On 10 July 2025, the government published its proposals to introduce legislation that will restrict lead ammunition in England by the summer of 2026, with a further three-year transition period running until 2029.
The proposed legislation follows recommendations from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the UK REACH framework and includes phased bans on the use of lead shot in both indoor and outdoor shooting settings, as well as restrictions on certain calibres of lead bullets.
Lead is toxic to both humans and wildlife, and the proposals are based on environmental and public health concerns.
The government cites scientific evidence and HSE advice that exposure from spent ammunition poses risks to biodiversity, especially wild birds, and to human health through game consumption.
皇家华人recognises the importance of safeguarding the environment but remains concerned about the potential unintended consequences this legislation may have on rural communities, farm pest control and livestock welfare.
More information on the proposals are available via GOV.UK:
Timescales and exemptions
If the government鈥檚 current timeline remains unchanged, the ban will come into effect in 2029.
Legislation to restrict the use of lead ammunition is planned for introduction by summer 2026, followed by a three-year transition period ending in 2029.听
Once in force, the legislation will prohibit both the sale and use of lead ammunition.
According to the government鈥檚 initial statement, exemptions will apply to:
- Military and police use
- Elite athletes
- Outdoor target shooting ranges with appropriate risk management
- Museum collections
- Other minor or specialist uses
Key points to be aware of
The ban is not limited to certain types of land, eg, wetlands, and will apply regardless of land type or location.
Game shot for personal consumption is included in the ban. All game shot with a shotgun must be taken using non-lead alternatives, even if it鈥檚 for your own use. Details on lead shot in food can be read at:听听
Lead ammunition will also be banned across all clay shooting formats, including:
- Established clay grounds
- Ad hoc clay shoots
- Simulated game days
- Personal use of traps on private land
Exemptions may apply for elite athletes.
Disposal
Once the ban takes effect in 2029 (assuming there are no changes to the government鈥檚 timeline), you will no longer be allowed to use or purchase lead ammunition.
However, collectors who hold the appropriate conditions on their firearm or shotgun certificates may retain lead ammunition for non-firing purposes.
- Large calibre live quarry shooting 鈥� lead ammunition must be used before the ban takes effect.
- Small calibre live quarry shooting 鈥� these calibres are not affected, so disposal is not a concern.
- Target shooting 鈥� disposal is not required but, once the ban is in force, lead ammunition must be clearly labelled by the manufacturer as not for live quarry use.
Alternatives
Non-lead alternatives such as steel, bismuth and copper exist- but their suitability varies by shooting context.
Other countries have made this switch successfully. In Denmark, for example, there is a thriving game management sector in spite of lead ammunition having been prohibited for 30 years.
Rifles
The ban applies to all rifle calibres 6.17mm and above, including popular calibres such as .243.
Smaller calibres, such as .22 centrefire and rimfire, are not affected by the planned restrictions.
The ban applies to all live quarry shooting with calibres 6.17mm and above, regardless of whether the animal is consumed. The intended use of the quarry is not a factor.
Copper-coated bullets with a lead core do not qualify as non-lead ammunition and will be prohibited for calibres .243 and above.
Remember, the ban is comprehensive. Even if the game is for your own use, you must use non-lead alternatives when shooting with calibres 6.17mm and above.
