On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the European Commission and representatives of EU Member States met again to discuss the draft REACH restriction proposal on lead in fishing tackle.
A further meeting is scheduled for 25 February 2026. At this stage, it has not yet been decided whether this meeting will lead to the adoption of a final text, or whether another round of discussions will be required.
=>The (draft) agenda has been published. Lead in fishing tackle is item 3. There will be no vote, only discussion!
The latest version of the proposal (body text and Annex), dated 8 Dec, is still based on the following:
Fishing Tackle and Ammunition: Two Separate Files
An important procedural development remains fully valid: the European Commission has split the original lead restriction proposal into two separate regulatory tracks:
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one covering fishing tackle, and
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one covering ammunition.
This split reflects the very different technical, environmental and socio-economic realities of the two sectors and continues to shape how the process is progressing.
What this means for industry timing
Because the lead restriction proposal has been split, the two files are advancing on different timelines:
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Fishing tackle is expected to move forward sooner, with potential adoption or further clarity emerging in early 2026, depending on Member State feedback.
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Ammunition is likely to remain under discussion for longer due to greater technical and political complexity.
For the fishing tackle industry, this means that regulatory clarity may come earlier, making the coming months particularly important for engagement and preparation.
EFTTA continues to closely follow the fishing-tackle file and to engage with EU institutions and Member States, advocating for proportionate, workable and evidence-based measures. We'll keep our members informed as the next procedural milestones approach.
Find the latest version of the lead proposal (Dec 8, 2025) as follows:
