Lead > Steel Transition
What's happening?
On 10 July 2025, the Government announced that it plans to introduce legislation to restrict lead ammunition by summer 2026, with a further three-year transition period running until 2029.
If there are no changes to the Government’s timeline, these proposed new measures will ban shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with a lead content of more than 3%. Beyond limited exemptions (for the military, police, elite athletes, outdoor target shooting ranges with risk management measures in place, museum collections, and other minor uses) these types of ammunition will no longer be sold to the public when the ban comes into force in 2029.
Expected Timeline
| From summer 2026 | Legislation to restrict lead ammo introduced. |
| 2026 to 2029 | Transition period—manufacturers phase out lead production. |
| 2029 onwards | Full ban comes into effect—no sale or use of lead ammo. |
Why the ban
The Government is introducing new measures following extensive public engagement and the Health and Safety Executive publishing their final opinion on restrictions on the supply and outdoor uses of lead in ammunition. To reduce toxic substances from entering the environment - supporting wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and public health.