The European Commission has now confirmed the split of the proposed REACH restriction on lead: there will be two separate regulations – one for fishing tackle and one for ammunition.
This is a major procedural change, and it responds to the fact that the fishing tackle and ammunition sectors face very different technical, environmental and socio-economic realities.
No final vote resulted from the 22–23 October REACH Committee follow-up meeting, but the fishing-tackle file is now progressing independently. A vote could take place at the next REACH Committee meeting 11-12 December.
It also means that each file will progress at its own pace. The fishing-tackle file is expected to advance sooner, while the ammunition file will likely remain under discussion for longer (e.g., implications for hunting, sport shooting, national defence, availability of alternatives).
Lead Restrictions in Fishing Tackle Proposal
The fishing-tackle proposal has been circulated as a stand-alone amendment to Annex XVII of REACH.
It includes:
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A ban on placing on the market and using fishing sinkers, lures and fishing wires containing 1% or more lead
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Transition periods:
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Sinkers and lures ≤50 g: 3-year phase-out
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Sinkers and lures >50 g and ≤1 kg: 5-year phase-out
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Drop-in sinkers and lead fishing wire: 6-month phase-out
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Point-of-sale warning requirements for remaining lead products during the transition period
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Two important exemptions:
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Copper-alloy lures may contain up to 3% lead
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Very small split-shot (≤0.06 g) may still be sold if in spill-proof, child-resistant packaging
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Alignment With EFTTA’s Recommendations
EFTTA is pleased to see that the Commission’s proposal reflects most of our recommendations, in particular the 1% lead threshold, the 6-month phase-out for drop-in sinkers and both exemptions for copper-alloy lures and very small split shot.
The only outstanding issue is the transition period for sinkers:
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EFTTA continues to advocate for one simple, consistent 5-year phase-out for all sinkers, instead of a split 3-year / 5-year approach. A single timeline would make implementation clearer for manufacturers and retailers, reduce the risk of stock loss, and ensure fair, even enforcement across Member States.
EFTTA will keep raising this point with EU Member States and update EFTTA members as soon as the next procedural milestone is announced.
Alternative Materials – High Hopes, Tough Reality
The fishing tackle industry had high hopes that alternative materials could quickly replace lead. But experience now shows a different picture.
Lead-free options are far more expensive, and costs keep rising. Tungsten, once seen as the best alternative, has become especially costly — with prices skyrocketing due to limited supply from China (the world’s main producer) and growing demand from sectors such as defense and aerospace.
On top of that, tungsten is now covered by EU due diligence rules, meaning companies must carry out complex investigations and file extra paperwork before they can use it.
EFTTA is raising these issues directly with the European Commission, calling for realistic, science-based solutions. The topic will also be discussed at the EFTTA Angling Summit in Berlin on 27 November.
