Awaiting the European Commission's proposal on the restriction on lead in ammunition for outdoor shooting and in fishing, the European Court of Justice (ECJ)’s General Court ruled on an appeal regarding the Commission Regulation amending the list of substances restricted concerning lead in gunshot in or around wetlands. 

The action by Firearms United Network Association and other interest groups against the Regulation has been completely rejected by the General Court. The court dismissed the applicants' arguments that the conclusions of the Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) and Risk Assessment Committees (RAC) of ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), which served as the foundation for the Commission Regulation, contained any assessment mistakes.  

This decision of the General Court increases the legitimacy and relevance of the opinions of the ECHA committees. Both the ECHA Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) do generally support also the restriction on lead in ammunition for outdoor shooting and in fishing. However, they also consider a derogation for sport shooters in case the decision maker is not willing to implement a full ban of lead in shooting. In this case, according to ECHA certain risk management measures should apply to reduce the risks of lead on human beings, wildlife and nature.