Recently, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and other related departments in Japan have issued an announcement on permitting the manufacture and import of mercury-containing products.
The following six mercury-containing products for specific purposes are allowed for import and manufacture:
- Radiation thermometers: Used for measuring surface temperature, widely applied in industrial monitoring and healthcare.
- Pressure regulators: Used to adjust and maintain pressure, particularly important in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
- Wheel balancers: Used for shock absorption and vibration reduction, mainly in the automotive industry.
- Photographic film: Used for light sensitivity.
- Photographic paper: Used for light sensitivity.
- Propellants: Used to generate thrust in space, mainly applied in the aerospace field, particularly in the manufacture of satellites and other space probes.
This revision came into effect on April 26, 2024. It was made after comprehensive consideration of environmental protection and technological needs. The Japanese government stated that the use of these mercury-containing products is allowed after a thorough assessment of their potential impact on the environment and human health. All relevant manufacturers and importers must comply with strict environmental safety standards, ensure the controlled use of mercury, and implement safety measures to minimize the environmental impact of mercury. The government will continue to monitor the use of these products and adjust policies based on environmental protection requirements.
