HSE makes final proposals for lead ammunition ban
Recommendations from the executive do not include any unpleasant surprises, and the shooting bodies have bought the sector more time.
As anticipated by the shooting sector, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has proposed a restriction on the sale and use of lead shotgun ammunition for live quarry and target shooting, with a phasing- out timeline of five years.
HSE has also recommended a restriction on the sale and use of large-calibre ammunition for live quarry shooting with rifles, with a view to phasing it out over a three-year timeline.
With regard to the use of lead ammunition for target shooting with rifles, ranges that cannot de-lead have two years to adapt or move across to non-lead ammunition. Ranges that can comply with these measures face no restrictions, and no restrictions have been proposed for airguns for live quarry or target shooting.
These final proposals — which cover England, Scotland and Wales — are the culmination of a consultation launched in 2022, which has run alongside the voluntary transition away from lead first proposed by nine leading rural organisations in 2020. Prior to the publication of its proposals, the HSE said it has worked through almost 11,000 responses to its two public consultations, before sending its recommendations to the Government.
BASC’s chief spokesman on lead ammunition, Terry Behan, said: “BASC has always been opposed to an outright ban on lead, but it was clear the direction of travel was towards increased regulation.
“By calling for a voluntary transition with the other major shooting organisations, we have effectively given the sector a 10-year timeline to adapt, and significant progress has been made.
“Ammunition manufacturers have delivered a range of viable alternatives to lead, and many shoots are now lead-free, with their game being sold in supermarkets across the UK,” he added.
“While we are pleased the HSE has taken on board the evidence provided by BASC [see p11], and other organisations relating to airguns and target shooting, we have concerns over the reclassification of large-calibre rifles. We do not support the HSE’s decision to include .243 as a large calibre and have urged them to reconsider.”
These are the final recommendations from the HSE and are not yet law. Defra, the Scottish government and Welsh government have 12 weeks to review the proposals, and either accept them in their entirety or request more information from the HSE. When accepted, the recommendations will form the basis of draft legislation to be presented to Parliament.
