The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) earlier this year proposed placing lead (Pb) onto Annex XIV of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.
Under REACH, chemicals listed on Annex XIV are regulated, controlled and intended for gradual phasing out of the European marketplace to reduce environmental and human health exposure risks. The Authorisation process requires all European companies utilizing the substance of concern in their production processes, or products, to receive authorization prior to continued or future use.
Lead is a common metal, with many useful mechanical properties used in electronics, metal alloys, bearings, solder and other applications. Stakeholder groups have continually worked with global regulatory bodies to ensure lead is handled and used in a safe and responsible manner, to ensure industry can continue to utilize its functionality.
Final comments for this ECHA consultation are due on May 2, 2022. AEM intends on providing an industry perspective to ECHA regarding this proposed action. For more information, or to get involved, please reach out to AEM Director of Global Standards and Compliance Jason Malcore at jmalcore@aem.org.
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