The European Commission has authorised two new animal stunning methods prior to slaughter. The EC has amended Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing, adopting Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1734.

These new rules permit the use of the non-penetrative captive bolt stunning method for additional animal categories and authorise high-expansion nitrogen foam stunning, which uses nitrogen-filled foam to induce unconsciousness. The amendments update Annex I to reflect these approved methods and outline their specific technical requirements and operational conditions.

(8) Non-penetrative captive bolt is already listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 for use in ruminants up to 10 kg, as simple stunning method. Based on the evidence provided in the Opinion on sheep and goats, and to ensure legal certainty, it is appropriate to amend Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 to allow its use as killing method for lambs and goat kids up to 4,5 kg of live weight and to lay down the specific requirements for the use of that method as regards piglets, lambs and kid goats.

The Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 17 July 2026. Read the full document here.