The sale and use of lead shot for live quarry and clay shooting will be banned after a three-year transition, starting from next Summer, meaning that it will be an offence to use shotgun cartridges loaded with lead shot for game shooting from the 2029/2030 season onwards. This applies in England, Scotland and Wales.

This was announced today by the Minister, Emma Hardy MP on the Defra website, and covers all aspects of the government’s decisions on the use of lead in ammunition for live quarry and target shooting. The timeline of this transition goes ahead of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) proposed timeline, which was for a 5-year transition for both game and clay shotgun cartridges.

After a lengthy consultation process and with clear influence from the recent EU draft implementing act covering lead ammunition, there can be no surprises that a ban is being imposed, but the cartridge manufacturing industry will face a challenge in meeting full demand from the clay and game shooting sectors by Summer 2029 due to factors outwith the control of the manufacturers – global conflicts, supply chain disruption and more.

Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance said:

“This is an important step for the future of shooting, which will benefit the countryside and rural economy. The Alliance has long advocated a move away from lead ammunition which is necessary and beneficial. Alternatives are now available for nearly every gun for nearly every purpose.

"We have always argued for a single transition date and do have concerns about the practical implications of a three-year transition for all uses of shotgun cartridges. Bringing in a ban on lead shot in advance of the Health and Safety Executive’s recommendations and the EU transition process would be challenging for ammunition manufacturers who are already having to cope with much increased demand for military ammunition”. 

Rifle ammunition for calibres of .243 and above will also be subject to restrictions: lead bullets for live quarry will be banned after the same three-year transition – i.e. from Summer 2029. For target shooting, lead bullets are only permissible if the range adheres to certain lead recovery standards. Ranges must have adequate recovery measures in place after a two-year transition. Ammunition for rifles smaller than .243 calibre and for air weapons will not be restricted.

Lead shot will be banned for use in clay target shooting after a three-year transition. A select few of elite level clay shooters have been granted a derogation meaning they can train with lead ammunition in order to compete at international tournaments.

The full details of the government’s proposed lead ammunition ban can be read here.