WTO Notification of a Draft Amendment to the REACH Restriction on Lead
The European Commission has notified the WTO of a draft amendment to the REACH restriction on lead concerning its use in ammunition and fishing gear
10 Oct 2025Following the ban introduced by Regulation (EU) 2021/57 on the use of lead in ammunition used in or near wetlands — restriction no. 63, paragraph 11, of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) — the European Commission has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new proposal to amend the restriction entry.
This proposal aims to extend the restrictions on the use of lead beyond wetlands, thereby completing the existing regulatory framework. Specifically, it foresees a gradual phase-out of lead in hunting and sport shooting ammunition, as well as in fishing gear, with different timelines depending on the product category.
Below is a summary table of the proposed restrictions and their respective implementation dates:
|
Category |
Restriction |
Implementation
|
|
Hunting gunshot |
Ban on transport and use with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
3 years after entry into force |
|
Sport shooting gunshot |
Ban on transport and use with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
5 years after entry into force |
|
Bullets ≥ 5,6 mm (centrefire) |
Ban on transport and shooting during hunting with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
18 months after entry into force |
|
Bullets (centrefire) < 5,6 mm and rimfire bullets of any calibre < 5,6 mm |
Ban on transport and shooting during hunting with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
10 years after entry into force |
|
Outdoor sport shooting bullets
|
Ban on transport and shooting with Pb ≥ 1% w/w (except in outdoor shooting ranges) |
5 years after entry into force |
|
Sinkers and lures ≤ 50 g |
Ban on placing on the market and use in fishing with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
3 years after entry into force |
|
Sinkers and lures > 50 g |
Ban on placing on the market and use in fishing with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
5 years after entry into force |
|
Fishing wires and drop-in sinkers |
Ban on placing on the market and use in fishing with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
6 months after entry into force |
|
Bullets |
Ban on placing on the market with Pb ≥ 1% w/w |
5 years after entry into force |
The Regulation also introduces:
- Mandatory notice by retailers of hunting pellets, bullets, fishing sinkers, and baits containing Pb ≥ 1% w/w. The information must be clearly and visibly displayed at the point of sale and near the mentioned products, or next to the product online in case of distance selling;
- Mandatory labeling on packaging by suppliers of hunting pellets and bullets with Pb ≥ 1% w/w. The wording must be in the official languages of the Member State where the product is placed on the market;
- Marking with the wording "Pb" on bullets and pellets containing Pb ≥ 1%, starting from the fifth year after the Regulation enters into force.
Some exemptions are foreseen for specific cases, including gunshot and bullets for muzzle-loading and historic firearms (including replicas), copper or copper alloy bullets with Pb content < 3% w/w, bullets intended for seal hunting (for individuals authorized by the competent Member State), full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, bullets used in cultural or traditional ritual events (provided they occur in designated areas and the lead is recovered), baits made of copper alloys with Pb < 3% w/w, sinkers ≤ 0.06 g (if packaged in leak-proof and child-resistant packaging).
Activities excluded from the scope of the restriction include indoor shooting, law enforcement and security operations, military and defense activities, the protection of critical infrastructure, commercial navigation, or high-value convoys, as well as the safeguarding of buildings and public spaces. Also excluded are self-defense (except for hunting and outdoor sport shooting), technical testing and trials of weapons and ammunition, testing and development of ballistic protection materials, forensic analysis, historical and technical research, and the use of primers and wads.
The proposed amendment to restriction entry no. 63 aims for a gradual yet decisive transition toward the elimination of lead in ammunition and fishing gear, with differentiated derogations and timelines to facilitate market and operator adaptation, while ensuring maximum protection of the environment and public health.
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