On 1 July 2026, the European Parliament tabled a motion for a resolution opposing the adoption of a draft Commission regulation that would restrict the use of lead in certain fishing tackle under the REACH chemical safety law. The resolution, submitted by the PfE Group led by MEPs Silvia Sardone, Mathilde Androuët, and others, argues that the draft regulation fails the proportionality principle and lacks sufficient evidence of technically and economically viable alternatives for all fishing tackle categories. The motion calls on the Commission to withdraw the draft and submit a new proposal backed by robust scientific and socio-economic evidence, including a comprehensive impact assessment.
The resolution was tabled under Rule 115(2), (3) and (4)(c) of Parliament's Rules of Procedure, which allows Parliament to object to draft implementing acts. The PfE Group contends that for small split shot and micro weight applications, no alternative material matches lead's technical performance without higher costs or risk of line damage. The motion notes that the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) could not conclude on the socio-economic justification for certain restrictions, and the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) found no environmental grounds to ban sinkers heavier than 50 grams, warning that a ban could encourage unregulated home casting.
The proposed restriction would affect manufacturers, importers, and users of fishing equipment across the EU, potentially increasing costs for anglers and small businesses while reducing environmental lead exposure. The resolution argues that the Commission's draft does not adequately balance environmental benefits against economic impacts on the fishing sector. The motion is a formal objection that, if adopted by plenary, would block the Commission's draft regulation and require a new proposal. The next step is a plenary vote on the resolution, which would determine Parliament's position on the matter.