Lead - how long until it's banned?
The RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The aim is to reduce the use of such substances in order to protect the environment and human health. Lead (Pb) is one of the restricted substances. Currently, exemption 6c still applies, which allows the use of lead in certain alloys, e.g. brass, up to 4%.
The exemption is temporary but has already been extended several times. In December 2025, the EU Commission published in the Official Journal that exemption 6c will end on June 30, 2027. An application to extend exemption 6c was submitted on time. Whether this will be granted is anyone's guess.
Start preparations...
...for the changeover.
We recommend specifying lead-free components today, especially for new developments, or at least planning for them as an alternative. Keep in mind that the lifecycle of your products may extend well beyond 2027 and that your products containing lead components may no longer be placed on the market in the EU after the deadline.
At Jacob, we have already implemented over 200 individual turned parts for our cable glands and accessories made of lead-free brass in production. Download the lead-free brass brochure here.
This is an ongoing process, so more items will be added continuously. We can also produce customer-specific turned parts.
We would be happy to provide you with the necessary technical data for your changeover. Of course, we are also happy to advise you either in person, by phone, or online. Simply send us an email with your contact request to info@jacob-gmbh.de.
You may also visit our Service/Environmental policies/Legal news page for further information on RoHS and useful links to the EU Commission's website.