EU bans lead ammunition for hunting, mandates steel shot across all habitats
The European Parliament has extended its prohibition on lead-based hunting cartridges from wetlands to all environments, requiring hunters to switch to steel shot.
After a 2023 ban on lead shot in wetland areas, the European Parliament voted to prohibit the toxic ammunition throughout all hunting grounds. The measure aims to protect wildlife and reduce human exposure to lead. Hunters will have to replace lead pellets with softer steel or iron alternatives. Animal-rights activist Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, former LPO president, welcomed the decision, recalling past protests against lead. The new rule applies EU-wide and will be enforced by national authorities.
Why it matters
Lead shot harms wildlife and can affect human health, so the EU ban aims to protect ecosystems and consumers.
In this story
