Rules on importing and exporting firearms, essential components and ammunition

KEY POINTS

This regulation establishes a harmonised and digitally operated framework for controlling the import, export and transit of firearms, essential components and ammunition, ensuring traceability¹, security checks and enforcement across the EU.

Scope and application

The regulation applies to import, export and transit operations involving civilian firearms, their essential components and ammunition, while setting out specific exemptions and derogations:

• it applies to firearms, essential components, ammunition, alarm and signal weapons, along with semi-finished firearms, semi-finished essential components and sound moderators listed in Annex I, and deactivated firearms as defined in Directive (EU) 2021/555 (see summary);
• exemptions include transfers for armed forces, police and public authorities, or for official use by such bodies;
• derogations apply for certain customs procedures and listed goods under ongoing authorisations;
• Member States may adopt quantitative import restrictions for public policy, public security or IP reasons;
• the regulation does not apply to intra-EU transfers (which remain governed by Directive 2021/555).

Import requirements and procedures

All imports of listed firearms and related items must comply with strict documentation, marking and registration rules to ensure traceability and lawful use:

• importers must register and maintain records for 20 years, and provide origin/destination details to authorities on request;
• firearms must bear permanent markings before customs clearance;
• deactivated firearms require valid certificates and markings uploaded to the electronic licensing system;
• only approved alarm and signal weapons may be imported; the European Commission shall maintain an open register of convertible and non-convertible models.

Import authorisations and controls

Importing listed items generally requires prior authorisation via an EU-wide electronic system:

• applications may be made by authorised persons under Directive 2021/555; for semi-finished goods, only authorised dealers and brokers are eligible;
• authorities must process applications within 90 working days (or 110 days in certain cases), including checks on criminal history and stolen goods (via the Schengen information system);
• authorisations may be annulled or revoked, and those valid for more than two years are subject to regular risk-based review.

Temporary imports and simplified procedures

Specific exemptions and simplified authorisations are provided for temporary imports for non-commercial or cultural use:

• importers not established in the EU may apply for one-time authorisations for display, repair, testing or sporting use;
• general national import authorisations may apply for Category C goods at specific events for hunters, historical re-enactors or sport shooters; the minimum requirements for the terms and conditions to be included in such authorisations shall be defined by the Commission via an implementing act;
• EU residents with a European firearms pass may reimport firearms under certain conditions, provided customs documentation includes prior export references.

Movements involving multiple Member States

Movements involving several Member States require coordination and prior approval from all affected authorities:

• authorising authorities must request other Member States’ opinions, which must be given within 10 working days;
• any objection results in refusal of the movement;
• all communication takes place via the central electronic licensing system.

Export and re-export authorisations

Exporting firearms and related goods outside the EU requires prior authorisation, with the exception of temporary exports or re-exports:

• exporters must hold a valid authorisation and provide supporting documents such as import authorisations from destination countries and end-user statements;
• exporters must also submit deactivation certificates when applicable;
• national general export authorisations may be adopted but must be notified to the Commission and other Member States.

Authorisation process and refusal grounds

Export authorisation procedures include cross-border coordination, security screening and defined timelines:

• processing time is up to 90 working days (or 110 days with justification);
• the validity of authorisations is limited and must align with the destination country’s import rules;
• grounds for refusal include embargoes, past violations or objections from another Member State;
• past refusals must be taken into account in new applications.

Traceability and documentation

Strict documentation and marking requirements apply throughout all operations to ensure accountability and traceability:

• export and transit documents must follow the templates in Annexes III and IV;
• exporters must inform transit countries and provide proof of arrival in the destination country within 45 days;
• marking rules from Directive 2021/555 apply before export clearance.

Simplified export and re-export procedures

Certain temporary exports and re-exports (e.g. by EU residents travelling for hunting or sports events) are exempt from full authorisation, but they still require prior electronic notification. In such cases, travellers must carry a valid European firearms pass, especially when transporting firearms by air. Even where simplified procedures apply, the competent authority retains the power to suspend or block the export for up to 30 days if there are reasonable grounds to suspect misuse or non-compliance.

Roles of authorities and enforcement measures

Competent national authorities are responsible for assessing security risks, issuing authorisations and ensuring compliance:

• all authorisation decisions are logged in the electronic system and shared across Member States;
• penalties applicable to infringements of this regulation must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive;
• whistle-blower² protection is required in line with Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (see summary).

Post-shipment checks and cooperation with non-EU countries

Authorities may carry out post-shipment checks in cooperation with destination countries to ensure final use complies with authorisations:

• customs and other agencies must exchange information through EU risk management platforms;
• goods found to be non-compliant may be detained, destroyed or seized following due process.

Digital licensing and system integration

A centralised, secure electronic licensing system will handle all authorisation procedures, communications and compliance monitoring for firearms movements across the EU. The Commission is responsible for setting up and managing this encrypted system, which must be fully operational by 12 February 2027. It will later be integrated into the EU customs single window by 12 February 2031. All data processing under this system must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (see summary), ensuring privacy safeguards for applicants and authorities alike.

Monitoring, coordination and reporting

National authorities must coordinate and report annual statistics on enforcement and controls to the Commission for policy oversight and transparency:

• authorisation records must be stored for 20 years;
• annual national reports must include figures on imported alarm and signal weapons and implementation updates;
• the Commission must publish annual summaries and chair the Firearms Imports and Exports Coordination Group.

Implementation and transitional provisions

The regulation includes deadlines for national implementation and transitional arrangements for existing authorisations:

• Member States must designate national authorities by 12 August 2025;
• the regulation applies fully from 12 February 2029;
• articles on national restrictions, the establishment of IT systems and reporting obligations, along with enforcement rules, apply from 11 February 2025;
• existing authorisations remain valid until 12 months after 12 February 2029.

Legal context

The regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 (see summary).