Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission

17.1.2024

Lead is a very high concern substance due to its hazardous properties as toxic for reproduction. To protect human health and environment, lead is regulated in several sectors such as batteries[1], electronic equipment[2], end of life vehicles[3], toys[4] and chemicals[5].

Workers are trained to handle it safely and about other preventive measures and protected by the binding occupational exposure and biological limit values[6] (under revision)[7].

In parallel, t he Commission continues assessing available risk management measures to identify remaining risks in non-regulated uses of lead and possible needs for targeted measures.

In response to the first question, the Commission does not intend to ban the use of lead. The European Chemicals Agency included lead in a recommendation on substances that should be subject to authorisation under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)[8]. The Commission is not obliged to follow this recommendation and does not intend to include lead in the authorisation list.

As regards the second question, the Commission promotes substitution of lead where feasible, and maintains regular contacts with stakeholders on progress to replace lead by less hazardous substances or technologies.

However, regarding lead for sectors such as cultural heritage, conservation and creation of objects and buildings, offshore wind and energy infrastructure and high voltage submarine cables, there seem to be no available technically and economically feasible alternatives.

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries.
• [2] Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
• [3] Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on end-of life vehicles.
• [4] Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys.
• [5] Including substances or mixtures for consumer uses (REACH Annex XVII Entry 30), paints (REACH Annex XVII Entries 16 and 17), consumer products (REACH Annex XVII Entry 63, paragraphs 1-10), gunshot (REACH Annex XVII Entry 63, paragraphs 11-14) and PVC (REACH Annex XVII Entry 63, paragraphs 1-20).
• [6] Council Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work (Sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC).
• [7] Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 98/24/EC and Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds and diisocyanates — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023PC0071
• [8] Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of chemicals (REACH).