Sound Moderators – how the law change will affect you.[Update 09:59, 16/7/26]
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 came into force on 29th June 2026
What’s this got to do with us? It includes Section 44 and schedule 5, which in effect remove sound moderators from the need to have them listed on a certificate and getting a variation to acquire one, or to notify the police of the acquisition or disposal of one: BUT you still have to have a firearm of shotgun certificate if you want to possess one – outside the exemptions. [A classic fudge ! ]
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2026/20/contents
At a meeting with Cheshire Police Firearms Licensing department on 15th July, a good deal of helpful information was discussed – here is a summary of some relevant questions and answers:
- Do I need to keep sound moderators in a secure cabinet now? NO. There is now no legal requirement to store them securely, and any conditions on your FAC relating to them are no longer valid.
- Should I return my FAC to the police to have my sound moderators removed? NO The existing entries on your certificate can remain until renewal, but have no legal effect.
- Do RFDs still need to enter sound moderators in the register? NO except for transactions before 29th June 2026.
- Can I buy a sound moderator without having an authority on my FAC ? YES
- Can I buy or sell a sound moderator by mail order? YES
- If I sell a sound moderator, do I need to check the buyer’s FAC? NO
- Do I get a 1-1 variation now sound moderators are ‘off ticket’? NO
HOWEVER – it is an offence to possess a sound moderator (other than for an air gun) without a firearm or shotgun certificate.
NB: The law in Scotland is different.
