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The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6) concluded in Geneva on 7 November 2025, with over 1,000 in-person participants and nearly 4,000 online viewers. The Parties adopted 22 decisions, including the landmark global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034 as well as strengthened measures against mercury-added skin-lightening products. Delegates also advanced efforts to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), promote supply-chain transparency, and combat the illegal mercury trade. Financial support through the Global Environment Facility’s next funding cycle (GEF-9) and preparations for the Convention’s first effectiveness evaluation were emphasized, while engagement from women, young people and Indigenous Peoples reached new levels.

New Mercury Phase-Out Measures

The COP-6 decisions included amendments to Annex A to eliminate dental amalgam, enhanced cooperation with the World Health Organization on skin-lightening products, and limited extensions for countries still transitioning from certain mercury-added items. The Parties reinforced actions relating to ASGM by supporting alternative livelihoods, accountability across the gold supply chain, and collaboration with the Global Mercury Partnership. Guidance on mercury stocks, illegal trade strategies and harmonized customs codes was updated, and an expert group on mercury compounds was established. Delegates also encouraged the alignment of mercury-reduction measures with biodiversity strategies and supported digital knowledge tools, including possible AI applications.

Highlights and Activities

Throughout the week, COP-6 hosted activities with the Geneva Environment Network and partners. The included events on mercury pollution in the Amazon, the launch of the Minamata Women’s Caucus, and discussions on planetGOLD. The Global Mercury Partnership organized exhibitions and film screenings addressing harmful beauty practices, while 19 Knowledge Labs facilitated technical exchange. COP-7 will take place in Geneva from 14 to 18 June 2027 under the presidency of Marie-Claire L'Henry.

On 25 September 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its Best Practice Guide on Chemical Data Sharing Between Companies. The guide aims to help organisations share chemical information efficiently and responsibly, thereby supporting regulatory compliance, innovation, and safety across the supply chain.

Practical Recommendations for Industry

Developed as part of the OECD’s ongoing work on chemicals management, the guide provides practical recommendations for companies on how to exchange data while protecting confidential business information and respecting intellectual property rights. It outlines key principles to improve transparency, data quality, and trust between participating companies.

Promoting Efficiency and Collaboration

The publication highlights various data-sharing models, such as consortia, data intermediaries, and databanks, and describes governance structures and agreements that can facilitate collaboration. It also addresses challenges related to data format harmonisation, ownership, and the handling of sensitive information.

By promoting effective data sharing, the OECD aims to reduce the duplication of testing, lower industry costs, and accelerate chemical risk assessments. Improved cooperation is expected to benefit both large and small enterprises, helping them meet regulatory obligations, such as those under REACH and similar global frameworks.

The Best Practice Guide on Chemical Data Sharing Between Companies is available here.