“Global criminal enterprise”: Mercury loopholes in cosmetics trade under fire at COP-6

At COP-6 in Geneva, Switzerland, delegates are debating a wording gap in the Minamata Convention, a global treaty banning mercury in cosmetics. This gap may create a loophole that weakens the treaty's health objectives. Discussions also focus on whether online platforms should be legally accountable for selling mercury-containing cosmetics.

COP-6 marks the sixth meeting of governments under the Minamata Convention, where countries update and negotiate rules to eliminate mercury use, trade, and pollution worldwide. The treaty prohibits mercury in products due to its neurotoxic effects, which include kidney damage, nervous system disorders, psychosis, neurological harm, and severe skin reactions.

However, the treaty does not explicitly ban mercury compounds—chemical forms capable of releasing mercury and causing similar toxic effects. These compounds can be legally sold as chemical feedstocks. Producers and small-scale mixers add them to creams for skin-lightening, rendering the products illegal once mixed.

“With the advent of the internet, more and more of these products are not only being sold directly to consumers, but large quantities — for instance, through Alibaba — can be purchased on these internet platforms,” says Michael Bender, international co-coordinator at the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), to Personal Care Insights.

Key Issues Under Discussion

Potential loophole in the Minamata Convention due to ambiguous wording on mercury compounds.
Legal liability of online platforms selling illegal mercury-containing cosmetics.
Health risks associated with mercury and its compounds in cosmetics.

Health Impacts of Mercury

Kidney damage
Nervous system disorders
Psychosis
Neurological damage
Severe skin reactions

About the Minamata Convention

The treaty aims to eliminate mercury use, trade, and pollution worldwide, focusing on banning mercury in products, though it currently lacks explicit restrictions on mercury compounds.

Author's summary: COP-6 highlights critical gaps in the Minamata Convention that allow toxic mercury compounds in cosmetics via online trade, challenging global health protections.

www.personalcareinsights.com — 2025-11-05