Northern Ireland: seven-year reprieve on lead shot as EU revises restrictions

EU member states have agreed to drop a proposed ban on lead bullets and to extend the transition period for lead shot to seven years, in a significant revision of the lead ammunition restrictions that will apply across the EU and Northern Ireland. BASC, which chaired a working group of European shooting organisations during the talks, said the changes agreed at the EU REACH committee are a far more proportionate outcome after 18 months of negotiation.

What has changed for lead ammunition?

• There will be no restrictions on the use of lead bullets, lead slugs and lead airgun pellets for hunting and outdoor target shooting, and lead ammunition can continue to be used at indoor ranges.
• For lead shot, the transition period before general restrictions take effect for hunting and outdoor target shooting has been extended from three years to seven.
• Lead shot can still be used by muzzle-loaders, breech-loading guns and modern replicas.
• An exemption allows the continued use of lead shot by active members of recognised federations at outdoor ranges that meet risk management measures, subject to review after 10 years.
• The military and police are exempt from any lead ammunition restrictions.

Why were the proposals watered down?

Following 18 months of negotiation, member states secured significant amendments to the European Commission’s original lead ban proposals. BASC said most of the key policy recommendations put forward by the European Federation for Shooting and Conservation (FACE) have been reflected in the final proposal, resulting in a more proportionate and practical approach for Europe’s hunting community.

A working group of FACE members, chaired by BASC, helped coordinate briefings by national hunting associations to their governments on the negative impact of the original proposals. BASC said the changes also reflect wider EU political priorities, notably defence and security considerations.

What happens next?

The revised proposals now enter a three-month scrutiny period in the European Parliament and Council. Given the extent of the changes already agreed by member states, BASC said it is unlikely that there will be successful objections.

What do the changes mean for shooters in the UK?

The EU restrictions on lead ammunition will apply to Northern Ireland as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which means the province remains subject to EU REACH regulations.

England, Scotland and Wales are subject to UK REACH, under which lead ammunition restrictions are due to take effect in a phased timetable between 2028 and 2029. BASC said the current government is unlikely to introduce new legislation to align the EU and Great Britain positions. Non-lead ammunition and cartridges are expected to remain available to the UK market, reducing the risk of supply constraints as demand increases.

Readers can find BASC’s detailed guidance on the phased Great Britain timetable in its lead ammunition questions and answers at basc.org.uk.