BSSC Trade Briefing – 7 July 2026
Sound Moderators – Trade Questions and Answers
Home Office Position Following Commencement of the Crime and Policing Act 2026
The British Shooting Sports Council has sought clarification from the Home Office regarding the
practical effect of the recent changes to the law governing sound moderators.
The following questions and answers reflect the Home Office's current position. Further guidance
may be issued by the Home Office in due course.
Q. Can a sound moderator now be sold by mail order and sent directly to the
purchaser?
Yes.
The Home Office has confirmed that sound moderators are now deregulated and may be purchased
and supplied by mail order or other distance-selling methods or through any other standard retail
process. Carriage can be by any carrier.
The previous requirements applying to the transfer of firearms, such as face-to-face transactions or
Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) to RFD transfers, no longer apply to sound moderators.
Q. Do sound moderators have to be sold by a Registered Firearms Dealer?
No.
The Home Office has confirmed that there is nothing in the legislation restricting the sale of sound
moderators to Registered Firearms Dealers.
While many purchasers may continue to buy moderators from RFDs, other retailers may also sell
them.
Q. Must a retailer check that a purchaser holds a firearm certificate before selling a
sound moderator?
No.
The Home Office has confirmed that the legislation places no legal requirement on a seller to verify
that a purchaser holds the appropriate firearm certificate before a sale takes place.The legislation
creates an offence of unlawful possession by the individual. It does not create an offence for a retailer
selling a sound moderator without first checking certification.
Q. Does this mean anyone may possess a sound moderator?
No.
Where a sound moderator is possessed in circumstances requiring a firearm certificate, the individual
in possession must be lawfully authorised to possess it, but the onus is on the purchaser/possessor to
prove lawful ownership under those limited circumstances.
The changes made by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 remove the licensing and transfer controls that
previously applied to sound moderators, but they do not remove the offence of unlawful possession
where certification is required.
Q. Is further guidance expected?
Yes.
The Home Office has indicated that it is willing to continue discussions with the BSSC and the
National Police Chiefs' Council to determine whether further guidance would assist the trade and
certificate holders.
The BSSC will continue to engage with the Home Office and will circulate any further clarification as
it becomes available.
