Guns face three-year deadline for lead ban

Lead shot ban confirmed for 2029

The Government has set the dates for banning lead ammunition in England, Scotland and Wales.

Emma Hardy has signed off the regulations, fixing 1 April 2029 as the date from which most of the new rules will apply.

The sale and use of lead shot will become unlawful for live quarry and clay shooting across all shotgun gauges.

Elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes, however, may continue using lead shot cartridges under a strict annual notification scheme, and military, police, Border Force, forensic and museum uses all fall outside the new restrictions.

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Concerns over rifle calibre threshold

The rules on rifle bullets are more specific. BASC expressed disappointment that the threshold for the ban on lead bullets fell at 6.17mm, meaning it applies to the commonly used .243 calibre.

“This risks adversely affecting around 60,000 deer stalkers,” warned deputy director of shooting operations Terry Behan, who added: “If the Government wants an effective deer management policy, it must ensure that deer managers have access to the appropriate tools to do the job.”

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Exemptions for small-calibre rifles and airguns

In contrast to this rule, smaller calibre rifles falling below the 6.17mm threshold, such as the .22 rimfire and .22 centrefire, remain unaffected, as does all airgun ammunition.

Welcoming the news, Niall Gallagher, technical compliance manager at the British Pest Control Association, said:

“It’s particularly important for pest professionals that small-calibre rifles and airgun pellets remain outside the scope of these restrictions, as these are commonly used tools for controlling pest species safely and effectively.”

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Earlier deadline for target rifle shooting

Outdoor target rifle shooters face a shorter timeframe – 1 April 2028. However, the option of sticking to lead remains open to them as long as they use it only at a range with lead recovery measures in place. Many ranges already meet that standard.

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Industry warns of transition challenges

Concerns remain over the timetable for the transition. The Health and Safety Executive recommended there should be a five-year transition for shotgun ammunition; the Government has allowed three.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Bringing in a ban on lead shot in advance of the Health and Safety Executive’s recommendations will be challenging for ammunition manufacturers, who are already having to cope with much increased demand for military ammunition.”

Mr Bonner nonetheless embraced the direction of travel. “The transition away from lead is not going to have a significant negative impact on game or clay shooting, both of which will continue to thrive,” he said. “By accepting political reality and embracing the opportunities that change brings, shooting will only grow stronger.”

Mr Behan struck a similar note. “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,” he said.