Arms Licensing Regulations, 2006

L.N. 177 of 2006

ARMS ACT

(CAP. 480)

Arms Licensing Regulations, 2006

IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 65 of the Arms Act,

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs,

after consultations with the Weapons Board, has made the following

regulations:-

Preliminary

The title of these regulations is the Arms Licensing Title.

Regulations, 2006.

(1)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise Interpretation.

requires

“the Act” means the Arms Act;

“the Board” means the Weapons Board constituted and

appointed in accordance with article 49 of the Act;

“the Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Police;

“the Ordinance” means the Arms Ordinance repealed by

the Act.

(2) Terms, words and phrases used in these regulations and

which are also used in the Act shall have the same meaning as is assigned

to them by article 2 of the Act.

Part I

Collector Licence A

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions.

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the collector licence A referred to in

regulation 4;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

(1) Any person who intends to pursue the collection of arms

and ammunition may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under

this regulation to be known as a “Collector Licence A”. The application

must be accompanied by the appropriate processing fee.

(2) An applicant must be a member of a body or organization

representing arms collectors recognized by the Board and must have

his application endorsed by that body or organization.

The Board shall

(a) interview the applicant in order to establish his

knowledge of, the history of arms, the provisions of the Act and of

the regulations made thereunder, and the safe handling and keeping

of arms;

(b) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under the Act and any regulations made thereunder and has the

means to keep the arms in a safe and secure manner; and

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation

within one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a

licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee

shall be entitled to acquire, keep and dispose of any of the following

(a) arms described under Schedule I and Schedule II of

the Act which are antique, historical, rare or artistic;

(b) arms described in items 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Part 1 of

Schedule II of the Act and those described under Part 2 of the

same Schedule II;

(c) a maximum of ten arms described in items 1, 2, 3

and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule II of the Act that do not qualify under

paragraph (a) of this regulation;

(d) any arm described under Schedule III of the Act;

(e) any ammunition not listed under Schedule I of the Act

provided it is in good order and may be kept safely for collection

purposes only.

Obligations of

The licensee shall

holder of collector

licence A.

(a) keep a detailed inventory showing every movement or

transfer of any arm or ammunition in his possession or under his

control;

(b) keep any arms and ammunition falling under Schedule

I and Schedule II of the Act under lock and key in a secure area

within his residence and ensure that no one other than himself has

access to them;

(c) adopt any specific additional security measures that from

time to time may be imposed by the Commissioner as may be

recommended by the Board;

(d) obtain his club’s endorsement as an arms collector before

the renewal of his licence.

Part II

Collector Licence B

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions.

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the collector licence B referred to in

regulation 10;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

(1)

Any person who, on the coming into force of the Act: Collector

licence B.

(a) is in possession of a licence “to keep” under article 3

of the Ordinance, and

(b) desires to keep the arms covered by the licence under

the same conditions operative under the licence,

may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under this Part, to be

known as a “Collector Licence B”, and such licence shall be granted

without the need of any further formality. The provisions of regulation

11 shall not apply to an application under this paragraph.”

(2) Any person who, after the date of the coming into force

of the Act

(a) by way of inheritance, comes into the possession of an

arm or of a collection of arms which were licensed under the

Ordinance immediately before succession in ownership, and

(b) desires to keep those arms for collection purposes only,

may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under this Part.

(3) Any person who, after the date of the coming into force

of the Act

(a) is in possession of a target shooter licence and, or a

hunting licence under the Act, and

(b) does not wish to continue to practice the sport of target

shooting or of hunting, and

(c) desires to retain the arm or arms in his possession which

he used in the practice of his sport,

may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under this Part.

Saving the provisions of regulation 10(1), any person who

applies for a licence under this Part shall submit the appropriate

application form and submit the necessary documents proving his legal

title to the arm or arms and, or ammunition to the Commissioner.

The Board shall

(a) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under the Act and any regulations made hereunder and that he has

the means to keep the arms in a safe and secure manner; and

(b) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation

within one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a

licence.’

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee Rights granted by

collector licence

shall be entitled only to keep and dispose of the arms mentioned in B.

regulation 10.

Obligations of

The licensee shall

holder of a collector

licence B.

(a) keep any arms and ammunition falling under Schedule

I and Schedule II of the Act under lock and key in a secure area

within his residence and ensure that no one other than himself has

access to them;

(b) adopt any specific additional security measures that from

time to time may be imposed by the Commissioner as may be

recommended by the Board.

Part III

Target Shooter Licence A

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the target shooter licence A referred to in

regulation 17;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

(1) Any person who intends to pursue the sport of target Target shooter

licence A.

shooting by means of an arm as is referred to in paragraphs (a) and (d)

of regulation 20 may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under

this regulation to be known as a “Target Shooter Licence A”.

