The government has taken the next step toward introducing restrictions on lead ammunition after a statutory instrument was laid before Parliament, beginning the legislative process that will bring the proposed measures into law.
The move follows work commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in 2021, when the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was asked to examine the use of lead in ammunition. After a series of public consultations and engagement with organisations including the British Shooting Sports Council, the HSE submitted its final recommendations to the government in December 2024.
Under the proposed regulations, the restrictions will be introduced through a phased transition, with a full ban on possessing, using or selling lead ammunition in most circumstances expected to take effect from 1 April 2029, subject to a number of exemptions.
Shotgun ammunition is expected to see the most significant change. From 1 April 2029, the possession, use and sale of lead shot for live quarry shooting, as well as indoor and outdoor target shooting, will be prohibited, with exemptions granted only for elite athletes. In preparation for the transition, cartridge manufacturers have already invested heavily in research and production capacity to develop steel and other non-lead alternatives.
Only a small number of users, including owners of guns with Damascus barrels and those using .410 shotguns, are expected to require alternative non-steel options.
For rifle ammunition used in live quarry shooting, the regulations will prohibit the use and sale of large-calibre bullets of 6.17mm (.243) and above from 1 April 2029. Smaller calibres below 6.17mm will remain unaffected for live quarry shooting.
Different provisions apply to target shooting. The use of lead bullets for outdoor target shooting will be prohibited from 1 April 2028, with a two-year transition period. However, ranges that can demonstrate approved lead management and recycling systems will be able to continue operating under a derogation. Facilities such as the National Shooting Centre at Bisley are expected to fall within this exemption.
Airguns have been removed from the scope of the restrictions following discussions between the HSE and DEFRA. As a result, the sale and use of lead airgun pellets will remain unrestricted for both target shooting and live quarry purposes.
The statutory instrument also sets out several additional exemptions. These include indoor shooting activities using bullets, where lead can be effectively captured and recycled, as well as use by the Armed Forces and police.
The Gun Trade Association has previously raised concerns about potential supply chain implications, noting that civilian and government ammunition production is closely interconnected. It remains unclear how the new regulations may affect long-term manufacturing and availability.
Further exemptions apply to athletes competing at national and international level events, including the Commonwealth Games and Olympic disciplines, as well as shooting activities taking place on ranges with approved lead management systems. Museums and certain specialist applications are also covered by exemptions where lead ammunition forms part of collections or technical displays.
The regulations will now pass through the parliamentary process before coming into force.