The EU is moving towards an outright ban on lead shot
European Commission takes first step towards a complete prohibition on the use of lead shot over land despite protests from hunting groups
The European Union has taken a major step towards a full ban on lead shot.
Wetlands
The EU has been in the process of implementing a ban on the use of lead over wetlands for some time and a move to restrict the use of lead in other environments has been expected.
A recently released letter shows that the European Commission has taken the first step in this process. The letter asks the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to prepare draft regulations to restrict the use of lead in ammunition and fishing weights in terrestrial environments such as woodland and mountains.
The agency published a report in September 2018 that concluded there was sufficient evidence of a risk from lead in weights and ammunition to justify new regulation.
Lead-poisoned birds
The report claimed that restricting the use of lead in ammunition would “reduce the mortality of an estimated 1 to 2 million birds, such as pheasants and partridges, that may inadvertently swallow the lead shot, or scavenge or prey on lead-poisoned birds in the terrestrial environment”.
The study added that it would also reduce health risks to a significant population of hunters and their families who frequently eat game meat killed with lead shot or bullets. The proposed regulations are expected to take roughly 15 months to develop.
Responding to the news, FACE, the European umbrella group for hunting organisations, said it does not support a general ban on lead in ammunition.
It said in a statement: “From FACE’s perspective, any further measures beyond lead shot over wetlands must be proportional with the demonstrated risks to wildlife populations and human health via game consumption.”
Why I’m finally giving steel ammunition a proper test this season
Biodegradable shotcups suitable for steel ammunition have been available for a while. Gamebore has some 76mm wildfowling loads with its…
Shooters reject Weetabix claims on lead shot contamination
Shooting groups have questioned comments by Weetabix’s head of quality Keith Turnbull, warning farmers to avoid contaminating wheat grain with…
A complete ban on lead?
Caroline Bedell, BASC’s executive director of conservation, said: “There are a number of uncertainties around this process at the moment, not least of which is the potential impact of Brexit and how the UK will respond legislatively to future directives from Europe.
“Nevertheless, the EC and ECHA have clearly signalled their intent to seek a hard-line approach in support of a complete ban on the use of lead.
“BASC is working closely with colleagues at FACE to ensure the interests of the UK shooting community and ammunition manufacturers are fully represented in Europe. There is still plenty of time for organisations, manufacturers and individuals to have an input.”
