Restriction

Current activity

Lead and its compounds are already subject to a number of restrictions under REACH. For example, the use of lead carbonates and lead sulphates in paints is prohibited by Entries 16 and 17 of Annex XVII; lead and its compounds are also restricted in jewellery, in articles supplied to the general public that can be mouthed by children, and in gunshot for shooting in wetlands, by Entry 63 of Annex XVII to REACH.

More generally, Annex XVII Entries 28-30 apply restrictions to substances with harmonised classification as Category 1A or 1B carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxicants (CMRs) on their own or in chemicals supplied to the general public.

Additional restrictions on the use of lead in ammunition for outdoor shooting and in fishing weights, and Pb compounds in PVC are under consideration.

The Consortium continues to monitor for new Restriction proposals affecting its substances, including proposals under the fast-track – Article 68(2) – process used by the European Commission to restrict CMRs in articles for consumer use.

The Lead REACH Consortium works with relevant downstream sectors to advocate proportionate and enforceable restriction, where additional legislation is necessary to address an uncontrolled risk on an EU-wide basis.

What is Restriction?

REACH Restrictions provide procedures to regulate the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances where unacceptable risks exist on an EU-wide basis. Restrictions may subject the substance to narrow, specific conditions, or its use or presence in goods may be prohibited; they are designed to act as a safety net to manage Community-wide risks that are otherwise not adequately controlled.

An individual Member State, or ECHA at the request of the European Commission, can propose restrictions. The normal procedure foresees a formal proposal notified to the ECHA Registry of Intentions, which undergoes scrutiny through public consultations and by ECHA’s Committees for risk assessment and socio-economic assessment (RAC and SEAC). However, where the concern relates to carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxicants (CMRs), including in articles, for use by consumers, the Commission can utilise a fast-track procedure which bypasses the need for scrutiny and formal impact assessment.

Find out more about Restriction.