Australian Customs – Changes to the firearms import regime

Since 2011, and following broad consultation, a number of deficiencies in the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (the Regulations) have been identified. These deficiencies related to the uncertainty in the types of firearms and related articles that are subject to importation controls and the applicable import tests. Additionally, a number of unintended consequences were identified in the application of the Regulations.

In 2013, Customs released a summary of the amendments to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (the Regulations) described in the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Amendment (Firearms) Regulation 2013. The Amendment Regulation concerns the importation of firearms, parts and accessories, clarifying existing importation controls and bringing aspects of the importation scheme into line with state and territory laws with the aim of making the existing scheme clearer for importers, firearms dealers and regulators.

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