The decision: Authorisation by the EU REACH Committee
On 26 June 2025 has the so-called REACH Committee of the European Commission the request of Shell on further production and utilisation of Avgas 100LL approved. The result: 26 votes in favour, one abstention, none against. The Shell application is thus politically and legally secured. The decision was taken within the framework of the EU Regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) - a set of instruments for the evaluation and regulation of chemicals in the European Union, which was adopted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki.
The authorisation allows Shell to sell Avgas 100LL with TEL continue to produce and distribute until April 2032unless the EU adopts other environmental regulations by then or suitable lead-free alternatives are widely available.
What does this mean for aircraft owners and pilots?
This decision is important for the general aviation in Europe of great importance. Many piston aircraft engines - especially high-performance models such as the Lycoming IO-540 or Continental TSIO-520 - require a fuel mixture with high knock resistance, which can only be achieved with the lead additive TEL. Without a secure 100LL supply, many operators of expensive aircraft would either have had to convert or cease flight operations.
With the new regulation, there is now planning security:
✅ No supply insecurity until at least 2032
✅ No need for short-term technical modifications
✅ No widespread grounding due to fuel shortage
What about the other manufacturers?
In addition to Shell, the other two major suppliers in Europe - WARTER Fuels (Poland) and TRAFIGURA / Puma Energy - applications for authorisation for the production of TEL-containing avgas. These were presented to the REACH Committee on the same day as the Shell application, but are still in the Coordination process. However, due to the similarity in content of the applications not expectedthat they are rejected.
How did this decision come about?
The agreement is the result of many years of well-coordinated efforts. Lobbying and awareness-raising work by several European aviation associations. The leading players included:
- Europe Air Sports
- ERAC (European Regional Aerodromes Conference)
- GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association)
- IAOPA-Europe (International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations)
These organisations have jointly prepared dossiers, statements and scientific assessments and contributed them to the political decision-making process. Their aim: to develop a realistic Transition period for the replacement of leaded aviation petrol without jeopardising the operational safety of existing aircraft.
This was particularly emphasised:
- That a Uncoordinated European solo effort would not be expedient for the prohibition regulation
- That the the world's last manufacturer of TEL is still able to deliver in Great Britain
- That the Low quantities of LEAD in avgas in Europe and the environmental impact locally limited are
- That it takes time until Unleaded high-octane avgas such as G100UL is available, tested and certified in practice
What is happening in the USA?
In the United States General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) has been working for years on a lead-free alternative called G100UL (Unleaded 100 Octane Aviation Fuel). The FAA has already certified the fuel, but the rollout is slow. Currently the Availability limited to a few airportsIn addition, a broad approval by engine manufacturers such as Lycoming and Continental is still missing.
The European aviation industry is watching this development closely. An imminent breakthrough in the US-wide introduction could also accelerate the authorisation and spread of lead-free alternatives in Europe.
What does this mean in the long term?
The current decision is A postponement, not a licence. The political and regulatory framework conditions are clearly signalling that the future of aviation fuel lead-free will be. European aviation now has a realistic timeframe for achieving this:
- develop and certify alternative fuels
- Gradually retrofitting or releasing existing fleets
- develop the infrastructure for the distribution of unleaded avgas variants
Conclusion
The REACH authorisation for Shell's Avgas 100LL until 2032 provides much-needed clarity and certainty for operators of aircraft with powerful piston engines. It enables a controlled, not hasty transition to lead-free fuels - with a sense of proportion and in coordination with developments in the USA.
At the same time, the decision shows that Committed, objective association work can also be effective in a highly complex EU regulatory system. The coming years should now be used intensively to realise the lead-free future of general aviation in technological and practical terms.
Source references:
AOPA