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Once in force, this restriction will ban lead gunshot everywhere, including outside of wetlands and in sport shooting, with a seven-year transition period. It will be applied across the EU, the European Economic Area, and Northern Ireland.

Scientists have known for more than 30 years that lead is highly toxic to wildlife and people, and there is no safe level of exposure. Yet, more than 44.000 tonnes of lead are still scattered across the EU every year through hunting, sport shooting and fishing.

Thanks to this restriction, 135 million birds at risk of poisoning and 1 million children at risk of exposure in the EU will be protected. This is a huge step towards a pollution-free Europe. Now, European countries must make sure the restriction is properly implemented.