New regulatory measures for mercury-added products will take effect on the 31st of this month

A government spokesperson stated that the new regulatory measures for added mercury (commonly known as mercury) products under the revised Mercury Control Regulation will take effect on the 31st of this month. This includes eight newly regulated added mercury products, such as compact fluorescent lamps with integrated ballasts used for general lighting purposes, not exceeding 30 watts, and containing no more than 5 milligrams of mercury; tire balancers and wheel balancing weights; and propellants for satellites and spacecraft.

The Environmental Protection Department spokesperson indicated that after the revision of the Regulation takes effect, the manufacture, import, export, and supply of the relevant regulated added mercury products will be prohibited. Anyone who violates these regulations will be committing a crime and, upon conviction, may face a maximum fine of HKD 50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Under the new measures, the government has set a grace period for the supply of newly regulated added mercury products (not applicable to the manufacture and import/export of relevant products) until January 2029. After the grace period, if anyone continues to supply the relevant regulated added mercury products, the authorities will prosecute once sufficient evidence is collected