News

European Union Member States have approved a revised proposal to restrict the use of lead gunshot under the EU's REACH chemicals regulation following more than 18 months of negotiations.

The proposal, approved by the EU REACH Committee on June 26, differs substantially from the European Commission's original draft.

Among the most significant changes is the extension of the transition period for lead gunshot from three years to seven years, providing manufacturers, distributors and hunters with additional time to adapt. The proposed restriction on lead bullets has also been removed, reflecting wider European priorities surrounding defence and security.

According to the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), many of its key policy recommendations have been incorporated into the final proposal, resulting in what the organisation described as a more proportionate and practical approach for Europe's hunting community.

The proposal will now enter a three-month scrutiny period in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can be formally adopted. FACE said it believes it is unlikely that the European Parliament will object, given the substantial amendments made by Member States.

Attention will now turn to implementation, with industry bodies highlighting the need to support hunters through the transition to non-lead shot. FACE said best practice should be drawn from countries that have already completed the transition while maintaining strong levels of hunting participation.

The approval follows significant revisions to the Commission's original proposal, particularly the removal of restrictions on lead bullets, a change that has been welcomed by hunting and shooting organisations across Europe.