UK Adopts Restriction on Lead in Ammunition Under UK REACH

On 10 July 2025, the UK government published its final decision to restrict the use and placing on the market of lead in ammunition under UK REACH. Adopted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 27 June 2025, the restriction aims to address the significant risks posed by lead ammunition to wildlife, the environment, and human health.

Following the restriction dossier prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency, the decision introduces a phased approach to limit the use of lead shot, bullets, and airgun pellets for hunting, sports shooting, and outdoor target shooting.

Scope and Application of the Restriction

The restriction applies to:

• Lead shot used in hunting and sports shooting with shotguns.

• Lead bullets used for rifle hunting and outdoor target shooting.

• Lead used in airgun pellets.

The measures specifically target shooting activities conducted outside licensed ranges. However, certain uses, such as those by the military, the police, and licensed indoor shooting ranges, are exempted from the restriction.

Phased Implementation with Transition Periods

The restriction will be introduced in phases to allow industry and shooters time to adapt:

• Lead shot: The ban will take effect after a three-year transition period for most uses.

• Lead bullets: The ban comes into force after 5 years for hunting and sports shooting.

• Airgun pellets: An 18-year transition period is provided to allow for technical developments.

Derogations are provided in cases where non-lead alternatives are not yet available or practical.

Key Reasons Behind the Restriction

The decision is driven by the well-documented risks associated with lead in ammunition.

• Wildlife Impact: Lead poisoning from ammunition affects millions of birds each year, including waterfowl and raptors.

• Human Health Risks: Consuming wild game containing lead fragments can expose humans to lead, with vulnerable groups such as children being particularly at risk.

• Environmental Harm: Lead residues persist in soils and waterways, causing long-term ecological damage.

The restriction is expected to bring significant health and environmental benefits while balancing the socio-economic impacts on shooting sports and ammunition manufacturers.

Background: UK’s Ongoing Efforts to Address Lead in Ammunition

The adoption of the restriction follows the restriction dossier published in May 2023, which proposed the control of lead in ammunition under UK REACH. This initial proposal set out the scientific and socio-economic assessments that paved the way for this final decision. Further details can be found here.

This reflects the UK’s commitment to environmental protection and the responsible management of hazardous substances.

UK REACH Restriction Now in Force

With the final decision now published, the restriction on lead in ammunition under UK REACH is now legally binding. The phased transition periods allow time for adaptation, but the UK has taken a decisive step to protect public health, wildlife, and the environment from the well-established dangers of lead exposure.