Firearms Act 1968

[^M_F_75244edd-4c8e-4713-8723-3ef8d74e6680]: Words in s. 23(2) substituted (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 5, s. 52(1), Sch. 2 para. 3; S.I. 1997/1535, art. 3(c), Sch. Pt. II

[^M_F_c9b6c3f4-036d-4677-c32c-4bca7065dffa]: S. 23(1A) inserted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 34(3)(b), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(d)

[^M_F_4e442541-9b6a-4473-9a3b-0748587dc70d]: Words in s. 23(2) repealed (20.1.2004) by Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (c. 38), ss. 38(3)(a), 92, 93, Sch. 3; S.I. 2003/3300, art. 2(g)(ii)(a)

[^M_F_2b56e79a-49b8-448d-96cf-ba8026cf718f]: Word substituted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 33(3), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(c)

[^key-ea21a6b6cc76d7e1ce446c2f8b80e93a]: S. 55A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 133(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 32

[^key-840814b8d2662bcbb4c447c5d53e03c7]: S. 44(3A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 133(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 32

[^key-a12cdc7f7ae0b2c62b0aab066decacb8]: Words in s. 42B(2)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 14 paras. 6, 7(a); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 41

[^key-a348b908497961d52aab02367d5fb4ce]: Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 inserted (10.4.2017) by The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/452), arts. 1(2), 2(3)

[^key-8d0199c7f52c2ae11b94729eb06b3cdd]: S. 3(7)(8) inserted (10.4.2017) by The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/452), arts. 1(2), 2(2)

[^key-13f209b86de3604b515ede5da90fae10]: S. 52(1ZA)(1ZB) inserted (10.4.2017) by The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/452), arts. 1(2), 3

[^key-5d2df32c91063256a0d4b2e7b427b6fc]: Words in s. 57(1) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 125(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(b)

[^key-629a6aa152c826affde831ca07b8dfb6]: S. 57(1B)(1C) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 125(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(b)

[^key-13f0117b966c64a6317545ec32a7839c]: S. 57(1D) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 125(4), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(b)

[^key-44e80bf91f0f47acfdc4ffadf1c04109]: S. 57A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 125(5), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(b)

[^key-79600da044ffb235c7d7f881e5524dc0]: S. 57B inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 125(6), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(b)

[^key-51be44a706b107850dd996a61ef541e6]: S. 4A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 127, 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(c)

[^key-8dbddf588a5f4fa1b56f5c2ce6818689]: S. 5(1A)(f) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 129(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(e)

[^key-226b3ec3f08d6d66c6f58cfc9ca2f452]: Words in s. 5A(8)(a) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 129(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(e)

[^key-f43f54b23a9402979e1cd431d980e4c5]: S. 11(5) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 130(2)(a), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(f)

[^key-e580bafcf9712ccf38e7c6916ff7aae3]: S. 11A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 2.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 130(1), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 4(f)

[^key-561683485d9f590573c7a4f83f7f63c8]: S. 54(3)(ba) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 39(2)(a), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(e) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

[^key-c6b048e4fc9fd7a67970cd2ed7099d39]: S. 54(3)(g) and word inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 39(2)(b), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(e) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

[^key-df78cea92a86130277fb7a6facb4f8f1]: Words in s. 57(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 39(3), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(e) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

[^key-f87bb2179c45452474fc0065f8941fd0]: S. 50 repealed: (E.W.) by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60, SIF 95), s. 121(1), Sch. 7 Pt. 1; and (S.) (25.1.2018) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 1), s. 117(2), sch. 2 para. 6; S.S.I. 2017/345, art. 3, sch.

[^key-4a88f87f8d73f471f515cd78fac0dceb]: S. 28B inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 17.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 131(1), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2018/456, reg. 4

[^key-0b18f5866e764e463b2de134c3fe101c]: S. 28A(1A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 17.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 131(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2018/456, reg. 4

[^key-20de65a9569a5cb1735f78725d0dcdb1]: Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 inserted (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(7)(a), 70(5)(g)

[^key-d185f59d87bba670c948f761d9eab702]: S. 27A inserted (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 61(2), 70(5)(l)

[^key-10709279678fcf6ffa26e06eded7ace8]: Word in s. 5(2A)(a) inserted (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(5), 70(5)(g)

[^key-b7e35ce07d4b8432b8a3098f421397e2]: S. 53(1): s. 53 renumbered as s. 53(1) (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 61(3)(a), 70(5)(l)

[^key-6df34fe251e1b6fbc1bcb5831abe695d]: S. 53(2) inserted (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 61(3)(b), 70(5)(l)

[^key-ad10d0e033d50c5a2d51884bafccf1ab]: S. 32ZA inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 132(1), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2019/1141, reg. 3(1)

[^M_F_558dd6fe-7623-42fa-a223-093f3c22ddbc]: Sch. 4 para. 4 substituted by S.I. 1998/1941, rule 10(5)

[^key-f04c782bf475a888e10ba00e9cd23ad1]: S. 51A modified in part (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), ss. 1, 5(2)(3) (with Sch. 1 paras. 32, 33); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

[^key-1af441fed3e024a1376a7b1d9d086500]: Words in s. 21(3ZA)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 15(4)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-e8aecf7ebcd6b61b8a5aa7dcffbc377c]: Words in s. 21(3ZA)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 15(4)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-2c909bf4ba66899d3062e15055e54fdd]: Words in s. 21(2C)(b) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 15(3) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-51b5595b9ac74712a3ab2cecd46d0128]: Words in s. 21(2A)(c)(ii) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 15(2) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-28895ecabf2ffa9201a3ac2d8eebc7a3]: Words in s. 21(2C)(a) inserted (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), s. 5(2)(3), Sch. 2 para. 115; S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

[^key-2e51f89edd18cfe2451f2c6a04a83b1a]: Words in s. 52(1A)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 17(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-25837ed71224c9d06ae841c86f6cb446]: Words in s. 52(1A)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 17(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-f747b7e40cd7203f1ce3325df359a479]: S. 51A(6) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 16(3) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-33db00e65976c4391ed68ada22b5f70c]: Words in s. 51A(1) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 16(2)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-c4344cf3b5c7b1d063698312817f54a2]: Words in s. 51A(1)(a) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 16(2)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-69462eac60101b91b3d8461af934148a]: S. 51A(4)(a) repealed (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 28 (with ss. 413(4)(5), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-af4eb192c780bb0e9b244079bd666bc4]: S. 51A(5)(a) repealed (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 28 (with ss. 413(4)(5), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-a1b1619d646d9200adc8b9e779cc93bb]: S. 51A(1)-(3) repealed (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 29 (with ss. 413(4), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-dd8ca5c8e2e862f611735431fb9ead56]: S. 51A(5)(b) repealed (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 29 (with ss. 413(4), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-0589700b8804e1ea715a4dd92a96a01c]: S. 51A(4)(b) repealed (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 29 (with ss. 413(4), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-1782423152d1d1eea263a09acf758579]: Words in s. 51A(5) repealed (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 29 (with ss. 413(4), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-944f575af5da450b9421ac1d6cab6700]: Words in s. 51A(4) repealed (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 29 (with ss. 413(4), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

[^key-cbc1a4bf3b981e4e1640fcf59393ac0a]: S. 32A and crossheading omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-84d686492ec4e73f05e62971c4ee0bc0]: Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(12); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-c90b8c372a865f878ae97132aadf61d9]: S. 5A(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(2) (with reg. 60); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-5d76be0500d7db3cc05fa57a2983c384]: S. 22(1A) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-64bd691a7b7dab4b2200134701719850]: S. 27(1A) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-f73982e6369d7c2b790a853fad855d42]: S. 28(1C) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-980f62cf85302e83e7d898ffeafeacbf]: S. 32B omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(7); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-b5f6c0bb977cc618b685d0ba0dcd0618]: S. 32C omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(8); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-aa88729e5ef2cc7c78d9378101cbc1d7]: Words in s. 42A(1)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(9)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-57f1cfc1746363b54a7698f21a8a125a]: Words in s. 42A(1)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(9)(a)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-9bfb77595701cbdd36a97931de7456ca]: Words in s. 42A(1)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(9)(a)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-23fc39e1fea904f13a38417053c81142]: Words in s. 42A(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(9)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-2e82601ac9c11de4ac2b9b6a3d8affb1]: S. 48(1A) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(10)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-80c57cfda94dce8a6077e217c64cdfb4]: Words in s. 48(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(10)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-d94636c8e8f186fa4f5c3288f47698d5]: S. 48(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(10)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-837cd66704cb612da63055f0c693c73b]: Words in s. 57(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(11)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-63cbf33098a2290e7eeaa7bb585568d7]: Words in s. 57(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(11)(a)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-220ec734c1aa8d6c8dfc84e25a2e2125]: Words in s. 57(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(11)(a)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-ad756a08a7824083a055d98436e8c730]: S. 57(4A) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 59(11)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-13fa2580d991e4c7713f6d59e3e867ab]: S. 58(2A)-(2H) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 22.3.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 126(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2021/282, reg. 2 (with regs. 3, 4)

