About Us

An Introduction

EFTTA is a trade only association. EFTTA was established in London in 1981 as an international and independent association of companies in the European fishing tackle industry. Its objective was to promote the interests of the European fishing tackle industry and to make it more effective in the international market place.

To this end, close relations have been established with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the Japanese Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (JAFTMA), the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA). EFTTA has established agreements with these associations for reciprocal exhibiting rights for members leading to increased international marketing opportunities.

In 1989 the International Sport Fishing Council (ISFC) was formed with ASA and JAFTMA. As a result, World Fishing Week an extension of ASA’s highly successful National Fishing Week was launched in 1991 to promote fishing worldwide, particularly for young people.

In 1997, EFTTA together with the European Anglers Alliance, appointed a lobbyist to the European Parliament in Brussels. As a result, a useful network of contacts has been established and the sportfishing industry is now recognised as a significant factor in the decision making process. EFTTA sets aside 50% of EFTTA profit in order to support lobbying projects to safeguard the future of the industry.

First held in 1982, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX) was organised by EFTTA and today has developed into the premier trade show for the industry. Currently EFTTA has more than 270 members from over 35 countries, 40 of which are discretionary members. The organisation helps its members to maintain relationships within the industry, as well as developing interest in new market areas.

2002 saw the launch of the totally interactive online website offering members a huge directory of over 10,000 fishing tackle companies – www.eftta.com

The new EFTTA Line Charter aims to ensure the end of inaccurate labelling on line packaging. Says EFTTA President Pierangelo Zanetta: "As a trade association we cannot accept a situation where law-abiding members are at a disadvantage compared to companies that do not respect the laws. We have to show we act for an industry that respects consumer rights."

Line Charter members aim:

To respect and promote the EFTTA Monofilament Line Charter when producing, spooling, selling or distributing monofilaments of my own trademarks within Europe.
To print on the products clear and accurate descriptions in terms of diameter and breaking strength that are easy to understand, truthful and respectful of consumer protection laws and the standards of the industry, in compliance of the ISO 2062.
To run quality controls in sufficient quantities and sufficiently often to ensure that the products' labels are always accurate.
Not to use any other labelling in terms of breaking strengths that is not scientifically demonstrated or agreed by the industry so as to avoid any confusion among consumers leading to unfair competition.
To be an active ambassador of the Line Charter by warning my OEM customers of the risks they take by infringing the laws.
To conform to these rules within June 2012, not delivering to any marketplace any products which do not comply with the Charter.