EC update re lead in ammunition
We were invited to a meeting in Brussels on 25th June (FESAC board members) which, due to short notice, I was unable to attend but it was attended by Stephen Petroni and some FESAC board members plus the ICOMAM representative.
My understanding is that the EC document that we shared before the meeting and downloadable here>>>>, was accepted by REACH and a by a qualified majority of the EC, as it stood and stands now. Hopefully this version of the document will be formally accepted by the EC in due course as final and may assist us with the lead in ammunition issue in UK.
Some elements require clarification. One in particular is a definition of “antique” or as expressed “historic firearms” in paragraph 35 (below), of the document.
(35) The Commission considers it appropriate to allow derogations from the restriction on lead gunshot fired from historic firearms such as muzzle loaders and their modern replicas, because there is no suitable alternative ammunition that would not risk irreparably damaging them. In addition, RAC recognised that their use is limited in volume and that the impact of the derogation on overall risk reduction would therefore be low.
This seems to be being accepted as referring to all historic firearms including ML and breechloading. There is however reference to 1900 as a suitable cut off date in the Annex, Paragraph 39 (i) (i) “historical firearms” means firearms manufactured before 1st January 1900. Note also 39 (j).
We will continue to monitor this and as stated, follow up with UK Government through BSSC regarding adjusting the UK legislation. We will report further as appropriate.
Derek Stimpson