MEX/337
WTO/TBT
MX Mexiko
  • 85 - Elektrische Maschinen und Apparate und andere elektrotechnische Waren sowie Teile davon; Tonaufnahme- oder Tonwiedergabegeräte, Fernsehbild- und Fernsehtonaufzeichnungs- oder -wiedergabegeräte sowie Teile und Zubehör für diese Geräte
2017-02-11
2017-01-09

Primary cells and primary batteries (tariff heading 85.06)

Establishing a measure to control the manufacture and import of batteries will ensure that batteries marketed in Mexico have a mercury and cadmium content that poses no threat to human health and the environment.

Proyecto de Norma Oficial Mexicana PROY-NOM-212-SCFI-2016, Pilas y Baterías Primarias - Límites Máximos Permisibles de Mercurio y Cadmio - Especificaciones, Métodos De Prueba y Etiquetado 

(Draft Mexican Official Standard PROY-NOM-212-SCFI-2016: Primary cells and primary batteries - Maximum permissible mercury and cadmium limits - Specifications, test methods and labelling) (12 pages, in Spanish)

Cells and batteries have evolved since they were first created. For a time, they were made with mercury to prevent the build-up of internal gases, the leakage of materials from their casing, and the possibility of them exploding. Since the beginning of the 1990s, technology has made it possible to eliminate the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries - a change that has been implemented by formal industry. In Mexico, all batteries are imported, i.e. none are manufactured domestically, and it is therefore impossible to control or guarantee the type of technology used to produce the range of battery brands consumed throughout national territory.

One type of battery, the mercuric oxide button cell, the main component of which is mercury (32% of its total weight), has been replaced by new forms of button cell; however, it is possible that this type of battery continues to be manufactured in some parts of the world.

Lead-acid batteries are commonly associated exclusively with motor vehicle batteries, and yet they are now used in other areas such as lighting (rechargeable lamps) and recreation, and in large toys such as electric ride-ons. At the end of their useful life, these batteries are considered to be hazardous waste and are subject to the regulations concerning such waste.

Establishing a measure to control the manufacture and import of batteries will ensure that batteries marketed in Mexico have a mercury and cadmium content that poses no threat to human health and the environment.