Dear GTA Member

You may recall that our last moderator broadcast included guidance on both trade and user matters and referenced a meeting with the Home Office that took place last Friday.

That meeting has now concluded, and the new document above consolidates the two previous documents, together with several additional points raised by both the Home Office and the College of Policing. In the GTAs view, the guidance has become somewhat more complex as matters have progressed; however, there are several important points that those involved in the trade should be aware of:

Sound moderators are no longer required to be listed on applications for visitors’ permits. In Scotland, sound moderators for firearms are deregulated. However, sound moderators for air weapons remain subject to Scottish licensing controls under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. Moderator variations submitted to the Police before 29 June 2026 should no longer be processed, and police forces should consider refunding any fee that has been paid. Moderator transactions completed by Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs) before 29 June 2026 must still be recorded. Historic moderator record-keeping maintained before 29th June 2026 should be retained. Understanding the new possession offence: This is one of the areas causing the greatest confusion nationally. The offence is not intended to criminalise lawful shooters or create unnecessary administrative burdens. Rather, its purpose is to target individuals who possess sound moderators in circumstances connected with the unlawful possession of firearms. Paragraph 1(4), Section 9 (Exemption for Auctioneers, Carriers and Warehousemen): The Section 9 exemption for auctioneers, carriers and warehousemen extends to relevant accessories including moderators. Section 44 and Schedule 5 apply in England, Wales and Scotland. They do not extend to Northern Ireland, where separate firearms legislation applies.

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these points, as they may affect how future trade transactions and enquiries are handled.

If you have any further enquiries ref the above, please note I am working away from the office and will be unable to answer your questions until Monday 20th 2026.

Best regards

Paul Green, Technical Director The Gun Trade Association

Download: Combined BSSC.HO.CoP.Moderators Advice.pdf