The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed restrictions on the use of lead ammunition across the EU for hunting and sports shooting. A recent study commissioned by the European Shooting Sports Forum (ESSF) highlights a significant underestimation of the costs associated with upgrading shooting ranges to comply with ECHA’s proposed regulations, amounting to a potential shortfall of €4-5 billion. The study reveals that most ranges across Europe are not equipped to meet these stringent requirements, raising substantial economic and practical concerns. Stakeholders are calling on the European Commission to consider alternative risk management solutions that achieve environmental and health objectives without imposing disproportionate financial burdens on the shooting sports community.
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