Mercury is strictly regulated in the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) because of the problems it poses to human health and the environment. In addition, as of 2018, the import and export of metallic mercury and the import of mercury compounds are subject to restrictions and permit requirements.
Requirements for supply and use
Today, previously known uses of mercury are banned with a few exceptions. The ban applies to the use of mercury both as an auxiliary substance (as a catalyst in chemical syntheses or as a cathode in chlor-alkali electrolysis) and as a component of products such as batteries, measuring instruments and dental amalgam. Where no substitute for mercury is available, the quantity of mercury used is to be restricted to the minimum amount necessary (discharge lamps). Furthermore, as a safety measure, a precautionary ban has been introduced on uses unknown before 1 January 2018. The list below provides an overview of the uses regulated in ORRChem.
Further information
Links
Documents
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Use, disposal and environmental releases of mercuryAn overview of the situation in Switzerland. 2018
Last modification 22.04.2025
