Proposed Controls for Hazardous Substances and Mercury-Containing Products: Seeking Public Input

The Environmental Protection and Management Act's Second Schedule and the EPM Regulations' Schedule require the management of two chemical groups and nine products containing mercury as hazardous substances (HS). The National Environment Agency (NEA) is seeking public consultation on these proposed controls, which will be available from January 18, 2024, until February 15, 2024. The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) of South Carolina has determined that these chemicals are highly hazardous and persistent, with potential for long-term environmental impact. The NEA plans to impose regulatory controls over their import, export, manufacturing, transport, purchase, storage, and usage.

The Parties to the Minamata Convention (MC) have decided to put nine products containing mercury under Annex A of the MC, which will be phased out by the end of 2024. These products emit mercury, which is extremely hazardous and persistent, and can have long-lasting negative impacts on the environment. By June 2024, the NEA plans to gazette the regulatory adjustments, with a six-month transitional period before the modifications take effect in January 2025.