Latest on Moderators being removed from FACs

[6mmarc]

From GMP this morning

 

[palmer_mike]

Hypothetical query:
If I sell or buy a moderator second hand now, can i just post it (or receive it) without it being face ti face?

Not clear on the exact process now they are no longer recorded on an FAC

 

[lotuseater]

Presumably one can buy and sell em on Ebay etc. now!

 

[Antikka]

Hypothetical query:
If I sell or buy a moderator second hand now, can i just post it (or receive it) without it being face ti face?

Not clear on the exact process now they are no longer recorded on an FAC

Guidance states you must physically see the buyers correct certificate

 

[Danny Boy]

Guidance states you must physically see the buyers correct certificate

But who's going to check if you really did?

 

[palmer_mike]

Guidance states you must physically see the buyers correct certificate

Fair enough, although I am in no way an expert in spotting forged documents so unsure what the point of me looking at someone’s certificate would be.

 

[Antikka]

Fair enough, although I am in no way an expert in spotting forged documents so unsure what the point of me looking at someone’s certificate would be.

Yes, get that, just stating what I have read as guidance for now selling privately.
Guess its the same problem if transferring any firearm then..
Except silencers are not now firearms...

 

[Rubicon]

I wonder if this will have any effect on pricing ?
But good news none the less

 

[palmer_mike]

Yes, get that, just stating what I have read as guidance for now selling privately.
Guess its the same problem if transferring any firearm then..
Except silencers are not now firearms...

True, although with a firearm one then notifies the FLD of the transfer. I’d hope there would be alarm if all was not in order with the certificate holders and certificates.

 

[One on top of two]

Just received this from livens

Latest legislative changes following the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
As of 30/06/26, sound moderators have been officially declassified from Section 1 firearm controls – but there are a few important changes to how we can now process your orders.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what has changed, what hasn’t, and what you need to do when buying a moderator from us.
What’s Changed for You
No variation required – You no longer need an open "slot" on your Firearm or Shotgun Certificate to purchase a moderator.
No certificate endorsement – We will no longer write the moderator onto your physical paper certificate.
Online sales & direct delivery now permitted – You can now buy a moderator through our website and have it shipped directly to your home address via courier. No more "click-and-collect" or RFD-to-RFD transfers.
What Hasn't Changed
You still must hold a valid FAC or SGC – It remains a criminal offence to possess a sound moderator without a valid certificate. We are legally required to verify your status before dispatch.
Our stock remains securely locked away – As an RFD, we are still bound by the Home Office Firearms Security Handbook, meaning all moderators are stored in approved safes or monitored secure rooms.
Record keeping continues – We maintain accurate acquisition and disposal records for full audit trails, just as we do with sub-12 ft/lb air rifles.
What You Need to Do When Ordering Online
To comply with the new verification requirements, we’ve introduced a simple two-step process:
Place your order for a sound moderator on our website as normal.
Email a clear scan or photo of your valid FAC or SGC to orders@livens.co.uk.
Please ensure the name and address on your certificate match your order details. Once verified, we will dispatch your moderator directly to you – no additional paperwork required on your side.
Final Note
These changes are designed to cut through unnecessary red tape while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance. If you have any questions about the new process or your specific order, don't hesitate to reply to this email or give us a call.

 

[Liveonce]

Livens states

We maintain accurate acquisition and disposal records for full audit trails, just as we do with sub-12 ft/lb air rifles.

But why are they maintaining records for mods? not done for primers is it, yes it is done for sub 12 ft/lb air rifles but that is part of the air gun laws and a legal requirement.

if it was necessary to keep records for sound mods, then surly it would say so within the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

 

[HonestJohn]

So can we store them outside our cabinets now?

 

[Bo Diddley]

But why are they maintaining records for mods? not done for primers is it, yes it is done for sub 12 ft/lb air rifles but that is part of the air gun laws and a legal requirement.

if it was necessary to keep records for sound mods, then surly it would say so within the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

Ar$e covering exercise for the time being, maybe

 

[Smallholder]

So can we store them outside our cabinets now?

I wondered that. And I assume if we scrap and old one it can just be binned?

 

[VSS]

So can we store them outside our cabinets now?

You mean, on that one day every five years that we actually bother to put them in our cabinets, we'll no longer have to?

 

[Smallholder]

You mean, on that one day every five years that we actually bother to put them in our cabinets, we'll no longer have to?

Mine, along with everything else, always goes back in my cabinets asap. At least when I had an unannounced visit a few years back everything was found in order.

 

[slider]

Presumably one can buy and sell em on Ebay etc. now!

Very much doubt it.
It remains a criminal offence to possess a sound moderator without a valid certificate. Sellers are legally required to verify buyers status before dispatch.

 

[Dalua]

It remains a criminal offence to possess a sound moderator without a valid certificate.

Does that not apply only to a sound-moderator which is currently attached to (i.e. 'an accessory to', as it says in the Act) a S1 firearm?

As far as I can tell 'relevant accessory' is a moderator which is 'an accessory to' a S1 firearm (as in the original Act) - not a moderator which is not attached to (i.e. attached to) a S1 firearm, nor of course a moderator which is an accessory to (i.e. attached to) an S2 firearm or a non-FAC airgun.

 

[Heym SR20]

Anything to do with firearms requires lots of record keeping and keeping things secure whether its an RFD, your own self or if you are running a club or shooting range. It’s the law.

If you don’t want to obey the law you run the risk of suffering the consequences. If you don’t want to obey the law or suffer consequences don’t get into shooting, especially rifle shooting.

There is no obligation for anyone to take up an FAC - it is entirely voluntary. But when you do so, and sign your certificate, you are agreeing to follow all the conditions and obligations attached.

 

[HonestJohn]

I wondered that. And I assume if we scrap and old one it can just be binned?

So on checking further. As a mod is no longer a ‘firearm’, it no longer is subject to the security arrangements. Yes, a certificate is needed, but so is it to buy shotgun cartridges, which also do not need to be stored in a cabinet.

Sucks for those who have spent a bunch of money on fine custom made moderator holders and organisers for their gun cabinets