The direction of regulation in Europe and other jurisdictions is only one way – less lead in brass. Many downstream OEMs are also requiring lead-free materials. New and potential regulatory changes in the EU include:

  • The new Drinking Water Directive
  • The Review of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances
  • The Review of the End-of-life Vehicle Directive (ELV)
  • REACH Authorisation (Regulation, Evaluation and Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

The IWCC is working with members with production in Europe to:

  • Support the gradual move towards lead-free brass alloys,
  • Support the development, testing and registration for use of new lead-free alloys; and
  • Engage directly with European Union regulators to push for regulatory clarity and a gradual approach to reducing requirements for lead in brasses

Globally, we have engaged with CDA-US on work in the US market, JCBA in Japan and gave a presentation at the OECD Chemicals Working Group meetings in Paris in September. The most recent developments include:

  • Drinking Water Directive – Engaging with regulators UBA, ECHA and the EU Commission on the implementation of the Act. A meeting will be held between IWCC Brass Rod Committee, UBA and ECHA to discuss the process for new allow registration for use with drinking water in late November.
  • ELV & RoHS – Building links with key policy officers working on the review of ELV & RoHS to ensure the industry is engaged and heard. A meeting between IWCC and these officers will take place in Q4-24 or Q1-25.

There is an increasing demand from members for the IWCC to represent the fabricators with EU bodies. The IWCC has now registered on the EU Transparency Register to ensure this can happen in an open and official capacity. The IWCC has been invited to take part in the EUMICON supply chain debate in Brussels during EU Raw Materials Week in December to represent the views of the copper semis industry.

Other discussions and issues continue to be raised through our IWCC Regulatory Affairs and Advocacy Committee. Further updates about the IWCC’s involvement in the word done around Lead Free Brass in Europe will feature in future newsletter installments. For more information, please contact us at iwcc@coppercouncil.org.