The Minamata Convention bans the use of mercury in cosmetics, including skin-lightening products. Although manufacture, import and export of mercury-containing cosmetics is prohibited, Parties face challenges in addressing informal manufacturing and sales.
The Executive Secretary sent a letter to Parties and observers to invite the submission of information by 30 June 2024 using the submission format. The submissions received have been uploaded here. A draft report compiling and synthesizing the submitted information is available here, with Annex 1 (excel table) here. Parties and relevant stakeholders are invited to review and comment on the draft, using this comment form by Monday 28 April 2025.
