The European Commission has adopted measures prohibiting lead in PVC.

The European Commission has finally adopted restrictions prohibiting the use and sale of lead in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) articles, including imports in order to safeguard individuals and the environment against the harmful impacts of lead. The primary beneficiaries of this measure are people's health, especially children. These efforts align with the objectives of the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability and the European Green Deal.

Lead compounds are commonly found in PVC products used in the construction industry, such as window profiles, pipes, tubes, wires, and cables. Implemented within the framework of EU REACH, this restriction is expected to prevent the release of approximately 8.4 tonnes of lead emissions annually.

Since the regulation’s entry into force on 28 May, the industry has 18 months to transition and must now add a warning label to the packaging of relevant products.

To encourage recycling and reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 million tonnes annually, items made from recycled rigid PVC can still be sold and used for ten years after the 28 May entry into force. However, only if the rigid PVC contains less than 1.5% lead in the recovered rigid PVC, and less than 0.1% lead for a layer of newly produced PVC. Furthermore, these recycled rigid PVC items must be entirely coated with a lead-free layer to ensure safety and prevent accidental exposure to lead for both people and the environment.