Beginning on April 22, 2026, EU REACH will limit the amount of PAHs in clay targets that can be shot to a concentration of 0.05%.

In accordance with Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2025/660 on April 2, 2025, to control 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets used for shooting. The effective date of this regulation is April 22, 2025.

Sports shooters and small game hunters utilize clay targets, which are flying targets in the shape of saucers, for practice. They are made with binders such as petroleum pitch, coal tar pitch, high temperature (“CTPHT”), and other kinds of resins. 

Because of its carcinogenic, PBT, and vPvB characteristics, CTPHT has been designated as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) and is included in Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The PAHs in CTPHT are the cause of those characteristics.

The rule states that Annex XVII of rule (EC) No 1907/2006 (Restriction List) now includes a new entry of 50a for PAHs. In order to minimize supply chain disruption, the restriction includes a one-year transitional period that gives producers time to adjust to new binders with low or no PAH content. Here are the specifics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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