On 3 December 2025, the Health Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved the phase-out of mercury-based dental amalgam, moving ahead of the global schedule set by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which at COP6 established a worldwide phase-out date of 2034. By setting 2030 as the national deadline, Brazil aims to accelerate the elimination of mercury in dental procedures and protect vulnerable populations. The proposal, PL 3098/2021, will now move to the Justice and Citizenship Committee and, if approved, be sent to the Senate.
The regulatory proposal establishes a clear framework for phasing out mercury-based dental amalgam in Brazil. It immediately prohibits the use of amalgam in dental procedures for pregnant and breastfeeding women, women of reproductive age, children under 15, and individuals with neurological or kidney diseases, as well as those with a history of prolonged mercury exposure or prior mercury poisoning.
All public and private dental services that currently use mercury amalgam will further be required to implement a Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Dental Amalgam. The plan must include a detailed schedule for phasing out amalgam use, aiming for complete cessation by 2030, and arrangements with licensed companies for the proper collection, storage, and environmentally safe disposal of mercury and amalgam waste.
In rare cases where the use of amalgam may be deemed necessary, dental professionals must assess the patient’s body burden of mercury, evaluate pre-existing conditions that could be affected by amalgam use, and monitor and record any potential health impacts.
The proposal also makes noncompliance with its provisions a health violation, subject to applicable sanctions, and emphasizes that the law will take effect immediately upon publication. It is incumbent upon the public authorities to establish policies and programs that favor the elimination of the use of dental amalgams in dental procedures.
Authorities are also expected to work with public and private agencies, organized civil society, and professional and educational institutions to raise awareness among patients, dental professionals, and students about the risks of mercury in dental amalgam, promote environmentally responsible practices, encourage the adoption of mercury-free alternatives in dental restorations, and provide education and training on best environmental management practices.
Further Information:
👉Projeto de Lei 3098/2021 sobre o uso de amálgamas de mercúrio em procedimentos odontológicos
👉O Hoje | Brasil vai eliminar o uso de amálgama dental até 2030