[^key-fd839747494e7302edbec8ce5755bdec]: Words in s. 58(2)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 22.3.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 126(3)(a), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2021/282, reg. 2 (with regs. 3, 4)

[^key-e1250d74a1e2b0a0cba4785654c34b45]: Words in s. 58(2)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 22.3.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 126(3)(b), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2021/282, reg. 2 (with regs. 3, 4)

[^key-e83779c579beaa811d9ae7a6fc390f2b]: S. 5 excluded (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 22.3.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 126(5), 183(1)(5)(e) (with s. 126(4)(8)); S.I. 2021/282, reg. 2 (with regs. 3, 4)

[^key-7ab7ff7cb549c7169c12ba462d48f3b7]: S. 1(1)(a) excluded (22.3.2021) by The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Commencement No. 11 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/282), regs. 1(1), 3, 4

[^key-6b2e3b6117ddac203e03f943e6caca03]: S. 2(1) excluded (22.3.2021) by The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Commencement No. 11 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/282), regs. 1(1), 3, 4

[^key-5e30d983b68ee384fc59550667f367f3]: S. 5 excluded in part (22.3.2021) by The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Commencement No. 11 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/282), regs. 1(1), 3, 4

[^key-028a4af0f755aca06c0702048c6f8459]: S. 3 excluded in part (22.3.2021) by The Policing and Crime Act 2017 (Commencement No. 11 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/282), regs. 1(1), 4

[^key-0e84487c715cb79c55a534508711bccd]: S. 5(1)(ag) inserted (16.5.2019 for specified purposes, 14.7.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(2), 70(1)(5)(d); S.I. 2021/819, reg. 2(f)

[^key-7f975effe00625a1b2ece7b1b0c850c2]: S. 5(1)(ba) substituted for word (16.5.2019 for specified purposes, 14.7.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(3), 70(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2021/819, reg. 2(f)

[^key-a39d3e0bc2e3aebf4021d3218319d7a3]: Words in s. 5(2) inserted (16.5.2019 for specified purposes, 14.7.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(4), 70(1)(5)(f); S.I. 2021/819, reg. 2(f)

[^key-e35ebb4df79bc82cfc95b8574316fa04]: Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 substituted (14.7.2021) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(7)(b), 70(1); S.I. 2021/819, reg. 2(f)

[^key-6c0563f2493db002c4247c83953fb5ba]: Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 substituted (14.7.2021) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(7)(c), 70(1); S.I. 2021/819, reg. 2(f)

[^key-4bf02ed8f4dfc843c3af23f03ef702e1]: Words in s. 4A(2)(a)(i) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

[^key-0251be52f56efd2343ca8f52740be578]: Words in s. 4A(2)(a)(i) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 table

[^key-13dc94a2f7066fe6611f75a1cc1879c3]: Sum in s. 32(1)(a) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(a)

[^key-591998db4cfb358b6364dff55e90b5e9]: Sum in s. 32(1)(b) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(b)

[^key-012c4a0dcf576743bda662f978bf7b0e]: Sum in s. 32(1)(c) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(c)

[^key-a27ec7d1fb33636fb0c50aebf6ca927d]: Sum in s. 32(1)(cc) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(d)

[^key-b1790ff8a76214c99c87f3d2e99f6cbe]: Sum in s. 32(1)(d) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(e)

[^key-e0afd557672f1603465b9394249cd969]: Sum in s. 32(1)(e) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(f)

[^key-75143002e77b15860c406d095395e2ee]: Sum in s. 32(1)(f) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 2(g)

[^key-a1fc0e908ff2d31335726f93e2c4b163]: Sum in s. 35(1) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 3(a)

