Firearms → Australia

Prohibited without import permit

Details

All firearms require an import permit from the Australian Federal Police and a state/territory firearms license. The National Firearms Agreement significantly restricts civilian firearms ownership. Tourists may only bring firearms for approved sporting events with extensive pre-approval. Enforcement in Australia carries fines from AUD 66,600 to AUD 1,665,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act 1901 s.233A; Criminal Code Act 1995 Part 9.1. Leaving Australia with firearms is a separate question — prohibited: Australia prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

Documentation required

• AFP Import Permit
• State firearms license
• Invitation to sporting event

Legal reference

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956

Leaving with this item

Australia prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

Practical advice

Application process takes 6-8 weeks minimum. Contact the AFP Firearms section well in advance.

Customs authority

Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au