In Armenia, it is planned to establish new regulations aimed at the strict control of import and export of mercury, the purpose of which is to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The drafts of this decision were developed by the Ministry of Environment in compliance with the requirements of the "Mercury" Law and the provisions of the Minamata Convention on "Mercury" ratified by Armenia.
Drafts regulating the export and import of mercury are aimed at limiting the circulation of mercury-containing products and preventing illegal imports, which can have dangerous consequences for human health and the environmental system. The World Health Organization has recognized mercury as a chemical hazardous to public health, highlighting its harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys and eyes.
Starting from 2020, countries that have ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury are committed to limiting the import and export of mercury-added products.
Armenia has implemented a number of measures in this direction, including the phased withdrawal of products with mercury additives from circulation. The draft establishes special procedures for the import and export of mercury, including requirements for the issuance of licenses, cargo security documents, as well as the control of the transportation of hazardous materials.
The draft proposes to ban the import and export of mercury by individuals as a product for personal use, which will also contribute to reducing the illegal circulation of mercury. This initiative will contribute to the reduction of the import of mercury-containing products and their removal from circulation, as well as the introduction of prevention measures in order to reduce the risks of hazardous mercury-containing waste generation in the Republic of Armenia.
