Firearms Legislation by Country
Official legislation, licensing authorities, and weapon registers for European countries. Every acquisition, possession, display, or transfer of a firearm is subject to strict national and EU law.
Mandatory Compliance — Read Carefully
BGUN is an advertising platform only. We never sell, ship, store, or broker firearms. The authority rules of each country must be respected at all times when communicating about or showing arms. Under no circumstances may firearms or ammunition be sent through the postal system or any standard courier — only licensed arms dealers may transport them.
Information Only — Not Legal Advice
BGUN is a helping tool, not your legal partner, and has no partnership with any country, government, or authority. We provide general information based on the latest laws and official sources we found — this is never legal advice. Firearms laws are criminal law: you alone must double-check your papers and permits with the police, customs, or your national firearms authority before any acquisition, transfer, or transport of a weapon.
European Union Framework
All EU member states implement Directive (EU) 2021/555, which recasts Directive 91/477/EEC. This directive sets minimum rules for the acquisition, possession, transfer, and registration of firearms, and introduces four categories. National law may impose stricter requirements.
EU Directive 2021/555
Directive (EU) 2021/555
Weapon Categories (Annex I)
Fully automatic firearms, disguised firearms, armour-piercing/penetrating/explosive ammunition, and certain accessories. Acquisition is generally prohibited for civilians.
Semi-automatic centre-fire handguns and rifles, repeating shotguns, and short firearms. Require a prior authorisation from the national authority before acquisition.
Long rifled-barrel firearms (bolt/pump action), single-shot short firearms, semi-automatic long rimfire. Require a declaration to the national authority.
Single-shot long smooth-bore firearms, black powder replicas, and other firearms not in categories A–C. Subject to age verification and registration.
Exact classification varies by country. Always confirm the category of a specific firearm with your national authority.
Critical Rules
No Postal or Courier Shipping
Firearms and ammunition may NEVER be sent by post (Deutsche Post, La Poste, bpost, PostNL, Royal Mail, etc.) or by standard parcel services. Only licensed arms dealers with authorised transport may move firearms.
Licensed Dealers Only
All sales, transfers, and handovers must be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer (armurier agréé / Waffenfachhändler). Private face-to-face sales must still be declared and registered.
Valid Permit Required
Acquiring or possessing a Category B weapon requires a valid authorisation or permit issued by the competent national authority. Possessing without a permit is a criminal offence.
Age Restrictions
The minimum age is 18 years for Category C and D firearms, and 21 years for Category B. Some countries impose higher age limits or additional requirements.
Cross-Border Transfers
Transferring a firearm between EU member states requires prior authorisation (Article 11–13, Directive 2021/555) and a valid European Firearms Pass (EFP). Importing from outside the EU requires a national import permit.
Registration Is Mandatory
Every firearm must be registered in the national weapon register at the time of acquisition. Failure to register is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and fines.
European Firearms Pass (EFP)
The EFP is issued by the national authority and allows the holder to travel within the EU with a Category B or C firearm for hunting, target shooting, or collection. It is mandatory for cross-border transport.
National Legislation by Country
European Union
EUiARMS ( illicit Arms Records System — Europol/Interpol )
Germany
DENationales Waffenregister (NWR)
France
FRSystème d'Information sur les Armes (SIA)
Netherlands
NLLandelijk Wapenregister (LWR)
Belgium
BERegistre national des armes / Nationaal Wapenregister
Luxembourg
LURegistre central des armes
Austria
ATElektronisches Waffenregister
Switzerland
CHKantonales Waffenregister
Italy
ITBanca Dati Nazionale dell'Armato (BDNA)
Spain
ESRegistro Central de Armas
Portugal
PTRegisto Nacional de Armas (RNA)
Poland
PLCentralny Rejestr Broni i Amunicji (EWUBA)
Czech Republic
CZEvidence zbranĂ ÄŚR
Denmark
DKDet Centrale VĂĄbenregister (DVR)
Sweden
SEVapenregistret
Finland
FIAseidenhoitojärjestelmä (AHJO)
Norway
NOVĂĄpenregisteret
Ireland
IENational Firearms Register
United Kingdom
GBNational Firearms Licence Management System (NFLMS)
This list covers the main European markets and is not exhaustive. If your country is not listed, consult your national Ministry of the Interior or police authority. Links point to official government sources.
BGUN provides this information for general guidance only and does not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Legislation changes frequently. Always verify current requirements with the competent authority before any transaction.
Last updated: July 2026: August 2026·For questions about this Disclaimer, contact legal@bgun.eu