The EU is introducing a gradual ban on lead in common fishing lures, citing the heavy metal's potential harm to humans and animals.
Representatives from the 27 EU member states voted in a Commission subcommittee in favour of phasing out lead-weighted fishing lures over the coming years. The ban applies to weighing down fishing lures with lead within the EU.
According to the justification for the ban, no safe concentration limit for lead has been identified below which harmful effects on human health would not occur. A transition period of three years will apply to lead weights under 50 grams, while weights between 50 grams and 5 kilograms will be subject to a five-year transition period.
Certain exceptions will remain permitted. Lure weights made of copper alloys containing less than 3% lead, as well as all weights with less than 1% lead, will continue to be allowed. The purpose of these exemptions is to enable manufacturers to comply with the regulations without having to conduct meticulous impurity testing on their products.
Additionally, anglers may continue to use lures they purchased before the ban comes into force.
