Agency in England
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland
- Natural Resources Wales in Wales
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland