The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004

Grant of firearms dealer’s certificate

26.—(1) The Chief Constable may grant a firearms dealer’s certificate if he is satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to carry on business as a firearms dealer without danger to public safety or to the peace.

(2) The Chief Constable shall not grant a firearms dealer’s certificate unless he is satisfied that—

(a) the applicant is a fit person to carry on business as a firearms dealer;

(b) every place of business at which he proposes to carry on business as a firearms dealer is suitable for that purpose; and

(c) he will engage in business as a firearms dealer to a substantial extent or as an essential part of another trade or profession.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (1) or (2), the Chief Constable shall grant a firearms dealer’s certificate to any applicant who is authorised by the Secretary of State under Article 45 to manufacture, sell or transfer prohibited weapons or prohibited ammunition.

(4) The Chief Constable shall not grant a firearms dealer’s certificate to any applicant who is subject to an order of a court in Northern Ireland made under Article 33 or an order of a court in Great Britain made under section 45 of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (consequences where dealer convicted of offence).

(5) The Chief Constable shall not grant a firearms dealer’s certificate to any applicant who is prohibited by this Order from possessing a firearm.

(6) The Chief Constable shall not grant a firearms dealer’s certificate to a person under the age of 18 years.

(7) The Chief Constable may, if he is satisfied that it is necessary to do so, provide the holder of a firearms dealer’s certificate with a duplicate certificate on payment of the appropriate fee (if any).