Sometimes one change in the law can be written to take account or a future change in the law that will have come into force before the original change comes into force. I have read, and then re-read the changes regarding lead shot. The proposals said this:
59.Individuals with collections of lead ammunition that is not for firing – providing they hold the relevant condition on their firearm or shot gun license - are exempted from the restriction.
I am unaware of any Shotgun Certificate that has a "ammunition collector" condition as a s2 Shotgun Certificate (unlike on an s1 FAC for those who do collect ammunition of calibres that they don't have firearms for) is not required to possess shotgun cartridges but only to acquire. And a person may possess shotgun cartridges in sizes for which they do not possess any shotgun. BOLD type is mine to highlight.
But I then read the actual REACH Statutory Instrument:
www.legislation.gov.uk
25. Paragraphs 11 to 24 do not apply to projectiles used by, or placed on the market for use by, persons whose certificate conditions specify that the projectiles are not to be fired.
So as, as far as I am aware, there is not a "ammunition collection" condition on any currect s2 Shotgun Certificate nor any persons who possess any Shotgun Certificate that says it is granted only for acquiring cartridges and not for acquiring or possessing weapons but (as above noted this does exist on an s1 FAC) is the REACH legislation written with foresight of what is held on s2 moving to s1? BOLD type mine to highlight.
Is there something here that we need to ask our shooting organisations to seek clarity on?
59.Individuals with collections of lead ammunition that is not for firing – providing they hold the relevant condition on their firearm or shot gun license - are exempted from the restriction.
I am unaware of any Shotgun Certificate that has a "ammunition collector" condition as a s2 Shotgun Certificate (unlike on an s1 FAC for those who do collect ammunition of calibres that they don't have firearms for) is not required to possess shotgun cartridges but only to acquire. And a person may possess shotgun cartridges in sizes for which they do not possess any shotgun. BOLD type is mine to highlight.
But I then read the actual REACH Statutory Instrument:
The REACH (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations amend Annex 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (EUR 2006/1907, “UK REACH”), to include the draft amendment proposed in the decision of the Secretary of State made on 25th June 2025 in...
25. Paragraphs 11 to 24 do not apply to projectiles used by, or placed on the market for use by, persons whose certificate conditions specify that the projectiles are not to be fired.
So as, as far as I am aware, there is not a "ammunition collection" condition on any currect s2 Shotgun Certificate nor any persons who possess any Shotgun Certificate that says it is granted only for acquiring cartridges and not for acquiring or possessing weapons but (as above noted this does exist on an s1 FAC) is the REACH legislation written with foresight of what is held on s2 moving to s1? BOLD type mine to highlight.
Is there something here that we need to ask our shooting organisations to seek clarity on?
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