Following the Depositary’s communication of 23 March 2026, the amendments adopted at COP6 of the Minamata Convention will enter into force on 23 March 2027. Parties agreed on a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034 and introduced new obligations for Parties that have not yet phased out its use. This decision will apply to all Parties that have not submitted a notification of non-acceptance, marking a decisive step towards ending mercury use in dentistry worldwide.
In addition, COP6 Decision MC-6/13 established deadlines for Parties to submit national action plans on the phase-out of dental amalgam as part of their reporting obligations. Together with the strong position taken by stakeholders, this creates a clear international roadmap towards the end of dental amalgam.
Roadmap to the End of Dental Amalgam
By 23 March 2027
Parties that have not yet phased out dental amalgam shall take measures, as appropriate, to not allow, or significantly phase down, dental amalgam unless its use is considered necessary by the dental practitioner based on the needs of the patient.
By COP7 (6–10 September 2027)
The Secretariat is requested to prepare draft guidance on developing national action plans for the phase-out of dental amalgam, subject to available resources, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its seventh meeting.
By 31 December 2027 (Third Short National Reports)
Parties that have not yet phased out dental amalgam shall: Submit to the secretariat a national action plan or a report based on available information with respect to progress they have made or are making to phase down or phase out dental amalgam.
By 2030 – Regional and Global Targets
African Region:
African Parties to the Minamata Convention have proposed a phase-out of dental amalgam by 2030. This position was supported by the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20).
World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization encourages countries to phase-out dental amalgam by 2030.
By 31 December 2029 (Third Full National Reports)
Parties that still have not yet phased out dental amalgam shall: Submit to the Secretariat another national action plan or a report based on available information with respect to progress they have made or are making to phase down or phase out dental amalgam. This reporting will continue every four years as part of full national reporting, with the next submission due by 31 December 2033.
By 31 December 2034
The manufacture, import, and export of dental amalgam will no longer be allowed, except in cases where its use is considered necessary by the dental practitioner based on the needs of the patient.
By COP12 (likely in 2037)
The Conference of the Parties will review the continued need for the exception allowing the use of dental amalgam under Part I of Annex A of the Convention.
Looking Ahead
The entry into force of the COP6 amendments marks a significant turning point in global mercury policy. Combined with national reporting obligations, regional commitments, and growing support for mercury-free dentistry, the pathway towards the complete phase-out of dental amalgam is becoming increasingly defined.
The coming years will be critical in determining how quickly Parties can transition to safer, sustainable, and mercury-free alternatives.
Further Information:
👉 https://minamataconvention.org/sites/default/files/documents/final_report_and_outcomes/UNEP-MC-COP6-25-Add1-Decisions-Compilation_English.pdf
👉 https://minamataconvention.org/sites/default/files/documents/2026-03/ES_Letter%20to%20Parties%20on%20COP-6%20amendments.pdf