Following previous communications on the NRA and website and in the NRA Journal regarding the upcoming restrictions of lead in ammunition by UKREACH, the NRA has created a new page on its website to include information about the restrictions on the use of lead ammunition – https://nra.org.uk/about-the-nra/reach-regulations/ (link below)

The legislation will have an impact on shooting in England, Wales and Scotland and comes into effect on April 1^st 2028 for lead projectiles and April 1^st 2029 for lead shot, and all NRA Individual Members and Club Officials are encouraged to visit the website and familiarize themselves with the Policy paper published in April and the advice and guidance provided by the NRA.

The next significant milestone is in late June when DEFRA is expected to publish details of the declaration by outdoor range operators to be made to the enforcement agencies that wish to allow lead ammunition to be used after April 2028.

The web page will be updated as new information becomes available and we develop further advice, particularly for NRA affiliated Clubs that operate an outdoor range.

Please make this page one of your regular viewing pages to ensure you are prepared and ready for the upcoming restrictions.

• A ban on shot containing more than 1% lead by weight, and bullets exceeding 3% lead by weight.

• Exemptions will remain for:
  • Military, police and non-civilian applications
  • Elite athletes
  • Permanent Outdoor ranges under derogation
  • Small calibre bullets for live quarry shooting and airguns
• The restriction will apply in Great Britain (England, Wales & Scotland)
• The use of lead shot on indoor ranges will be prohibited
• To benefit from the derogation range operators will be required to submit certain details and a declaration to the Enforcing Authority (Environment Agency/Scottish Environment Protection Agency/Natural Resources Wales) with effect mid 2028
• The sale of large calibre lead bullets (greater than 6.17mm) for live quarry shooting will be restricted from mid-2029
• Manufacturers will be required to label packing for large calibre ammunition for target shooting with the phrase “must not be used for live quarry shooting”
• Collections of lead ammunition will be excluded from the restriction
• Target shooting on indoor ranges is already subject to Control of Lead at Work (CLAW) Legislation and not in scope of the restriction.