[^key-9f56e83006f057b32207d5afae9f78b8]: Sum in s. 35(1A) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 3(b)

[^key-1f22474c828a60e249736ec149e37cb8]: Sum in s. 35(3) substituted (5.2.2025) by The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/36), arts. 1(1), 3(c)

[^key-10b1b1752064cbd46b160ed4541c58c3]: S. 3A inserted (1.5.2025) by Firearms Act 2023 (c. 49), ss. 2, 3(3); S.I. 2025/535, reg. 2(b)

[^key-8535ec86b116e0fb1594141c987309e4]: S. 11(3A)-(4A) substituted for s. 11(4) (1.5.2025) by Firearms Act 2023 (c. 49), ss. 1(2), 3(3); S.I. 2025/535, reg. 2(a)

[^key-62befad36bd0957ba34caf41c8642ef5]: Words in s. 23(2)(b) substituted (1.5.2025) by Firearms Act 2023 (c. 49), ss. 1(3), 3(3); S.I. 2025/535, reg. 2(a)

[^key-0f2e4106228807a93f7f1f6105883050]: Words in s. 21(2C)(b) inserted (22.3.2026) by Sentencing Act 2026 (c. 2), s. 49(4), Sch. 1 para. 1

Minimum sentence for certain offences under s. 5

Minimum sentence for certain offences under s. 5

Repeals and general savings.

Particular savings.

Short title, commencement and extent.

Forfeiture and disposal of firearms; cancellation of certificate by convicting court.

Application of Parts I and II to Crown servants.

Power to amend section 57(1D)

Repeals and general savings.

Minimum sentence for certain offences under s. 5

Forfeiture and disposal of firearms; cancellation of certificate by convicting court.

Application of Parts I and II to Crown servants.

Particular savings.

Short title, commencement and extent.

Note: in this Part references to firearms do not include any firearm to which Part 2 or 3 of this Schedule applies

1

The quantities and description of firearms and ammunition manufactured and the dates thereof.

2

The quantities and description of firearms and ammunition purchased or acquired with the names and addresses of the sellers or transferors and the dates of the several transactions.

3

The quantities and description of firearms and ammunition accepted for sale, repair, test, proof, cleaning, storage, destruction or other purpose, with the names and addresses of the transferors and the dates of the several transactions.

24ZA

• (1) It is an offence for a person in possession of an air weapon to fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent any person under the age of eighteen from having the weapon with him.

• (2) Subsection (1) does not apply where by virtue of section 23 of this Act the person under the age of eighteen is not prohibited from having the weapon with him.

• (2) Subsection (1) does not apply where—

• (a) the person under the age of 18 holds an air weapon certificate granted under section 5 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, or

• (b) the use or possession of the weapon by the person under the age of 18 is otherwise in accordance with Part 1 of that Act.

• (3) In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) it is a defence to show that the person charged with the offence—

• (a) believed the other person to be aged eighteen or over; and

• (b) had reasonable ground for that belief.

• (4) For the purposes of this section a person shall be taken to have shown the matters specified in subsection (3) if—

• (a) sufficient evidence of those matters is adduced to raise an issue with respect to them; and

• (b) the contrary is not proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

42B

• (1) A notice is sent by permitted electronic means for the purposes of section 42A if—

• (a) it is sent by an electronic form of communication which the Secretary of State has directed may be used for those purposes,

• (b) it is sent to an electronic address which has been published pursuant to subsection (4), and

• (c) subject to subsection (6), the electronic address has not been withdrawn in accordance with subsection (5).

• (2) Before giving a direction under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State must consult—

• (a) the Scottish Ministers,

• (b) the National Police Chiefs' Council ,

• (c) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and

• (d) such other persons as the Secretary of State is satisfied should be consulted.

• (3) The Secretary of State must publish directions given under subsection (1)(a).

• (4) A chief officer of police must publish at least one electronic address for each form of electronic communication specified in a direction under subsection (1)(a).

• (5) A chief officer of police may withdraw an electronic address published under subsection (4) by publishing a statement to that effect in the same manner as that in which the electronic address was published under subsection (4); but a chief officer of police may exercise the power to withdraw only if, after the withdrawal, there will still be at least one electronic address available for the form of electronic communication concerned.

