The European Commission has split its planned lead restrictions into two different proposals, separating out fishing tackle from ammunition.

The move could pave the way for a lead-ban phase-in over five years, a request brought by the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association to allow for a longer time for the industry and anglers to change lead weights into non-toxic alternatives.

The issue was due to be discussed at a REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) meeting on October 22nd by the EU Commission and member state representatives before the revised fishing text could be discussed further on December 11th.

The change to the proposal was contained in an amendment to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and said that weights “shall not be placed on the market or used for fishing, in a concentration of lead (expressed as metal) equal to or greater than one per cent by weight.”

After any agreement, retailers of fishing sinkers and lures of any dimension or weight, containing those concentrations of lead will have to display warnings at point of sale in close proximity to the product or online for e-commerce businesses.

The EU suggests wording such as: “WARNING: this product contains lead which is very toxic to the environment and may damage fertility or the unborn child.”

It says the warning should advise that the use of lead has been restricted from a certain date – three years after the agreement for sinkers and lures weighing 50g or less, five years for sinkers and lures weighing 1kg or less but more than 50g and six months after for drop-in wires and drop-in sinkers of any weight.

EU exemptions

However, those paragraphs won’t apply to lures made of copper alloys containing a concentration of lead (expressed as metal) less than three per cent by weight or split shot weighing 0.06g or less that is placed on the market in spill-proof and child-resistant packaging.

The EU has defined a sinker as “a weight that is attached to a fishing line, a lure or a fishing net to keep it under the water, or to keep a fishing line, a lure or a fishing net in a certain position; A weight that is enclosed, embedded or threaded in a fishing net, a lure or a line is not a sinker.

It defines a lure as “an object that is used to attract fish or other animals, so that they can be caught” while split shot “means a small piece of metal that is pinched around the fishing line to add weight to it.”

A spokesman for EFTTA said: “As always, EFTTA continues to monitor these developments closely. We’ll provide updates on any agreed extensions, adjustments or review provisions that emerge from the next REACH discussions.

“EFTTA has been involved in the development of these restrictions since 2019, working closely with ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) and EU policymakers to shape the proposed restrictions. We will continue to advocate for fair and practical regulations that support both environmental protection and the interests of the recreational angling community.

“We encourage EU Member States to support the proposed exemptions and the simplified phase-out period for sinkers. EFTTA will keep stakeholders informed about further developments.”www.eftta.com