Leaded Solder Products

A harmonised classification for lead was agreed and published in 2016 [Regulation (EU) 2016/1179] and this came into effect on the 1st March 2018.

As a consequence, the sale of metallic lead or mixtures containing lead (at greater than or equal to 0.3%) to the general public is prohibited [Article 67 of REACH; & Restriction 30 in Annex XVII].

Where lead is supplied for industrial or professional use, REACH-compliant Safety Data Sheets must be provided, including exposure scenarios where the substance has been registered at 10 tonnes or more per year.

These requirements do not apply to articles such as architectural lead sheet, lead-based batteries, lead ammunition and articles fabricated from lead-containing alloys (e.g. brass pipes, taps etc).

Suppliers of lead as a substance and mixtures containing lead above the relevant concentration limits must ensure before placing those products on the market that the packaging is marked visibly, legibly and indelibly as: 'Restricted to professional users'.