Lead in copper and bronze alloys
Switch to lead-free material could become mandatory
The European Union's REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) plays a crucial role in protecting people and the environment from harmful chemicals.
BEULCO specialises in the processing and treatment of non-ferrous metals. The focus is on copper and bronze alloys, which often contain a certain amount of lead for processing reasons. The EU is currently discussing whether lead should be included in Annex 14 of the REACH Regulation, which would result in a ban on lead from 2028.
This poses considerable challenges for companies in the lead processing industry in the EU. The need to switch products to lead-free materials means a considerable amount of work to convert production in line with REACH. The ban on lead in brass alloys would mean far-reaching changes in the market and high investment costs.
For many companies, adapting to the REACH regulation is a process that ties up both technical and financial resources and requires a comprehensive strategy for coping with the new requirements. In view of this challenge, it is crucial to plan and implement the necessary steps at an early stage in order to remain competitive and comply with the legal requirements.
Does the REACH Regulation affect my company?
Here you will find a quick answer as to whether your company is affected.
Which industries need to switch to lead-free products and production?
The REACH Regulation affects numerous industries, as it sets out far-reaching regulations on the handling of chemical substances within the European Union. With regard to the current discussion surrounding lead, these include the following:
Metal processing industry
Especially manufacturers of brass alloys and other metallic materials that traditionally use lead to improve workability and mechanical properties.
Construction industry
Lead is found in the construction industry in some building products such as pipes, valves and fittings.
Automotive industry
Lead is used in many automotive parts, including electronics, batteries and brass components.
Electronics and electrical industry
Many electronic components contain lead, especially in soldered connections and plug connectors.
For a lead-free future - sustainable & efficient
Fulfil the requirements of the REACH regulation with BEULCO - your partner for the development and production of lead-free components and assemblies.
Project process - Just in time for compliance!
Would you like to switch to lead-free material? BEULCO can help you do this quickly and efficiently! Benefit from our in-depth advice when selecting materials for your components and our extensive expertise from numerous projects to convert to lead-free material. Our experienced project management also takes time pressure into account and ensures that your customised component complies with the REACH regulation. We are at your side as your development and production partner.
Experience report
Conversion of the product range to lead-free material
BEULCO has already converted its own product range to lead-free material. This report is intended to give you an idea of how the conversion of your product range to lead-free can succeed in practice.
- Challenges of the REACH regulation
- Factors of lead-free material selection
- Implementation & milestones
- Difference between theory & practice
- Result & recommendations
FAQ
Do you have any questions? We have the answers.
The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European regulation that came into force on 1 June 2007. It aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can arise from chemicals. At the same time, it promotes alternative methods for the risk assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of animal tests.
Important aspects of the REACH Regulation:
Registration:
Companies must collect information on the chemical substances they manufacture or import and submit it to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Registration is required for substances that are produced or imported in quantities of more than one tonne per year.
Evaluation:
The submitted registration dossiers are reviewed by the ECHA. If risks are suspected, the information is further evaluated to clarify whether the use of the substances is safe.
Authorisation:
Authorisation is required for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Such substances may only be used if a specific authorisation based on safe use has been granted.
Restriction:
The use of certain hazardous substances can be restricted or banned if they pose an unacceptable risk.
Objectives of the REACH Regulation:
- Protection of human health and the environment: Reduction of risks from chemicals.
- Competitiveness of the chemical industry: Promotion of innovation and safer chemicals.
- Transparency and information: Better flow of information on chemical substances in the supply chain.
- Minimise animal testing: Promoting alternatives to animal testing.
Who is affected?
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce chemical substances in the EU.
- Importers: Companies that import chemical substances into the EU.
- Downstream users: Companies that use chemicals to manufacture products.
Further information: ECHA provides comprehensive resources and databases where registered substances and their risk assessments can be viewed. Companies must regularly update their registrations and provide new information on risks and safety measures.
The Drinking Water Directive and the REACH Regulation are two key pieces of European Union legislation that both aim to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemical substances. They work together in a complementary way to ensure comprehensive regulation and control of the use of chemicals and their effects on drinking water.
Drinking Water Directive (Directive 98/83/EC):
The Drinking Water Directive sets quality standards for water intended for human consumption. It aims to ensure that drinking water is clean and safe. The Directive requires Member States to regularly monitor the quality of drinking water and ensure that it complies with the specified limit values for various chemical, microbiological and physical parameters.
REACH Regulation:
The REACH Regulation regulates the manufacture, import and use of chemical substances in the EU. It requires companies to collect and submit information on chemical substances to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) so that risks can be assessed and appropriate measures taken to protect human health and the environment.
Links between the Drinking Water Directive and REACH:
Protection of human health:
Both sets of regulations have the primary purpose of protecting human health from the harmful effects of chemicals.
The REACH Regulation ensures that information on chemical substances is collected and evaluated, which also helps to identify potentially hazardous substances that could contaminate drinking water.
The Drinking Water Directive uses this information to ensure that hazardous concentrations of these substances are not present in drinking water.
Regulation of hazardous substances:
Through REACH, substances of very high concern (SVHC) can be identified and their use restricted or banned. These measures help to prevent the contamination of drinking water with such substances.
The Drinking Water Directive can set specific limits for certain chemicals that have been categorised as hazardous by REACH.
Exchange of information and transparency:
REACH encourages the collection and sharing of data on chemicals throughout the supply chain, which enables authorities to make informed decisions about the protection of drinking water.
The Drinking Water Directive uses this data to ensure that monitoring and control measures are in line with the latest scientific knowledge.
Common objective:
Both sets of regulations contribute to sustainable development by ensuring the protection of natural resources, such as drinking water, and reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) covers a wide range of chemical substances and their compounds, including lead in non-ferrous metals, copper and bronze alloys. Lead is classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) and therefore its use in these alloys is subject to certain restrictions and requirements.
Lead-containing alloys in non-ferrous metals, copper and bronze:
Brass (copper-zinc alloys):
Brass often contains small amounts of lead to improve machinability and lubrication.
Under REACH, manufacturers and importers must ensure that the use of lead remains within safe limits and that the necessary safety data sheets are provided.
Bronze (copper-tin alloys):
Bronze can also contain lead to make castings easier to machine and improve casting quality.
Here too, manufacturers are obliged to assess the risks and take measures to minimise exposure.
The EU is currently discussing whether lead should be included in Annex 14 of the REACH Regulation. Annex 14 deals with the authorisation of certain substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and is also known as the ‘Authorisation List’.
Substances listed in Annex 14 may only be used in the EU if they have been authorised by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and companies wishing to use these substances must apply for authorisation and demonstrate that the risks associated with the use of the substance are manageable or that the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risks. There is a sunset date for each substance that is included in Annex 14. After this date, the substance may only be used if authorisation has been granted.
The decision is expected to be made in 2028. From then on, a so-called ‘substance ban’ will apply to lead. Of course, it is possible that the decision-making process will be delayed, but this is not certain. For this reason, affected companies should always consider alternatives.