In order to ensure the highest level of security possible for the deactivation of firearms, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 provides for a regular review and update of the technical specifications laid down therein taking into account the experience acquired by the Member States when applying these rules and any additional deactivation measures.

For that purpose, the Commission set up, in September 2016, a working group with national experts for deactivation of firearms under the Committee established by Directive 91/477/EEC. The working group focused on the revision of the technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms set out in Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 with the aim to improve their clarity, avoid any ambiguities for practitioners, and ensure that the technical specifications are applicable to all types of firearms.

The rules on deactivation of firearms laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 should reflect and be consistent with the new rules on deactivation introduced by Directive (EU) 2017/853.

The scope of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 should cover firearms of all categories listed in Part II of Annex I to Directive 91/477/EEC.

The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms should prevent the reactivation of firearms with the use of ordinary tools.

The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms focus on the deactivation of essential components of firearms as defined in Directive 91/477/EEC. This is since Directive 91/477/EEC also provides a definition for deactivated firearms which includes the need to ensure that all essential components of the firearm in question have been rendered permanently inoperable and incapable of removal, replacement or modification in a manner that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way. The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms should also apply to the deactivation of exchange barrels which, being separate objects, are technically linked with and intended to be mounted on the firearm to be deactivated.

On request of the working group of national deactivation experts, the revised technical specifications were subject to a stress test by national deactivation practitioners over 5 weeks from 9 February to 20 March 2017. The outcome of this stress test led in particular to the decision to review the presentation of the deactivation specifications. For the sake of clarity, the specific deactivation operations should be presented in a way that distinguishes between the different types of firearms.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Directive 91/477/EEC.

In order for Member States to make the necessary administrative changes and to bring their practices in line with this amended Implementing Regulation, this Regulation should apply 3 months following its entry into force,