26 June 2026, Brussels – The EU REACH Committee has approved the European Commission’s proposal to restrict the use of lead in gunshot.

Over the past 18 months, Member States have worked extensively to improve the Commission’s original proposal. The final text differs significantly from the initial draft. Most notably, the transition period for lead gunshot has been extended from three to seven years. In addition, the proposed restriction on lead bullets has been removed from the proposal, reflecting the EU’s broader political priorities, including defence and security.

Most of the key policy recommendations put forward by FACE have been reflected in the final proposal, resulting in a more proportionate and practical approach for Europe’s hunting community.

The proposal will now enter the three-month scrutiny period in the European Parliament and the Council. Given the significant changes introduced by Member States, it appears unlikely that the European Parliament will object to the proposal.

Attention must now turn to implementation. Considerable work will be required to support hunters in the transition to non-lead shot. Best practices should be drawn from countries that have already completed this transition successfully while maintaining high levels of hunting participation.