REACH Annex XVII: Lead Restrictions in PVC Products

On November 29, 2024, the European Commission adopted a significant amendment to the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) Annex XVII, restricting the use of lead and its compounds in PVC articles. 

Key points of the restriction:

• The general ban applies to PVC articles with lead concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.1% by weight of the PVC material.
• This restriction covers both newly manufactured and imported PVC products, as well as those containing recycled materials.
• While the EU industry voluntarily phased out lead stabilizers in PVC by 2015, this regulation aims to address imported products and recycled materials that may still contain lead.
• Certain applications have been granted longer transition periods:
  • Articles containing recovered flexible PVC are exempted until May 28, 2025.
  • Specific articles containing recovered rigid PVC (e.g., certain profiles, sheets, and pipes) have a transition period until May 28, 2033, provided the lead concentration remains below 1.5% by weight of the recovered rigid PVC.
• Suppliers of PVC articles containing recovered rigid PVC with lead concentrations at or above 0.1% by weight must label these products accordingly.

The primary goal of this restriction is to reduce human exposure to lead, which can have detrimental effects on the nervous system development, cause chronic kidney disease, and impact blood pressure. By implementing these measures, the EU aims to protect public health while supporting the transition to safer alternatives and promoting responsible recycling practices in the PVC industry.