News Details

On 12 May 2026, a draft Commission Regulation to restrict lead in certain types of fishing tackle under REACH was circulated through the Council register. This proposal would amend Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), introducing restrictions on the placing on the market and, in certain cases, the use of fishing tackle containing lead. This measure is part of the EU’s broader effort to reduce lead releases to the environment and minimise the risk of poisoning to birds and other wildlife.

Background

The draft follows several years of regulatory work at EU level. In July 2019, the European Commission requested the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier covering lead in ammunition and fishing tackle.

ECHA published the dossier in March 2021, concluding that lead in ammunition and certain types of fishing tackle pose risks to both the environment and human health that are not adequately controlled.

According to the draft Regulation, ECHA estimated that the continued use of lead in shooting and fishing activities could result in approximately 876,000 tonnes of lead being released into the environment over a 20-year period. The agency also estimated that restricting lead in fishing tackle could prevent around 48,300 tonnes of lead emissions within this timeframe.

The Commission notes that the original restriction proposal covering ammunition and fishing tackle is now being progressed through two separate regulatory measures in order to improve legal clarity and reduce complexity.

Scope of the Draft Restriction

Under the current draft, the restriction would apply to certain fishing tackle containing lead at concentrations equal to or greater than 1% by weight.

The proposal covers:

• fishing sinkers,
• fishing lures,
• fishing wires, and
• drop-in sinkers.

The draft also distinguishes between placing on the market and use restrictions. While the former would apply broadly, the latter would apply only to commercial fishing activities. According to the Commission, enforcing use restrictions for recreational fishing would be difficult due to the involvement of private individuals in such activities.

Key Derogations and Transitional Elements

The draft includes several derogations and transitional provisions reflecting technical and enforcement considerations.

For example:

• Sinkers weighing more than 1 kg would be exempt from restrictions as they are not considered likely to be ingested by birds.
• Restrictions on fishing wires and drop-in sinkers would apply after a six-month transition period.
• Copper-alloy fishing lures containing between 1% and 3% lead would benefit from a derogation due to technical manufacturing considerations.
• Split shot weighing 0.06 g or less could continue to be used if placed on the market in spill-proof and child-resistant packaging.

The draft also clarifies that Member States would be permitted to maintain stricter national provisions concerning the use of lead in fishing tackle.