The Gun Trade Association (GTA) has published revised guidance for registered firearms dealers following further discussions with the Home Office and the College of Policing on the implementation of the UK’s new sound moderator legislation.
The guidance follows the implementation of Section 44 and Schedule 5 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which removed sound moderators and flash suppressors for Section 1 firearms from the statutory definition of a firearm. As a result, firearm certificate holders no longer require a certificate variation to acquire a sound moderator, reducing administrative burdens for certificate holders, registered firearms dealers and police firearms licensing departments.
The updated document replaces the two guidance notes previously issued by the Association and incorporates additional clarification following a meeting with the Home Office. The GTA said the guidance has become “somewhat more complex” as the reforms have progressed.
The GTA has encouraged members to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance, noting that the changes may affect future trade transactions and enquiries involving sound moderators.
A detailed examination of the new legislation by our firearms legal expert Laura Saunsbury can be found on page 22.