Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 249/2025 of 24 October 2025 amending Annex XX (Environment) to the EEA Agreement [2026/234]

**Executive Summary** This document is a Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No 249/2025 of 24 October 2025 amending Annex XX (Environment) to the EEA Agreement. It incorporates Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 concerning mercury restrictions into the EEA Agreement. The decision enters into force on 25 October 2025, contingent upon necessary notifications. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Amendment of Annex XX:** * Point 22a of Annex XX, referencing Regulation (EU) 2017/852, is amended to include Regulation (EU) 2024/1849. * Specifically, the text of adaptation (d) is replaced to clarify the application of export and import restrictions related to mercury between the EU and EFTA States. * **Application of Mercury Restrictions:** * Export and import restrictions outlined in Articles 3, 4, 5 and 10(7) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 do not apply between the EU and EFTA States. * This exemption does not override stricter export/import bans already in place within an EFTA State. * EFTA States must implement measures to prevent mercury from being exported or imported to the EU via an EFTA State. * **Authentic Language:** * The Icelandic and Norwegian versions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 will be published in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union and are deemed authentic. * **Entry into Force:** * This Decision comes into effect on 25 October 2025, pending all notifications required under Article 103(1) of the EEA Agreement. * **Publication:** * The Decision will be published in the EEA Section and in the EEA Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union. **Impact Analysis** **EFTA States** * **Impact:** EFTA States need to incorporate Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 into their national legislation. They are also responsible for monitoring and enforcing the new regulations concerning mercury import and export. * **Action Required:** EFTA States must implement effective measures to prevent mercury from being exported from or imported to the EU via an EFTA State, while respecting any stricter existing national bans. **EU Member States** * **Impact:** The regulation harmonizes the rules regarding the export, import, and manufacture of mercury-added products. * **Action Required:** EU Member States should adapt their current national strategies regarding dental amalgam to stay in line with the updated EEA agreement.

Key Entities Referenced