EU lead shot ban in wetlands comes into force

Following years of campaigning by WWT, BirdLife and other international partners, it is now illegal to use lead gunshot in and around wetlands in all 27 EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein.

The new law, which came into full effect on 15 February 2023, will not only help protect the health of wetlands, but should save the lives of millions of birds. This important milestone marks the end of a two year transition period to allow countries to ditch lead for non-toxic ammunition.