This week, on 25–26 February 2026, the EU REACH Committee meets again to continue discussions on the European Commission’s proposal to restrict the use of lead in ammunition.

Discussions are expected to continue to focus on the timing of the proposed restriction and the length of the proposed transitional periods. Several Member States have previously highlighted practical, economic, and logistical challenges, and these concerns are likely to feature again in the upcoming exchange.

At the same time, the debate around restricting lead bullets may intensify in light of the ongoing geopolitical and defence context, in which some Member States continue to question the appropriateness of advancing restrictions, given that European manufacturing capacity is increasingly focused on defence and security priorities.

FACE continues to closely follow this dossier as it progresses through the EU decision-making process, which remains a significant regulatory file affecting Europe’s 7 million hunters.