European Parliament approves EU-wide ban on lead shot ammunition

The European Parliament has approved a proposal from the European Commission to ban lead shot ammunition for hunting across all habitats within the EU. This measure follows a previous partial ban on lead shot for hunting waterfowl in wetlands.

According to the European Chemicals Agency, approximately 135 million birds in Europe are at risk of lead poisoning annually from ingesting discarded shot. The heavy metal accumulates in the environment, contaminating soil and water, and poses risks to humans through the consumption of wild game. The ban prohibits the sale and use of shot ammunition containing one percent or more lead by weight for hunting and outdoor sports shooting, with limited exceptions.

While the regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU, the most significant obligations will not apply for seven years. The new rules do not affect military, security, or defense sectors. Hunting associations have previously expressed concerns regarding the costs of upgrading shooting ranges and the compatibility of older firearms with lead-free alternatives.