The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW) has provided us with a summary of the recent COP5 (5th Conference of the Parties) Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland on 30 October - 3 November 2023. 

From the DCCEEW:

"While negotiations were wide ranging, there was a significant focus on considering a proposal to phase out dental amalgam. Ultimately agreement could not be reached by the COP and the issue of dental amalgam phase out has been pushed to COP6 (which will be held in November 2025). 

As a compromise, COP5 instead agreed that parties will need to submit national plans to phase down or phase out dental amalgam.

The decisions by COP5 will undergo additional scrutiny by the Australian Government in 2024, prior to formal adoption. This scrutiny process will include consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

There are a number of matters which will require domestic actions to ensure Australia remains compliant with its treaty obligations. We are currently assessing these matters and will contact relevant stakeholders regarding next steps in 2024."

ADOHTA will continue to stay informed on this matter and provide updates to you accordingly.

Find out more about the Minimata Convention and DCCEEW.