On 13 July 2026, the EU Council published an annex to a Commission Regulation amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, imposing restrictions on the use and market placement of lead gunshot across the European Union. The regulation prohibits carrying or discharging lead gunshot (with at least 1% lead by weight) while hunting or in outdoor sports shooting, and bans placing such ammunition on the market, all effective seven years after entry into force. The measure aims to reduce environmental and human health risks from lead exposure, particularly affecting hunters, sports shooters, retailers, and ammunition manufacturers.
The document, a cover note from the Council, formalises the Commission's proposal to tighten controls on lead in gunshot under the EU's flagship chemicals regulation. The regulation includes a derogation for outdoor sports shooting ranges using small shot (1.9–2.6 mm) if risk-management measures such as lead containment and drainage treatment are in place, and users are active members of sports federations. Retailers must display warnings about lead toxicity at point of sale from six months after entry into force, and packaging labels must carry lead warnings from 18 months after entry into force. Exemptions apply to muzzle-loading guns, historic firearms, indoor shooting, police, military, and self-defence uses. Member States may maintain stricter national provisions on use (but not market placement) if in force at the time of entry into force. The Commission is required to review the derogations after ten years, based on a report from the European Chemicals Agency.
The regulation creates trade-offs between environmental protection and economic costs. For hunters and sports shooters, the seven-year transition allows gradual adaptation to lead-free alternatives but may increase ammunition costs. Retailers and suppliers face compliance burdens for labelling and warnings. The exemptions for historic firearms and specific uses may limit the overall environmental benefits, while the possibility of stricter national rules could lead to a patchwork of regulations across Member States. The regulation encourages innovation in lead-free ammunition and risk-management technologies for shooting ranges. Institutional follow-up includes the Commission's review after ten years, with input from the European Chemicals Agency.