Lead Ammunition: What the New Law Means for Grouse Moors

Andrew Gilruth
Mar 6
2 min read

KEY TAKEAWAY: Defra’s lead ammunition ban is now law. With a 1 April 2029 deadline, grouse moors must immediately transition by securing supply, testing alternatives, and preparing.

Defra has now turned its lead ammunition policy into law. The REACH (Amendment) Regulations 2026 were made on 2 March 2026, laid before Parliament on 3 March 2026, and come into force on 1 April 2026. For grouse moors, the key date is 1 April 2029.

Under the Statutory Instrument (SI), lead shot containing 1% or more lead by weight must not be used or placed on the market after 1 April 2029. Non-shot projectiles containing 3% or more lead are also restricted, although the regulations contain a number of specific exemptions and derogations.

In other words, for most grouse shooting the direction is now clear: traditional lead shot will need to be replaced by April 2029.

What this means for us

The law is now in place. This is no longer a proposed timetable. The regulations are made and the transition period is running.
The main deadline is 1 April 2029. From then, lead shot cannot be used or sold for normal use, subject only to limited exceptions.
This applies in England, Wales and Scotland.
Some exemptions remain. These include certain uses involving air weapons, indoor target shooting, some small-calibre live quarry shooting, elite athletes, and specified non-firing or official purposes. But these are exceptions, not the rule.

Grouse moors: ahead of the curve

Grouse moors are not starting from scratch. Sporting organisations, including the MA, GWCT and BASC, supported a voluntary move away from lead several years ago. Since then, manufacturers have expanded non-lead options, and practical trials have continued across a range of real shooting conditions.

That matters because the next three years are now about implementation: supply, confidence, testing and training.

What comes next

Secure supply. Clear legal dates should help manufacturers and retailers plan with more certainty.
Keep testing. Shoots still need confidence in performance, safety and suitability for local conditions, especially where terrain may affect ricochet risk.
Share experience. Feedback from the field will matter in making the transition work well in practice.
Prepare early. Familiarise all involved with suitable non-lead options.

Why this matters

Lead has long been under pressure because of wildlife impacts and contamination risks in game meat. Whatever people’s views on the policy, the legal position is now much clearer. The task is to make the transition work safely and practically.

Summary

The uncertainty has narrowed considerably. The regulations are now made, and for grouse moors the principal legal deadline is 1 April 2029. Many shoots have already begun the move away from lead. The challenge now is to turn preparation into delivery.