firearms and weapons
Importing firearms and weapons
The import into Australia of firearms and certain weapons is controlled by prohibitions and restrictions for the protection of the community. Customs administers the controls for these items through the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (the Regulations).
The Attorney-General's Department and the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management - Police (MCPEMP) make policy decisions regarding the type of control and the items controlled.
Customs has developed these fact sheets to assist travellers and importers with information on the conditions and requirements that have to be meet for such goods to be imported.
The following items are not controlled under the Regulations at present. However, you should contact the Firearms/Weapons Registry of your State/Territory Police Service to determine any requirements they might have on the possession of an item.
- swords
- bayonets
- general archery equipment such as bows and arrows, except for crossbows
- nailing and stapling guns
- explosive-powered fixing tools
- flare guns, or other signaling devices, designed for emergency or life-saving purposes
- line-throwers
- hand-operated devices that use blank cartridges to propel objects for retrieval in connection with the training of dogs
- tranquilliser guns
- guns that operate a captive bolt for the slaughter of animals
- devices for the casting of weighted nets
- sidewall core guns designed for geological purposes, mining purposes, or both
- expandable casing perforation guns designed for geological purposes, mining purposes, or both.
Please Note: Some firearms and weapons articles are restricted or prohibited for carriage through the international mail system. For further details please see the Australia Post website.
Firearms dealers guide for category H articles
Firearms fact sheets
Importing Ammunition and Firearm Magazines (700 kb)
Importing Category A and B Firearms (697 kb)
Importing Category C Firearms (699 kb)
Importing Firearm Replicas (690 kb)
Importing Handguns (698 kb)
Importing self-loading, pump action and automatic firearms (698 kb)
Importing paintball markers (695 kb)
Importing Soft Air - BB - Firearms (697 kb)
Importing Firearm Parts and Accessories (698 kb)
Importing Antique and Muzzle-Loading Firearms (700 kb)
Please contact Firearms and Weapons on: +61 2 6275 5873 or email weaponspolicy@customs.gov.au
Weapons fact sheets
Import and export controls on law enforcement and military goods (699 kb)
Import and export controls on anti-personel sprays, chemicals, grenades and canisters (665 kb) Oct 2008
Import controls on bladed weapons, martial arts and sporting goods (684 kb) Oct 2008
Import controls on laser pointers (690 kb) Oct 2008
Contact fact sheet
Contact details of the police firearms and weapons registries and the Attorney-General's Department can be found on the following fact sheet.
Firearms and weapons information contacts (763 kb) Oct 2008
Forms
Form B710 Application for permission to import schedule 2 and 3 weapons