Introduction
The following update has been provided directly by the City of London Police Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit (FELU).
It is published here exactly as supplied, in line with our commitment to support clear communication between police forces and the certificate‑holding community.
This initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration, improve understanding of local and national developments and help reduce avoidable delays or misunderstandings in the licensing process.
Content is hosted within our free information section, ensuring there is no commercial benefit and maintaining full transparency.
If any material appears likely to cause difficulty or confusion for certificate holders, we will always raise this with the Force first for discussion.
Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit (FELU)
Newsletter – June 2026
Dear Reader,
You are receiving this Newsletter as a you have been identified as a key stakeholder in relation to management and processing of Firearms and Explosives Licensing by the City of London Police.
This Newsletter is the first of its kind for the City of London Police and is being distributed with the intention of providing key information to stakeholders, as well as to build and maintain relationships with all parties who have a vested interest in Firearms and Explosives Licensing matters.
The City of London Police Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit is committed to safeguarding the public whilst providing high levels of customer service for our Certificate Holders.
Local Updates
A full review into the working practices and policies of the City of London Police Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit was undertaken in 2025. As a result, significant amendments have been made to local working practices, in line with updates made to the Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police, in relation to Firearms Licensing.
National Updates
Lead Ban
The Government has confirmed when restrictions on the sale and use of lead ammunition will come into force in England, Wales and Scotland, as listed below:
Shotgun Cartridges:
The use and sale of lead shot for live quarry shooting will be banned from 1 April 2029.
The use and sale of lead shot for indoor and outdoor recreational target shooting will also be banned from 1 April 2029, with exemptions for elite athletes.
Rifle Ammunition:
The use and sale of lead bullets for live quarry shooting in calibres 6.17 millimetres and above will be banned from 1 April 2029.
Small calibre rifles below 6.17 millimetres, including commonly used pest control calibres, are not affected by the restrictions.
The use of lead bullets for outdoor target shooting will be restricted from 1 April 2028, except at ranges that meet the required risk management measures.
Airguns:
There are no restrictions on the sale or use of lead airgun pellets for either target shooting or live quarry shooting.
The City of London Police FELU understand that these restrictions may impact certain Firearm and Shotgun Certificate Holders. We strongly advise you to speak with a gunsmith to ensure that your shotgun is appropriately proofed for certain non-lead ammunition, and to explore what alternatives are available.
In addition, we understand that certain calibres of firearm may be less suited to non-lead ammunition at this stage, as such we advise you to seek advice on this matter. However, if you do wish to submit a variation we will aim to process this as efficiently as possible.
Please don’t forget to check-zero your rifle if you are changing ammunition type.
Sound Moderators
The Home Office have announced amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill which removes Sound Moderators from their current classification as Section 1 Firearms. This would mean that Sound Moderators would not need to be individually authorised, and a variation would not be needed to add them. However, a new offence of possessing a sound moderator without a Firearm or Shotgun Certificate will be created. This proposed legislation is not expected to effect Sound Moderators used for low powered air rifles and pistols.
In the meantime, Sound Moderators remain classed as Section 1 Firearms.
Consultation into Firearms Licensing
The Home Office is due to publish a consultation into Firearms Licensing which was originally expected to be published in late 2025 but at the time of writing is yet to be published.
This matter has recently been debated in Parliament following a public petition, opposing proposals to merge Section 1 and Section 2 licensing.
The City of London Police FELU does not have any further information regarding this consultation at this stage.
Fees
The Home Office have announced that Firearms Licensing Fees are set to be increased by 3% as of 04th June 2026.
The City of London Police FELU are committed to providing Certificate Holders and Applicants with the high level of customer service.
Upcoming Events
The City of London Police FELU are not due to attend any specific events within the next three months.
Feedback
If you have any feedback in relation to this Newsletter or you have suggestions for information that you would like to see included then please contact the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit via email.
If you have any questions or concerns in relation to Firearms and Explosives Licensing matters, then please contact the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit via email.
Our email address is: firearmsexplosiveslicensing@cityoflondon.police.uk
Thank you,
Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit
