By Mirna Puklin Vucelić
ZAGREB, January 29, 2026 (China) – Croatia will significantly limit the use of dental amalgam, commonly known as “black fillings”, from July 1, 2026, following the adoption of a European Union regulation aimed at eliminating the use of mercury in member states.
The Croatian Parliament approved the implementation of EU Regulation 2024/1849, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 13 June 2024, which extends the ban on mercury-containing dental amalgam to almost all patients within the European Union.
Until now, the use of dental amalgam in the EU has already been banned for children under 15, pregnant women and nursing mothers, unless absolutely medically necessary.
Under the new regulation, this restriction is extended to all patients, making dental amalgam a rare exception rather than a standard treatment option.
Although the regulation officially entered into force in Croatia on 1 January 2025, a transitional exemption applies until 30 June 2026.
During this time, dentists may continue to use amalgam only if they determine that it is medically necessary due to specific health needs or highly specialized clinical circumstances.
According to the regulation, this temporary exemption was introduced to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the phase-out, especially for low-income patients.
Import and production ban from July 2026
From July 1, 2026, the import and production of dental amalgam will be prohibited in Croatia, in accordance with EU-level rules. The only exception will be for patients with clearly defined medical indications that require the use of amalgam.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the regulation is directly applicable in all EU member states, with no additional national legislation required.
Amalgam use is already declining
The Croatian Dental Chamber (HKDM) notes that Croatian dentists already comply with previous EU restrictions since January 1, 2018, systematically using composite fillings instead of amalgam for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, unless medical reasons dictate otherwise.
While dental amalgam is still technically classified as a standard material in the public health system, its use is steadily declining. Private dental practices outside the public health care system rarely use amalgam anymore, opting instead for modern alternatives.
According to data from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), a total of 2,525 amalgam fillings were placed in public primary care dental clinics in the first 11 months of 2025, highlighting its reduced role in everyday dental treatment.
Discussions are ongoing between the Ministry of Health, HKDM and HZZO about which mercury-free materials will officially replace amalgam in the Croatian public health system.
Deputy Health Minister Tomislav Dulibić told Parliament that the annual cost of the new fillings is estimated at 10–12 million euros, which will be included in HZZO’s future financial plans to ensure that patients are not forced to pay additional fees.
HKDM has recommended glass ionomer fillings as a replacement for permanent premolars and molars in insured patients over 18 years of age who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. While the HZZO determines which materials are covered by compulsory health insurance, dentists will retain the option to use alternative materials when medically justified.
The Chamber emphasizes that the move away from amalgam is solely due to environmental protection and not concerns that existing amalgam fillings pose an immediate health risk to patients.
Mercury-free Europe by 2030
The phasing out of dental amalgam is part of the European Union’s wider ambition to become the world’s first mercury-free economy by 2030. The plan includes banning the import and export of mercury and mercury-containing products, ensuring safe storage and phasing out other uses.
Dental amalgam remains one of the largest sources of mercury use in Europe, with estimates suggesting that approximately 40 tonnes of mercury enter the environment each year through dental applications.
Mercury exposure is known to have serious adverse health effects, affecting the nervous, immune and reproductive systems and potentially causing liver and kidney damage. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The regulation supports the goals of the European Green Deal, the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, reinforcing Europe’s long-term commitment to protecting both public health and the environment.
