EFTTA is anticipating the EU Commission’s legislative proposal on the use of lead in shot, bullets and fishing weights. While the proposal should have been published some time ago, it could now be released at any moment.
The lead story is a long one, dating back 24 years ago to when Denmark introduced a total ban on lead through a marketing restriction. Since then, the EU has been working to implement similar measures at a European level. Over the years, EFTTA has played an important role, providing critical insights to protect the fishing tackle industry from disproportionate regulations.
While EFTTA initially took a critical stance, it has since changed to a proactive position and supports a ban on lead due to its environmental impact. Nonetheless, EFTTA remains committed to working closely with EU authorities to ensure the proposed restrictions are both environmentally effective and mindful of the practical challenges faced by the fishing tackle industry.
The timeline of the last years summarizes as follows:
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2018: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concluded that further measures are justified to address the use of lead in fishing weights and ammunition.
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2019: The EU Commission tasked ECHA with drafting restriction proposals, leading to calls for comments and consultations.
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March 2023: ECHA submitted its restriction proposal to the EU Commission.
ECHA => Proposed Restrictions
A Sales & Use ban on:
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Lead in sinkers, jigs, and lures. Treshold 1% w/w.
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Alloys in lures. Treshold 1% w/w.
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Dust Shots/Small Sinkers: Alternatives, such as tungsten putty, are considered viable.
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Phasing-In Period:
- Sinkers & lures ≤50 g: 3 years
- Sinkers & lures >50 g: 5 years
EFTTA => Position on behalf of the industry
Exemptions requested:
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Alloys in Lures: Thresholds of 3% (fabrication) and 0% (stamped lures).
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Dust Shots/Small Sinkers: Exemption for shots ≤0.06 g due to a lack of alternatives.
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Agrees to a sales & use ban but calls for a single transition period of 5 years
Next Steps:
The EU Commission is now preparing a legislative proposal, that will be subject to approval or rejection by both the EU Council and the European Parliament. Given that ECHA submitted its proposal to the EU Commission in March 2023, the legislative proposal is now anticipated to be released soon.
=> More: Presentation Jan Kappel, EFTTA Lobbyist, November 2024