• (6) Where an electronic address has been withdrawn under subsection (5), a notice sent to that electronic address before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day after the date of withdrawal is to be treated as complying with subsection (1)(b).

Interpretation.

Particular savings.

6A

An offence under paragraph 14 or 24 of Schedule 10 to the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (assaulting secure college custody officer).

4A

• (1) A person, other than a registered firearms dealer, commits an offence if—

• (a) the person has in his or her possession or under his or her control an article that is capable of being used (whether by itself or with other articles) to convert an imitation firearm into a firearm, and

• (b) the person intends to use the article (whether by itself or with other articles) to convert an imitation firearm into a firearm.

• (2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

• (a) on summary conviction—

• (i) in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court (or, in relation to offences committed before 2 May 2022, 6 months) or to a fine, or to both;

• (ii) in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both;

• (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine, or to both.

11A

• (1) A person (“the borrower”) may, without holding a certificate under this Act, borrow a rifle or shot gun from another person on private premises (“the lender”) and have the rifle or shot gun in his or her possession on those premises if—

• (a) the four conditions set out in subsections (2) to (5) are met, and

• (b) in the case of a rifle, the borrower is aged 17 or over.

• (2) The first condition is that the borrowing and possession of the rifle or shot gun are for either or both of the following purposes—

• (a) hunting animals or shooting game or vermin;

• (b) shooting at artificial targets.

• (3) The second condition is that the lender—

• (a) is aged 18 or over,

• (b) holds a certificate under this Act in respect of the rifle or shot gun, and

• (c) is either—

• (i) a person who has a right to allow others to enter the premises for the purposes of hunting animals or shooting game or vermin, or

• (ii) a person who is authorised in writing by a person mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) to lend the rifle or shot gun on the premises (whether generally or to persons specified in the authorisation who include the borrower).

• (4) The third condition is that the borrower's possession and use of the rifle or shot gun complies with any conditions as to those matters specified in the lender's certificate under this Act.

• (5) The fourth condition is that, during the period for which the rifle or shot gun is borrowed, the borrower is in the presence of the lender or—

• (a) where a rifle is borrowed, a person who, although not the lender, is aged 18 or over, holds a certificate under this Act in respect of that rifle and is a person described in subsection (3)(c)(i) or (ii);

• (b) where a shot gun is borrowed, a person who, although not the lender, is aged 18 or over, holds a certificate under this Act in respect of that shot gun or another shot gun and is a person described in subsection (3)(c)(i) or (ii).

• (6) Where a rifle is borrowed on any premises in reliance on subsection (1), the borrower may, without holding a firearm certificate, purchase or acquire ammunition on the premises, and have the ammunition in his or her possession on those premises for the period for which the firearm is borrowed, if—

• (a) the ammunition is for use with the firearm,

• (b) the lender's firearm certificate authorises the lender to have in his or her possession during that period ammunition of a quantity not less than that purchased or acquired by, and in the possession of, the borrower, and

• (c) the borrower's possession and use of the ammunition complies with any conditions as to those matters specified in the certificate.

28B

• (1) This section applies where—

• (a) an application is made for the renewal of a certificate on or before the day which falls 8 weeks before the day at the end of which the certificate is due to expire, but

• (b) the chief officer of police does not determine whether or not to grant the application before the certificate is due to expire.

• (2) The certificate continues in force by virtue of this subsection until whichever of the following events occurs first—

• (a) the chief officer determines whether or not to grant the application;

• (b) the extension period ends.

• (3) In subsection (2), “the extension period” means the period of 8 weeks beginning with the day after the day at the end of which the certificate was due to expire.

• (4) If the event mentioned in subsection (2)(a) occurs first, and the chief officer grants the application, any period for which the certificate continued in force under subsection (2) is to be treated for the purposes of section 28A(1) as part of the period for which the renewed certificate is in force.

• (5) This section does not apply in relation to the renewal of a certificate granted or last renewed in Northern Ireland.

32ZA

• (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations authorise the appropriate national authority to require payment of a fee before an authority under section 5 is granted, varied or renewed.

• (2) Regulations under subsection (1) must specify the amount of any fee that may be charged.

• (3) The regulations may make different provision for different cases (including specifying different fees for different cases).

• (4) The regulations may include—

• (a) incidental, supplementary or consequential provision;

• (b) transitional, transitory or saving provision.

