Photo: © Linda Dombrovska 2026

Seven-year transition secured; bullets and slugs excluded. Formal adoption and publication in the EU Official Journal are the remaining steps.

The EU REACH restriction on lead gunshot has completed scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU without opposition.

FACE’s Members, comprising 37 national hunting associations across Europe, have been actively engaged in decision-making throughout this process and consider the final text a workable outcome after years of intensive engagement.

The proposal has changed substantially: the transition period has been extended from three to seven years, while bullets and slugs have been entirely removed from its scope. Member States and supportive Members of the European Parliament played important roles in securing these improvements.

Once the seven-year transition and the exclusion of bullets and slugs were secured, FACE’s agreed approach was to accept the improved text. Returning the file to the European Commission would have created considerable uncertainty, with a significant risk of a new proposal with a broader scope and less favourable conditions for hunters.

The remaining steps are formal adoption by the European Commission and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, which is expected in the coming weeks.

“We must now use the seven years effectively to ensure hunters have good quality non-lead shot, clear information and practical support.”

FACE President Laurens Hoedemaker

Once the regulation has been published, FACE will resume discussions with its Members on practical implementation. FACE will work with its Members to exchange best practice and help hunters prepare for the seven-year transition.