EU to ban lead gunshot

On October 8, the European Parliament voted down two objections, paving the way for the phase-out of lead gunshot pellets for hunting and sport shooting throughout the EU, including outside wetlands.

The regulations, which will be introduced with a seven-year transition period, will apply to the European Economic Area and Northern Ireland, but do not cover lead bullets or slugs, which were removed from the proposal.

The ban is intended to reduce lead pollution and will be implemented under the EU’s main chemicals law, which includes restrictions on chemical substances to protect human health and the environment.

The development follows the introduction of similar restrictions in Great Britain in April, for environmental reasons, covering lead in both rifle ammunition and shotgun cartridges.

The British restrictions will be phased in between 2028 and 2029, with different types of shooting being affected in different ways, including:

• Shotgun live quarry shooting – the use and sale of lead shot will be banned from April 1, 2029.
• Shotgun target shooting – the use and sale of lead shot for indoor and outdoor recreational target shooting will also be banned from April 1, 2029, with exemptions for elite athletes.
• Rifle live quarry shooting – lead bullets will be banned from April 1, 2029 for calibres 6.17mm and above.
• Rifle target shooting – restrictions apply from April 1, 2028 for outdoor ranges unless risk management measures are in place.