The EU’s proposed restriction on lead in ammunition under the REACH Regulation continues to generate significant discussion among Member States. On 26 June 2025, the REACH Committee met in Brussels to further discuss the proposed ban and its implications.

During the meeting, the European Commission presented a discussion note (not publicly available) outlining possible options to amend the original proposal. This effort aims to build consensus following feedback received in earlier meetings and in writing. While Member States provided their preliminary views on the options during the session, no vote was taken. Instead, the Commission invited further written comments by 21 August 2025 and indicated that the next discussion will take place during the Committee’s October 2025 meeting.

For hunters, the main challenges relate to the proposed short transition periods: just 18 months for all centre-fire bullets and 3 years for all lead shot used in hunting. Additionally, the lack of a “review clause” for rimfire ammunition is concerning, especially since suitable non-lead alternatives with comparable performance do not yet exist.

Updates will be provided following the October 2025 REACH Committee meeting.

For further information, please contact: seppo.puustinen@face.eu