The EU-wide ban on using lead gunshot in wetland areas starts applying on 16 February 2023.

This restriction harmonises national laws already in place in various forms in 23 EU Member States and introduces new legislation in four EU Member States: Ireland, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. It also implements the international Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) to protect wetland birds in the EU.

The restriction is expected to protect the environment by reducing lead pollution and preventing the death of around one million waterbirds every year from lead poisoning.

In January 2021, a broader restriction covering the use of lead in hunting, outdoor sports shooting and fishing was proposed. This proposal and the scientific committees’ opinion will soon be sent to the European Commission for decision making.

More information available on ECHA’s dedicated page.