Parliament has given initial approval to two bills that amend the law on protection from harmful chemicals. MPs passed both without debate. The government put forward the bills, and the health committee backed them.

The first bill got 140 votes in favour, none against and 9 abstentions. The second got 142 in favour, none against and 9 abstentions.

The first bill, filed on July 24, sets rules for making, importing and controlling the use of dental amalgam. Dentists will still be able to use it for patients with specific needs. The bill limits the supply and demand of mercury to cut its use and adds new categories of hazardous substances. Importers, downstream users and distributors who sell chemical mixtures will have to report data to the National Centre of Public Health and Analyses.

The second bill was filed on September 9. It names which bodies will check whether businesses, online marketplaces and professional users follow the rules. Companies that break the ban on selling precursors to the public will face fines. A national contact point will also take reports of suspicious transactions, attempted transactions, and large losses or thefts of these substances.

The government says the changes will protect public health better by cutting people's exposure to mercury and by tightening safeguards against harmful substances.

Both bills still need a second reading.