Key takeaway
The February 2026 REACH Committee meeting focused on reviewing draft restrictions and authorisations for lead, chromium VI and CMR substances. While no major measures were finalised, the discussions indicate continued regulatory scrutiny and signal important developments ahead of expected votes in April.
No final restrictions were adopted during the meeting. Most measures, including those on lead and CMR substances, remain under discussion, with potential revisions and votes expected at the April 2026 REACH Committee meeting.
Chromium trioxide continues to be authorised for specific uses following Committee votes. However, these approvals are conditional and remain subject to ongoing scrutiny, particularly regarding worker safety, environmental emissions and the availability of safer alternatives.
Source basis: European Commission, REACH Committee meeting of 25-26 February 2026
The European Commission and Member State representatives reviewed a broad set of draft restrictions and authorisation decisions during the 25–26 February 2026 REACH Committee meeting. Key discussions covered lead in ammunition and fishing tackle, chromium trioxide authorisations, and restrictions on carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxicants (CMRs). Most measures remain under development, with further discussions and potential votes scheduled for April 2026.
The Committee examined draft amendments to Annex XVII concerning lead in fishing tackle and ammunition. For fishing tackle, the Commission presented updates to clarify how the proposed restriction interacts with existing provisions on reproductive toxicants, including potential derogations.
On ammunition, the revised proposal now focuses solely on lead gunshot, explicitly excluding bullets. Member States expressed divergent views, with some raising concerns about the timing and economic impact of new restrictions. The Commission is considering whether to extend the transitional period for the hunting ban from three to five years.
Further revisions may be tabled ahead of a possible vote in April.
The Committee reviewed numerous applications for the authorisation of chromium trioxide (Cr(VI)), widely used in electroplating and surface treatment across automotive, sanitary and industrial sectors.
Most applications received qualified majority support and proceeded to vote. However, several Member States raised recurring concerns about worker exposure, high excess cancer risks and the adequacy of risk management measures. In particular, some delegations opposed uses with decorative character and called for stronger substitution efforts.
This reflects the ongoing balance within REACH between allowing critical industrial uses and driving the phase-out of substances of very high concern.
Draft updates to CMR restrictions, including their use in childcare products, were also presented. Member States broadly supported maintaining alignment between REACH restrictions and CLP additivity rules, while raising technical questions on scope, concentration limits and transitional periods.
Additional restriction dossiers discussed included creosote, calcium cyanamide fertilisers and hydrogenated terphenyl. All remain subject to further review, with several files expected to return for discussion or vote at the next Committee meeting.
The February meeting highlights the volume and complexity of ongoing REACH activity rather than signalling immediate regulatory change. Both restriction proposals and authorisation decisions are progressing in parallel, requiring careful monitoring by industry.
Businesses should note that while some chromium trioxide uses continue to be authorised, scrutiny of worker safety and substitution remains high. At the same time, potential new restrictions on lead and CMR substances could affect product design, supply chains and market access.
Call to action: Companies should track upcoming April 2026 REACH Committee discussions, review substance portfolios for lead, Cr(VI) and CMR exposure, and prepare for possible regulatory changes.
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