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REACH

REACH

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Restrictions on the use of lead ammunition

The REACH (Amendment) Regulation 2026

The Government published the Policy paper for restrictions on the use of lead ammunition that became law in England, Scotland and Wales on 1^st April 2026.

The new legislation is probably the most significant change to target shooting in the last decade. NRA members and Officers of affiliated Clubs are encouraged to study the Policy document.

The Policy document can be found [here].

Key Dates:

Shot containing lead must not be used after 1^st April 2029

Projectiles containing lead must not be used on an outdoor range after 1^st April 2028

Exception for outdoor shooting ranges:

Operators of outdoor shooting ranges may make a declaration to the relevant enforcing authority to allow the continued use of lead projectiles.

The National Shooting Centre and Bisley Rifle Ranges

The clay target ranges operated by the National Shooting Centre will transition to non-lead ammunition not later than 1^st April 2029. The transition allows users to switch to non-lead alternatives as they become available.

The NRA will make a declaration to the Environment Agency to allow the continued use of lead projectiles on outdoor ranges at Bisley after 1^st April 2028.

NRA Clubs that operate an outdoor target shooting range

NRA Clubs identified as a Range Operating Authority (NRA Rule 107(b)(iv) will be supported with advice and guidance including the NRA Range Design and Safety Handbook, the NRA Range Managers Guide and the NRA Code of Practice for de leading outdoor target shooting ranges. The handbooks are available on the NRA website. (link)

The NRA will work with Clubs and the relevant enforcement agencies to facilitate a smooth transition to compliance with the new legislation.

Summary: NRA Members and Club Officials are encouraged to study the attached Policy document for more information, particularly the related Guidance for England, Scotland and Wales.

The NRA will provide further updates on a regular basis including more information about the detailed process to make a declaration to the enforcement authorities as this becomes available.

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FAQs

QWhat is the impact of REACH legislation on NRA Clubs that fire on the Defence Training Estate?

More than 150 NRA Clubs are licenced by Defence to fire on military ranges in the UK. In many parts of the UK military ranges are the only sites suitable for target shooting at distances greater than 100 yards. The NRA recognises the vital role that military ranges play in regional shooting.

Members will already be aware that Defence Policy only permits the use of lead or jacketed lead core ammunition to be used by civilians on DTE ranges.

The NRA is working with the Defence Ordnance Safety Regulator (DOSR) to ensure continuity of access to Defence ranges in England, Scotland and Wales after after 1st April 2028. Defence understands that the new REACH legislation does not contemplate civilian use of lead ammunition on military ranges. Defence has confirmed its support for civilian shooting on military ranges, the NRA will provide periodic updates on this important workstream in future editions of the Journal.

QWhat advice or guidance can the NRA give to clubs that operate ranges?

The NRA has been working with the enforcement agency for England on new DEFRA guidance for range operators. Preliminary details were shared in the Winter 2025 Journal. DEFRA published the policy on 1st April. See link in download.

The NRA will continue to work with the enforcement Agency (EA) to facilitate the transition to the new procedures with the immediate focus on the implementation of the declaration process. The intention is to use the ranges operated by the NSC at Bisley as the pilot. We expect to share lessons learned and advice basis that experience with range operators. More to follow.

The clay target ranges operated by the NSC at Bisley will transition to non lead ammunition not later than 1st April 2029. The next 36 months will be spent working with the ammunition manufacturing sector to ensure that new ammunition contains environmentally appropriate components and will comply with competition requirements e.g. weight of projectiles. Non lead shotgun ammunition may exhibit different characteristics including noise. This and other factors will drive any changes to layouts and danger areas at Bisley. More to follow.

QHow does an NRA affiliated Club that operates an outdoor range in England, Scotland or Wales make a declaration to the enforcement agency ?

Clubs that operate an outdoor range should review the DEFRA Policy document available (here).

REACH

Quick Links In The Section

Restrictions on the use of lead ammunition

The National Shooting Centre and Bisley Rifle Ranges

NRA Clubs that operate an outdoor target shooting range

FAQs

QWhat is the impact of REACH legislation on NRA Clubs that fire on the Defence Training Estate?

QWhat advice or guidance can the NRA give to clubs that operate ranges?

QHow does an NRA affiliated Club that operates an outdoor range in England, Scotland or Wales make a declaration to the enforcement agency ?

QDoes UK REACH apply to lead ammunition used on an indoor range ?

QDoes UK REACH apply to lead shot used on an indoor range?

Q Does UK REACH apply to outdoor ranges in Northern Ireland?

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