How will ECHA’s proposal on the use of lead affect Europe’s net zero ambitions?

Inclusion of lead in REACH Annex XIV would not only overregulate the existing lead supply chain, discouraging new investments, and hindering growth prospects, but it would also disrupt Europe’s well-established lead economy

The proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to include lead as one of the eight new substances of very high concern (SVHC) in the REACH Authorisation List can hurt the growth potential of manufacturers using lead metal, reduce the competitiveness of an existing supply chain and negatively impact Europe’s well-established circular economy, Dr Steve Binks, director, regulatory affairs at International Lead Association (ILA) said in an interview.