Process for the elimination of mercury from hydrocarbons by passage over a presulphurated catalyst

The invention concerns a process for the elimination of mercury from hydrocarbons by passage of the feedstock with hydrogen over a catalyst then bringing the product obtained into contact with a mercury retention bed, the catalyst comprising at least one element selected from the group constituted by iron, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, palladium, wherein at least 5% is in the sulphide state. Any arsenic present in the feedstock is also eliminated. In accordance with the invention, the catalyst is simultaneously presulphurated and reduced. The invention results in a considerable reduction in operation period and high retention efficiency at temperatures between 120° C. and 250° C. and in the presence of 0-1000 mg of sulphur/kg of feed.