Malta hunters welcome longer transition on EU lead shot ban

Malta’s hunting lobby has welcomed the extension to a seven-year transition period on the use of lead in gunshot after the EU REACH Committee approved the European’s Commission’s proposal to restrict its use.

Following extensive reworkings on the Commission’s original proposal over the past 18 months, the final text approved on Friday now includes an extended transition period for lead gunshot from three to seven years.

The proposed restriction on lead bullets has also been removed from the proposal, reflecting the EU’s broader political priorities, including defence and security.

FACE, the European hunting lobby, said most of its key policy recommendations “have been reflected in the final proposal, resulting in a more proportionate and practical approach for Europe’s hunting community”.

In a statement on Friday, Malta’s Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) said its “persistent efforts helped secure” the seven year transition, through its affiliation with FACE and its participation in the Ammunition Working Group while maintaining continuous communication with the government.

FKNK said it worked “tirelessly” to ensure that Malta’s particular circumstances were clearly explained and supported with technical reports, scientific arguments and practical evidence.

The organisation pointed out that the industry “has not yet provided a viable alternative to lead shot for the types of hunting practised in Malta".

It hailed the outcome of Friday’s decision as a “significant improvement” over the Commission’s original proposal, adding the extended transition period provides “valuable additional time for hunters, retailers and the industry to prepare”.

FKNK said it will hold a meeting with the sector “in the coming days” to discuss the way forward.

Last year Birdlife had launched an international campaign urging the EU to completely ban the use of lead in hunting, sport shooting and fishing, “demanding the end of lead poisoning”.