The National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) is aware of the recent vote by the European Union's REACH Committee on proposals to restrict the use of lead shot used in shotgun cartridges.
The National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) is aware of the recent vote by the European Union's REACH Committee on proposals to restrict the use of lead shot used in shotgun cartridges.
REACH is the European Union's system for regulating chemicals and substances that may pose risks to people and the environment. As part of that process, the European Commission proposed restrictions on the use of lead ammunition. Over the last 18 months, those proposals have been examined, debated and amended by EU Member States before being put to a vote.
Following the vote on 25 June, the outcome is more proportionate and practical than many in the shooting community had expected.
One of the most significant changes is that the proposed restrictions on lead bullets and shotgun slugs have been removed from the proposals altogether. The legislation now focuses on lead shot used in shotgun cartridges, with a seven-year transition period before the new restrictions would take effect if the legislation is finally approved.
The proposals have not yet become law. They now enter a three-month scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. If there are no successful objections during that process, the legislation will then be formally adopted across EU Member States.
It is important to stress that this does not change the law in Great Britain.
The UK is no longer a member of the European Union and is not bound by REACH decisions. However, developments in Europe remain important because they can influence future discussions on ammunition policy here in Great Britain.
As a member of the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC), the NGO has been following these proposals closely. We will continue to examine the detail of the final proposals and consider what, if any, lessons they may hold for future discussions on ammunition policy in Great Britain.
The seven-year transition period is significantly longer than originally proposed, giving manufacturers, shooting organisations and users more time to adapt should the legislation come into force. The proposals also retain exemptions for a number of specialist uses, including historic firearms and muzzle-loading guns.
While the outcome is more favourable than many had anticipated, the detail remains important. The proposals still include restrictions on the use of lead shot for hunting and outdoor sports shooting, together with requirements for some outdoor shooting ranges to introduce environmental management measures if they wish to continue using lead shot under specific exemptions.
Attention will now turn to implementation. Over the coming years there will be significant work for manufacturers, shooting organisations and shooting grounds to support the transition to non-lead shot where required, while continuing to address practical challenges such as suitable alternatives for smaller shotgun gauges and the environmental requirements for some shooting ranges.
There will no doubt be a wide range of opinions expressed over the coming weeks, particularly on social media. The NGO believes it is important to understand the detail before reaching conclusions. Our priority has always been to represent our members through evidence, constructive engagement and practical solutions.
For our members, the key message is simple: nothing changes today.
There are no immediate changes to the law in Great Britain, where the legislation to phase out lead shot and certain other lead bullets has already been passed by Parliament. The NGO will continue to monitor developments closely, work with our partners through the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) and engage with Government where appropriate.
ENDS
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession.
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
