The formal discussions to restrict lead in ammunition continue within the EU REACH Committee (composed of Member State representatives and chaired by the European Commission). The latest meeting took place on 22–23 October 2025 to discuss the latest draft of the Commission’s proposal (see the agenda).

Although the meeting took place in closed session and the formal outcome has not been published, it is concerning to note that the updated legal proposal presented by the European Commission in advance of the meeting shows no revisions to some the main issues affecting Europe’s hunting community, namely:

• 3 years for lead shot, which is too short,
• 18 months for centre-fire ammunition, which is too short,
• No review clause or permanent derogation for rimfire ammunition,

However, there are minor adjustments that merit attention, for example, amending the timing of the derogations for clay shooting ranges and removing the requirement for shooting ranges to sell shotgun ammunition. This applies only for active members of sports shooting federations at outdoor sports shooting ranges. The deletion of this authorisation for selling cartridges for clay shooting probably reflects concerns over feasibility, particularly regarding the lack of infrastructure and permitting complexity for some shooting ranges to sell ammunition. Importantly, neither the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or the European Commission know how many clay shooting ranges in Europe have (or will be able to put in place) the required risk management measures.

The major development, which we reported last month was the splitting of the proposal separating lead in ammunition from lead in fishing tackle. This means that the proposal to restrict lead in fishing restriction is likely to be adopted first.

FACE continues to closely follow this process, which remains a significant regulatory file affecting Europe’s 7 million hunters. Finally, in the coming weeks, watch out for this event in the European Parliament.