(2) An applicant must be a member of a target shooting

club, licensed as such under the Act, set up for the practice of target

shooting disciplines.

Functions of the

The Board shall

Board concerning

applications for

Target Shooter

(a) ensure that the applicant is a member of a club as is

Licence A.

referred to in regulation 17(2) and is recommended for the license

by the same club after he has successfully attended a firearms safety

course organized by the same club or any other body or authority

recognized by the Board;

(b) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under the Act and any regulations made thereunder and has the

means to keep the arms in a safe and secure manner;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee

shall be entitled to acquire, keep, carry, use and dispose of any of the

following

(a) a maximum of ten arms described in items 1, 2, 3 and 4

of Part 1 of Schedule II of the Act;

(b) parts described in item 9 of Part 1 of Schedule II of the

Act in respect of arms as referred to in Regulation 20(a);

(c) a maximum of five thousand rounds of ammunition

described in Schedule II of the Act in respect of arms referred to in

Regulations 20(a);

(d) Arms described in item 1 of Part II of Schedule II of the

Act.

(1) The licensee shall

(a) keep the arms locked safely and separately from

ammunition;

(b) not carry more than three arms from his residence to a

licensed range and back;

(c) adopt any specific additional security measures that from

time to time may be imposed by the Commissioner as may be

recommended by the Board;

(d) keep proper records of ammunition stocks;

(e) obtain his club’s endorsement as a target shooting

practicing member before the renewal of his licence.

(2) When carrying arms from his residence to a licensed

range and back the licensee shall do so by the most expeditious route

and within a reasonable time before or after the event, as the case may

be, and shall keep the arms safely locked separately from the

ammunition.

Part IV

Target Shooter Licence B

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the target shooter licence B referred to in

regulation 23;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under

this Part.

(1) Any person who intends to actively pursue the sport of Target shooter

licence B.

target shooting by means of an arm as is referred to in paragraph (a) of

regulation 26 may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under this

Part, to be known as a “Target Shooter Licence B”.

(2) Any person who intends to actively pursue the sport of

target shooting by means of an arm and who on the date of the coming

into force of the Act was in possession of a valid licence under the

provisions of the Ordinance to carry that arm with respect to the sport

of target shooting may apply to the Commissioner for a licence under

this Part and such licence shall be granted without the need of any further

formality. The provisions of paragraph (3) of this regulation shall not

apply to an application under this paragraph.

(3) An applicant must be a member of a target shooting

club, licensed as such under the Act, set up for the practice of target

shooting disciplines.

Functions of the

The Board shall

Board concerning

applications for

target shooter

(a) ensure that the applicant is a member of a target shooting

licence B.

club licensed as such by the Commissioner and is recommended

for the license by the same club after he has successfully attended

a firearms safety course organized by the same club or any other

body or authority recognized by the Board;

(b) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under the Act and any regulations made thereunder and has the

means to keep the arms in a safe and secure manner;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee

shall be entitled to acquire, keep, carry, use and dispose of any of the

following

(a) arms described in items 5,6 and 8 of Part 1 of Schedule

II of the Act;

(b) arms described in Part 1 of Schedule III item 2 of the

Act;

(c) muzzle loading arms described in Part 1 of Schedule III

item 1 of the Act;

(d) a maximum number of five thousand rounds of

ammunition described in Schedule II of the Act in respect of arms

referred to this Regulation;

(e) parts described in item 9 of Part 1 of Schedule II of the

Act in respect of arms falling under Regulation 26(a).

The licensee shall

(a) keep the arms locked safely and separately from

ammunition;

(b) not carry more than three arms from his residence to a

licensed range and back;

(c) adopt any specific additional security measures that from

time to time may be imposed by the Commissioner as may be

recommended by the Board;

(d) keep proper records of ammunition stocks;

(e) obtain his club’s endorsement as a target shooting

practicing member before the renewal of his licence.

In the case of persons who are in possession of a valid hunting Permit to exercise

clay pigeon target

license, the Commissioner may issue a Target Shooting license B to shooting

such persons for the practice of clay pigeon target shooting only, without

any further formality.

Part V

Arms Dealer Licence

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the arms dealer licence referred to in

regulation 30;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

Any person who intends to trade in arms proper and Arms dealer

licence.

ammunition and who is in possession of any relevant permits as may be

required by law may apply to the Commissioner for an arms dealer

licence under this Part.

