Here on all4shooters/all4hunters.com we have written extensively about this issue. In short, in March 2023 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) ECHA published its formal “opinion” for a restriction on lead in ammunition, proposing that the EU should restrict the use of lead ammunition in hunting and sport shooting. This will also affect EEA countries and Northern Ireland. The following restrictions are proposed by ECHA:
Lead shot: Ban on the placing on the market of lead shot together with a ban on its use for hunting. Transitional period of 5 years. However, ECHA’s committees (RAC and SEAC) consider that the proposed 5 years is too long and propose 18 months.
Centerfire lead ammunition for rifles: Ban on the use of lead bullets for hunting (seal hunting and full metal jackets excluded). Transitional period of 18 months.
Rimfire lead ammunition for rifles: Lead rimfire bullets can be used for hunting for 5 years. This transitional period is combined with a review considering whether good alternatives are available before the end of 5 years.
Lead shot in shooting ranges: Ban on the use of lead shot for sport shooting. Transitional period of 5 years. However, a very narrow use of lead shot can continue if shooting ranges have extensive risk management measures in place (for example annual lead recovery of at least 90%).
Rifle shooting in shooting ranges: Ban on the use of lead rifle ammunition for sports shooting. Transitional period of 5 years. Use of lead bullets can continue if ranges have risk management measures in place.