Macao to Prohibit the Import of Mercury-added Cosmetics

Terms:

• The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international agreement adopted by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on October 10, 2013, in Japan. It has been amended several times and is applicable to Macao.

On June 16, 2025, Macao issued Chief Executive's Order No. 109/2025, prohibiting the import, export, and transshipment of 14 mercury-added products identified in the Minamata Convention on Mercury and its related amendments. The ban covers mercury-added cosmetics such as skin-lightening soaps and creams.

Exemptions are allowed for eye cosmetics that contain mercury as a preservative when no safe and effective alternatives are available, as well as for mercury-added products used for research, instrument calibration, or as reference standards.

The order will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

Further Reading

• Hong Kong to Prohibit the Supply of Mercury-containing Cosmetics

• Macao Bans Import of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Related Products

• Pedia | China Macao Cosmetic Regulation