What are the firearms licensing changes in 2026?
31-Dec-2025
Mark Eves
The Firearms Licensing Changes in 2026 refer to the UK government's planned reforms to shotgun ownership rules, building on updates from 2025 and an upcoming consultation. These changes aim to tighten controls by potentially merging Section 2 shotgun certificates (SGC) with the stricter Section 1 firearm certificates (FAC), requiring more rigorous justification and checks for shotgun owners. This shift follows incidents like the Plymouth shootings and seeks to enhance public safety, though it's met with opposition from shooting organisations for potentially burdening legitimate users without addressing core issues like licensing inefficiencies.
Background & details
The changes stem from a 2023 consultation recommending alignment of shotgun and firearm licensing, which the previous government did not fully implement; the current administration announced tighter controls in August 2025, with a public consultation on further reforms expected late 2025 or early 2026.
Key drivers include public safety concerns from past tragedies, such as the 2021 Plymouth incident (linked to police failures) and the Prosper murders (involving a forged certificate), prompting calls for consistent application of the law across all firearms.
Organisations like BASC and the Countryside Alliance oppose the merger, arguing it's ill-conceived and could harm rural life, shooting sports, and conservation without improving safety, as suitability and medical checks are already similar.
How the changes work
The reforms are phased, with some immediate effects from 2025 and major shifts potentially in 2026
Immediate updates (from August 2025): Shotgun applications now require two referees (up from one), each having known the applicant for at least two years; police must conduct extra checks, including interviews with partners or household members, for signs of domestic abuse, violence, or dishonesty.
Proposed merger (consultation late 2025/early 2026): Section 2 shotguns would fall under a unified system with Section 1 firearms, requiring "good reason" for each shotgun (e.g., specific use like clay shooting or pest control), similar to rifles; this could end the current lighter touch for shotguns.
Other elements: Potential increases in fees, more administrative burdens, and restrictions on private sales; exemptions or adjustments may apply, but the focus is on treating shotguns as equivalent to higher-lethality firearms.
Timeline: Consultation responses will shape final rules, with implementation likely starting in 2026 if approved, though delays could occur due to opposition.
The changes apply to England, Scotland, and Wales, with Northern Ireland following separate rules; all must comply with the Firearms Act 1968.
Impacts on shotgun owners
For shotgun owners, 2026 could bring significant adjustments:
Increased scrutiny: Expect more detailed applications, justifying each gun's need, leading to longer processing times (already backlogged) and higher rejection risks if "good reason" isn't met.
Costs and access: Higher fees, administrative hurdles, and potential discouragement from ownership, affecting clay shooters, game hunters, and rural users; this could strain the shooting economy and conservation efforts.
Overall: While aimed at safety, critics say it won't prevent misuse but may limit legitimate activities; platforms like Rightgun.uk can help owners browse compliant listings and connect with RFDs for advice on navigating changes.
Important legal context (UK Firearms Law)
These changes build on the UK's strict firearms regime.
Shotguns (Section 2) currently require an SGC, granted if you're not prohibited and have secure storage; no per-gun "good reason" is needed, unlike Section 1 FAC for rifles.
Post-2026, a merged system would enforce uniform rules, with non-compliance risking fines, seizures, or revocations; police discretion increases for suitability assessments.
It's not area-specific but applies nationwide; groups like BASC are lobbying for evidence-based alternatives, such as digitised licensing to reduce errors without added burdens.
Advice for owners
To prepare for 2026 -
Monitor the consultation: Join updates from BASC or Countryside Alliance to respond and influence outcomes; sign petitions against the merger.
Review your setup: Ensure secure storage and gather evidence of "good reason" (e.g., club membership, land permissions) in case rules tighten.
Seek professional help: Consult RFDs for application guidance; on Rightgun.uk, search for licensed dealers offering advice on compliance.
Advocate for modernisation: Support calls for a centralised, digital system to streamline processes without restricting access.
Summary
The Firearms Licensing Changes in 2026 are:
A proposed merger of shotgun (Section 2) and firearm (Section 1) licensing, introducing stricter rules like per-gun justification and enhanced checks.
Designed to boost public safety but opposed for potential harm to shooting communities and rural activities.
Phased with a consultation in late 2026, impacting applications, costs, and access for shotgun owners.
A prompt to stay informed via official sources and platforms like Rightgun.uk for compliant gear and dealer support.
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