Recycling and Waste Reduction (Mandatory Product Stewardship—Mercury-added Products) Rules 2021.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction (Mandatory Product Stewardship—Mercury-added Products) Rules 2021 are a legal instrument introduced by the Australian Government to enforce the country's obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. These rules prohibit the manufacture, import, export, and incorporation of mercury-added products in Australia, except under specific exemptions. It also bans the incorporation of mercury-added products into assembled products, reinforcing Australia's commitment to mercury reduction and safe waste management. The rules are made under the authority of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 and are intended to reduce environmental and health risks associated with mercury. Mercury-added products are defined according to the Convention and include items such as certain switches, relays, fluorescent lamps, and measuring devices. However, exemptions apply for products used in military and civil protection, research, traditional practices, and vaccines containing thiomersal, among others.