The EU has taken another major step towards eliminating toxic lead from fishing tackle. The scrutiny period for the restriction has now ended, allowing the European Commission to proceed with its formal adoption. The new rules are expected to enter into force in the coming weeks.
The restriction is expected to protect around 7 million birds from lead poisoning while reducing lead exposure for fishers and their families. It marks a significant victory for wildlife, public health, and the environment.
BirdLife Malta welcomes this important milestone and continues to support the #BanLeadNow campaign, led by BirdLife Europe & Central Asia. However, the campaign is not over. Members of the European Parliament now have until 10 October to assess a separate proposal to restrict lead ammunition used in hunting and sports shooting. BirdLife is urging MEPs to support a strong, science-based restriction to end lead pollution across Europe.
July 9, 2026 EU moves closer to banning toxic lead in fishing tackle
Yesterday, the European Parliament has voted in favour of restricting lead in fishing tackle, marking an important step towards reducing lead pollution and protecting wildlife, human health, and the environment.
The vote follows the European Commission’s proposal to restrict the sale and use of certain lead fishing weights. An objection raised by the Patriots for Europe (PfE) Group, which questioned the availability of alternatives and the need for restrictions, was rejected by MEPs.
Lead is a highly toxic substance that can cause poisoning in wildlife and people. Around 4,800 tonnes of lead from fishing tackle enter the environment every year, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and posing risks to species that ingest lead particles.
Under the adopted restriction, the sale of lead fishing tackle weighing less than 1kg will be banned, with transition periods ranging from six months to five years depending on the type of gear. The use of these weights in commercial fishing will also be prohibited.
However, the measure does not fully ban the use of lead in recreational fishing, which remains a significant source of lead pollution. This gap means many lead products already available on the market could continue to be used. BirdLife Europe is calling on EU Member States to go further and introduce stronger national measures to eliminate lead from recreational fishing.
BirdLife Malta has been supporting the #BanLeadNow campaign, launched by BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, which calls for action to eliminate toxic lead from ammunition and fishing tackle across Europe.
The latest vote sends a clear message that science-based measures to reduce lead pollution are gaining political support. The focus now turns to ensuring that remaining loopholes are addressed and that future restrictions provide effective protection for nature and people.