EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules make amendments to the Firearms Rules 1998 (S.I. 1998/1941).

Rule 2(2)(a) replaces the existing application form for a grant or renewal of a firearm and/or shotgun certificate.

Rule 2(2)(b) replaces the existing application form to vary a firearm certificate.

Rule 2(3) replaces the existing application form for registration as a firearms dealer or for a new certificate of registration as a firearms dealer.

These amendments introduce a requirement for the applicant to provide required medical information regarding suitability in the relevant registration or application forms. They also ensure that information relating to the unique identifying mark as applied to the weapon’s frame or receiver and, where different, the unique identifying mark as applied to each relevant component part are recorded in the application form.

Rule 3 makes provision to enable chief officers to process applications which are made using the old forms that are to be replaced, provided that the application concerned is received on or before 1st December 2021.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.