BASC: European rules for ammunition on aircraft untangled

Wednesday, 21 April 2010 12:00 AM

Shooters are being reassured that they can continue to take sporting ammunition on flights leaving the UK thanks to clarification from the country's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), working in partnership with Europe's representative shooting organisation, FACE (Federation of European Hunting Associations).

Firearms experts at the two bodies were concerned that updated EU aviation security legislation could lead member states to believe that they should prohibit the carriage of legitimate sporting ammunition in hold baggage.

BASC has been given assurances by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority that the carriage of up to 5 kg of ammunition in an aircraft's hold by passengers travelling from the UK will be permitted under UK law, provided it is legally accepted in the country of destination and approval has been given by the air carrier. There are no changes to the regulations regarding firearms in hold baggage.

Matthew Perring, BASC's firearms and explosives officer, said: "New EU laws on aviation security meant that there was a threat to the continued carriage of sporting ammunition.
After work by BASC and FACE we are assured that hunters travelling abroad will not be affected."

The amended legislation is due to come into effect on 29th April 2010.

ENDS

For more information please call the BASC press office on 01244 573031

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