The UK government announced a ban on ammunition containing high levels of lead to reduce environmental pollution and protect wildlife.
Key Details
• Scope:
Ban applies to ammunition with >1% lead in shot and >3% lead in bullets.
• Wildlife Impact:
🦆 Annually, ~100,000 wild birds (ducks, swans) die from ingesting lead shot
🦉 ~40,000 birds of prey suffer secondary poisoning from contaminated prey
🌍 The ban aims to prevent 7,000 tonnes of lead entering the environment yearly
Implementation Timeline
• Phased Start: 2026
• Full Enforcement: 2029
• Exemptions:
🔫 Small-caliber bullets
🏅 Professional sports
🪖 Military and emergency services
Environmental and Health Rationale
• Lead is highly toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative, posing risks to wildlife and humans.
• The ban aligns with international treaties such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).
Stakeholder Reactions
• Environmental groups (e.g., Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) strongly support the ban.
• Conservation organizations (e.g., Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) highlight success with alternatives like steel shot.
Industry Implications
• Ammunition manufacturers and retailers must:
🔁 Shift to lead-free alternatives
✅ Ensure compliance with composition limits
📚 Update supply chains and educate users
This policy signals the UK’s commitment to a cleaner environment and healthier ecosystems, encouraging sustainable shooting practices.
Reference: UK Government Announcement on Lead Ammunition Ban (2025)
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