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Comment by stdbrouw | Hacker News Reader

That's nonsense, it is still very easy to get leaded solder in Europe.

I last bought some 2kg of Fluitin 1532 leaded solder in Switzerland back in 2017. They still offer the leaded version in the online shop I got it from. Definitely still easily available.

That stuff will last me for a few years. However, once it's used up, I guess I'll try switching to lead-free as well.

Not in Sweden that’s for sure. It took me a long search to find some a while back when I needed it

Wow, I was going to post some trivial links to common national shops that were full of the stuff last time I looked, but ... nothing.

It seems to be due to a EU regulation that became active March 1 2018 here in Sweden, it's no longer legal to sell metal alloys containing more than 0.3% (!) lead to individuals [1].

I had no idea, thanks!

[1]: https://www.kemi.se/lagar-och-regler/reach-forordningen/begr...

Actually, yes, it looks like I didn't have the full truth either: as recently as 2 or 3 years ago you could still buy leaded solder in most places (in Europe), but the store in Germany where I used to order it, doesn't sell any anymore.

Not in Spain. I remember the change at around 2003/2005, where the seller just gave me the lead free version.

For what I remember, the lead free had a higher melting temperature. At least back in the days.

Took one week to get used to.

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