Member state deadlock on new lead regulation

A proposed new EU rule on lead hangs in the balance after some member states expressed concern about its implications.

Member state representatives on the EU’s REACH committee were due to vote this week on a 2012 proposal by Sweden to set a 0.03% ‘specific concentration limit’ for lead under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation.

But voting was postponed until the first quarter of next year after countries voiced reservations. A potential blocking minority on the proposal has emerged, according to sources close to the talks, which happened behind closed doors. But other member states are strongly in Sweden’s camp.