• (5) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.

• (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

• (7) In this section, “the appropriate national authority” means—

• (a) in or as regards England and Wales, the Secretary of State;

• (b) in or as regards Scotland, the Scottish Ministers.

55A

• (1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to chief officers of police as to the exercise of their functions under, or in connection with, this Act.

• (2) The Secretary of State may revise any guidance issued under this section.

• (3) The Secretary of State must arrange for any guidance issued under this section, and any revision of it, to be published.

• (4) A chief officer of police must have regard to any guidance issued under this section.

• (5) Before issuing guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—

• (a) the National Police Chiefs' Council, and

• (b) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland.

57A

• (1) An “airsoft gun” is not to be regarded as a firearm for the purposes of this Act.

• (2) An “airsoft gun” is a barrelled weapon of any description which—

• (a) is designed to discharge only a small plastic missile (whether or not it is also capable of discharging any other kind of missile), and

• (b) is not capable of discharging a missile (of any kind) with kinetic energy at the muzzle of the weapon that exceeds the permitted level.

• (3) “Small plastic missile” means a missile that—

• (a) is made wholly or partly from plastics,

• (b) is spherical, and

• (c) does not exceed 8 millimetres in diameter.

• (4) The permitted kinetic energy level is—

• (a) in the case of a weapon which is capable of discharging two or more missiles successively without repeated pressure on the trigger, 1.3 joules;

• (b) in any other case, 2.5 joules.

57B

• (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument amend section 57(1D) so as to make different provision for the purposes of section 57(1)(c) about the meaning of a relevant component part in relation to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon.

• (2) Regulations under this section may include—

• (a) incidental, supplementary or consequential provision;

• (b) transitional, transitory or saving provision.

• (3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

PART 3 — PARTICULARS RELATING TO AIR WEAPONS: SCOTLAND

Notes:This Part applies in relation to Scotland.In this Part “air weapon” includes any component of, or accessory to, an air weapon.

4

The quantities and description of air weapons sold or transferred with the names and addresses of the purchasers or transferees and the date of each transaction.

5

The quantities and description of air weapons in possession for sale or transfer at the date of the last stocktaking or such other date in each year as may be specified in the register.

Conditions for storage etc of certain firearms

27A

• (1) This section applies to a firearm if it is a rifle from which a shot, bullet or other missile, with kinetic energy of more than 13,600 joules at the muzzle of the weapon, can be discharged.

• (2) The Secretary of State must by rules under section 53 prescribe conditions—

• (a) subject to which a firearm certificate relating to a firearm to which this section applies must be granted or renewed, and

• (b) which impose requirements as to the storage of a firearm to which this section applies and as to the security measures to be taken when such a firearm is in transit.

• (3) Before making rules under section 53 which prescribe conditions of the kind mentioned in subsection (2) the Secretary of State must consult such persons likely to be affected by the rules as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

Forfeiture and disposal of firearms; cancellation of certificate by convicting court.

Rules for implementing this Act.

Interpretation.

Exception for airsoft guns

Repeals and general savings.

Notes:This Part applies in relation to Scotland.In this Part “air weapon” includes any component of, or accessory to, an air weapon.

Forfeiture and disposal of firearms; cancellation of certificate by convicting court.

Application of Parts I and II to Crown servants.

Interpretation.

Exception for airsoft guns

Repeals and general savings.

Notes:This Part applies in relation to Scotland.In this Part “air weapon” includes any component of, or accessory to, an air weapon.

Exception for airsoft guns

Repeals and general savings.

Notes:This Part applies in relation to Scotland.In this Part “air weapon” includes any component of, or accessory to, an air weapon.

3A

• (1) A person commits an offence if—

• (a) the person has in their possession any component parts of ammunition (see subsection (2)),

• (b) the person intends to manufacture ammunition to which section 1 applies using those parts, and

• (c) were the person to do so—

• (i) possession of the ammunition by the person would constitute an offence under section 1, or

• (ii) the manufacture or possession of the ammunition by the person would constitute an offence under section 3.

• (2) For the purposes of this section the component parts of ammunition are—

• (a) bullet;

• (b) cartridge case;

• (c) primer;

• (d) propellant.

• (3) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—

• (a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or a fine (or both);

• (b) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);

• (c) on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both).