Introduction 

The Minamata Convention on Mercury requires that Parties to the Convention phase out the manufacture, import, and export of certain mercury-added products including cosmetics with mercury content above 1 ppm (parts per million). Inorganic mercury is a common ingredient found in skin lightening products (SLPs).

Pilot Project (Ongoing 2021-2026): Gabon, Jamaica, Sri Lanka

In collaboration with the World Health Organization, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) launched the pilot study Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products. This project aims to reduce the risk of exposure to mercury-added SLPs in both humans and the environment.

Led by UNEP and carried out by BRI and the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Governments of Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka, which spearhead the work at the national level. The project is now in its final phase, however, results to date have led to a larger project now in the preparation stage.

Learn more about BRI’s efforts for monitoring and identification of SLPs and project updates below:

Project in Preparation (2025-2032): African countries

Building on momentum to address the health and environmental risks of mercury in SLPs, a new regional initiative is set to begin. This project, Elimination of Mercury Skin Lightening Products in Africa, will support 13 African countries in phasing out mercury-added SLPs through a combination of research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

Project countries include: Burkina Faso, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, and Uganda.

Uniting for a Mercury-free Future

In early October 2025, delegates from participating countries gathered in Ethiopia for the launch of the year-long Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase. Country representatives will work closely with BRI, lead executing agency for this project, and UNEP to accomplish the following:

  • Establish national baselines on the prevalence, sources, and supply chains of mercury-added SLPs
  • Assess legislative and institutional capacities
  • Identify public health risks and gaps in testing infrastructure
  • Engage with health and environmental ministries, civil society, and affected communities
  • Develop a full project proposal for implementation, including strategies for regulation, education, and monitoring

Click here for more information on the PPG launch of this project.

Check out photos from the kickoff workshop (click side arrows):

Cosmetic Sampling Protocol

BRI has developed the cosmetic sampling and testing protocol as a guide for the collection, shipping, and analysis of skin lightening products for mercury analysis. Use of this methodology by all collaborators will ensure consistency in sampling in all locations and that data generated will be scientifically sound. Proper sample collection and analysis ensures suitability of the results for comparison with other global monitoring results.

Customs Training Workshops

Under the Hg SLP project, BRI collaborated with the Japan-funded project to sensitize government officials (particularly Customs and law enforcement officials) in the Asia-Pacific region on mercury trade issues. In coordination with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), World Customs Organization (WCO), BRI delivered in-person regional and national training workshops as well as webinars to share knowledge and build capacity in the region to tackle mercury trade (especially in regards to mercury-added skin lightening products).

Other Mercury Related Resources and Publications

Photo Credits: Header photo © Shutterstock; Delegates: © BRI: Fom Left: H.E. Frenesh Mekuria, Deputy Director General; H.E Eng. Lelise Neme, Director General of the Ethiopia EPA; Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention; and Eisaku Toda, Senior Programme Management Officer, UNEP; Meeting © BRI: Discussions between delegates and NGOs led to development of action plans for each country.