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Ammunition: Lead

Asked by Sir Julian SmithConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 17 March 2026UIN 119271

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of excluding bullets from restrictions on the production of lead ammunition.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition is based on extensive scientific evidence and analysis by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency. In developing their proposal, the HSE assessed the risks posed by lead ammunition – including bullets – to the environment and human health, as well as the socio-economic impacts of their proposal and the availability of alternatives. Minister Hardy’s Decision Report, published on 10 July 2025, sets out the rationale for the final UK REACH Restriction, including in relation to lead bullets.

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