Government confirms timeline for lead ammunition restrictions

The Government has confirmed when restrictions on the sale and use of lead ammunition will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales.

The news follows an announcement last year that the Government would legislate on recommendations arising from the UK REACH process. 

The new legislation will introduce a phased timetable for restrictions between 2028 and 2029. 

The key changes are outlined below:

Shotgun cartridges

• The use and sale of lead shot for live quarry shooting will be banned from 1 April 2029.
• The use and sale of lead shot for indoor and outdoor recreational target shooting will also be banned from 1 April 2029, with exemptions for elite athletes.

Rifle ammunition

• The use and sale of lead bullets for live quarry shooting in calibres 6.17 millimetres and above will be banned from 1 April 2029.
• Small calibre rifles below 6.17 millimetres, including commonly used pest control calibres, are not affected by the restrictions.
• The use of lead bullets for outdoor target shooting will be restricted from 1 April 2028, except at ranges that meet the required risk management measures.

Airguns

• There are no restrictions on the sale or use of lead airgun pellets for either target shooting or live quarry shooting.

BASC’s deputy director of shooting operations, Terry Behan, said: “In 2020, BASC and other shooting organisations took the initiative by announcing a voluntary five-year transition away from lead shot and single-use plastics for live quarry shooting, knowing that regulatory change was likely. Our priority was to uphold the shooting community’s long-standing commitment to high environmental standards while protecting the future of shooting in the UK.

“The Government has now confirmed the timetable for restrictions on the sale and use of lead ammunition, with the main changes coming into effect between 2028 and 2029.

“The confirmed implementation dates now provide clarity for the sector. BASC will support our members and the wider shooting community as we adapt to these changes and transition responsibly to non-lead alternatives through initiatives such as sustainable ammunition days, guidance and education.

“We’re pleased to see that the exemptions BASC successfully argued and lobbied for – including for small calibre rifles, airguns, shooting on ranges that meet mitigation requirements, and elite athletes – have been included in the Government’s plans, reflecting the practical realities of pest control, target shooting and competitive shooting.

“We are disappointed that the Government has not listened to the advice of the shooting sector on the inclusion of .243 within the definition of larger calibres. This risks adversely affecting around 60,000 deer stalkers and could have serious implications for the delivery of the national deer policy, which plays an important role in road safety, food production and environmental management.

“If the Government wants an effective deer management policy in England, Scotland and Wales, it must ensure that deer managers have access to the appropriate tools to do the job.”