A new regulation introduced by the European Commission aims to limit the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in mud targets (mudbirds) used for shooting sports by amending Annex XVII of Regulation (REACH) No 1907/2006 by Regulation (EU) No 2025/660 of April 1, 2025. This amendment aims to significantly reduce the hazards of PAHs to the environment and human health.
The new regulation limits the amount of PAHs contained in sludge targets to no more than 0.005% (50 mg/kg) per dry mass. This regulation will apply to all sludge targets placed on the market from April 22, 2026. The use of PAHs as binding agents in sludge targets leads to the release of these toxic substances into the environment.
PAHs are hazardous due to their carcinogenic properties, their long persistence in the environment and their ability to bioaccumulate. Each year, the use of PAH-containing sludge targets results in the release of over 270 tons of PAHs into the environment. According to estimates by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this new limit will reduce PAH releases by 99%.
To ensure that producers do not experience difficulties during this transition period, a transition period of one year has been set. During this period, the use of sludge targets with a PAH content of up to 1% will be allowed. However, after this period, only alternative targets with low or no PAHs will be allowed to be sold on the market.
The European Commission’s decision is the result of extensive consultations and expert reports from ECHA and is a measure to prevent the long-term harm of PAHs to the environment and human health. The regulation will enter into force on April 22, 2026 and is an important step towards more sustainable and safer sports equipment in the EU.
For More Information: Regulation 2025/660 of April 1, 2025
