European Commission authorises non-penetrative captive bolt and nitrogen high-expansion foam stunning with binding conditions
EU killing operators may use captive bolt or nitrogen foam stunning only within the new weight limits and technical parameters
Change
On 16 July 2026 the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1734 amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, authorising non-penetrative captive bolt as a killing method for piglets up to 5 kg and lambs and kid goats up to 4.5 kg (and as simple stunning for higher weight bands), and adding nitrogen high-expansion foam for pigs of 15 to 41 kg and for laying hens and broiler chickens. Both methods carry binding technical conditions, and the Regulation is directly applicable in all Member States 20 days after publication.
Why it matters
Operators using non-penetrative captive bolt must observe the species and live-weight limits and the specified shot position, restraint, bolt velocity, kinetic energy, cartridge strength and maximum stun-to-stick or kill intervals to use the method lawfully. Operators using nitrogen high-expansion foam must maintain continuously monitored residual oxygen below 2 percent until death, exposure of at least 7 minutes for pigs and 5 minutes for poultry, a foam expansion ratio above 1:250, bubble diameter of at least 10 millimetres in 95 percent of the foam, container filling in under 60 seconds, uniform distribution, lukewarm water and fully vaporised nitrogen. The Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable across all Member States from 20 days after publication; use outside these parameters is not authorised.
Implications
- — EU slaughterhouse and on-farm killing operators using non-penetrative captive bolt must limit its use as a killing method to piglets up to 5 kg and lambs and kid goats up to 4.5 kg and apply the specified shot position, restraint, bolt kinetic energy, cartridge strength and stun-to-stick or kill intervals, because use outside these species, weight and technical limits is not authorised under the amended Annex I.
- — EU operators using nitrogen high-expansion foam for on-farm killing of pigs (15 to 41 kg) and poultry must hold residual oxygen below 2 percent until death, apply at least 7 minutes exposure for pigs and 5 minutes for poultry, maintain a foam expansion ratio above 1:250 and the specified bubble, filling, distribution and water conditions, because failing any parameter removes the lawful basis for using the method.
Who is affected
- — EU slaughterhouse and on-farm killing operators using non-penetrative captive bolt
- — EU on-farm killing operators using nitrogen high-expansion foam for pigs and poultry
What to watch
- — Regulation binding and directly applicable in all Member States 20 days after publication in the Official Journal (on or about 6 August 2026).