CHINA will ban the production of mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers nationwide starting in 2026, according to a recent statement issued by the National Medical Products Administration.

In line with the country’s goal to reduce mercury pollution, China has been cutting mercury use in many products and processes, including banning mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers, which are used to measure blood pressure, beginning in 2026.

The administration noted that medical equipment manufacturers with valid registration certificates and production licenses are allowed to continue their production of such medical devices and will be granted renewal of their certificates until Dec. 31, 2025.

In terms of those who are in the process of acquiring production certification, the administration still will issue registration certificates and production licenses in accordance with the regulation, with the validity period not exceeding Dec. 31, 2025.

China was among the first to sign the Minamata Convention on Mercury — a global treaty adopted in 2013 to protect the environment from the adverse effect of mercury, named after Minamata, Japan, where the release of mercury into industrial wastewater poisoned thousands of people. (China Daily)