Functions of the

The Board shall

Board concerning

applications for

arms dealer

(a) interview the applicant in order to establish his

licence.

knowledge of the arms, the provisions of the Act and of the

regulations made thereunder, and the safe handling and keeping of

arms;

(b) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under Act and regulations and that he has the means to keep the

arms in a safe and secure manner;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision Notification of

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall Commissioner’s

decision on

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a application for arms

dealer licence.

licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee

shall be entitled to import, acquire, keep and dispose of arms proper

and ammunition in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The licensee shall

(a) keep detailed records of every movement or transfer of

any arm or ammunition in his possession or under his control,

including the full particulars of the vendor or purchaser;

(b) keep all arms and ammunition on display in a secure

and locked display furniture and keep any other arms or

ammunition in a strong room or gun safe within his premises and

ensure that no one other than himself or an employee duly registered

with the Commissioner of Police, has access to the arms and

ammunition without their presence and consent;

(c) not store more than twelve thousand rounds of

ammunition in the premises;

(d) not deliver any arm or ammunition to the purchaser

unless the latter is in possession of the corresponding licence;

(e) consent to periodic inspections by authorized police

officers;

(f) install an alarm system with a phone dialler linked to

the Police.

Part VI

Gunsmith Licence

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the gunsmith licence referred to in

regulation 36;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under

this Part.

Any person who intends to manufacture and, or repair arms

and who is in possession of any relevant permits as may be required by

law may apply to the Commissioner for a gunsmith licence.

Functions of the

The Board shall

Board concerning

applications for

gunsmith licence.

(a) interview the applicant in order to establish his

knowledge of arms, the provisions of the Act and of the regulations

made thereunder, and the safe handling and keeping of arms;

(b) ensure that the applicant is aware of his responsibilities

under Act and regulations and that he has the means to keep the

arms in a safe and secure manner;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision Notification of

Commissioner’s

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall decision on

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a application for

gunsmith licence.

licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee Rights granted by

shall be entitled to make, repair, restore, manufacture, alter, modify or gunsmith licence.

convert firearms.

Obligations of

The licensee shall

holder of gunsmith

licence.

(a) keep detailed records of every movement of any arm,

including the full particulars of the owner and his licence;

(b) keep any arms and ammunition in a strong room or gun

safe within his premises and ensure that no one other than himself

or an employee duly registered with the Commissioner of Police

has access to the arms and ammunition;

(c) not store more than one thousand five hundred rounds

of ammunition for testing purposes only and not for resale;

(d) consent to periodic inspections by authorized police

officers;

(e) install an alarm system with a phone dialler linked to

the Police.

Part VII

Target Shooting Club Licence

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the target shooting club licence referred to

in regulation 42;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

Any person who intends to set up a club for the organization

and carrying out of target shooting activities as provided for in the Act

may apply to the Commissioner for a target shooting club licence.

The Board shall

(a) verify that the statute of the club provides for the

activities in respect of which the application has been filed;

(b) ascertain the types of target shooting activities which

the club will cater for;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a

licence. The Commissioner shall also notify the Board of his decision.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee

shall be entitled to organize and carry out target shooting activities as

specified in the license under the provisions of the Act.

The licensee shall

(a) within one month, notify the Commissioner of any

changes in the statute of the club and, or of any changes in the

details given in the original application;

(b) ensure that target shooters who are members of the club

are properly licensed under these regulations;

(c)

maintain a proper updated register of members of the

club;

(d) maintain a log book recording the members of the club

who participate in each shooting event;

(e) inform the Commissioner of any disciplinary measures

taken against any licensed target shooter member of the club within

one month from such measures;

(f) inform and educate target shooter members of the club

about the provisions of the Act and any regulations made

thereunder, in particular on safety and security aspects of firearms

and ammunition.

Part VIII

Target Shooting Range Licence

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

Definitions

“applicant” means an applicant for a licence under this Part;

“licence” means the target shooting range licence referred to

in regulation 48;

“licensee” means any person who holds a licence under this

Part.

Any person who intends to operate indoor and, or outdoor Target shooting

shooting ranges as provided for in the Act may apply to the range licence.

Commissioner for a target shooting range licence.

Functions of the

The Board shall

Board concerning

applications for

target shooting

(a) verify that the applicant has obtained any other licence,

range licence.

permit or other authorization required by law;

(b) carry out an on site inspection to verify the suitability

of the site for the categories of target shooting sports to be practiced

on the site;

(c) notify the Commissioner of its recommendation within

one month from the date on which the application was filed.

The Commissioner shall notify the applicant of his decision Notification of

Commissioner’s

within one month from receiving the Board’s recommendation and shall decision on

issue the licence where his decision is in favour of granting such a application

target shooting

licence. The Commissioner shall also notify the Board of his decision. range licence.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee Rights granted by

target shooting

shall be entitled to operate an indoor or outdoor target shooting range range licence.

under the provisions of the Act and in accordance to the licence issued.

The licensee shall

(a) ensure that all shooting events except airgun shooting

events are held under the supervision of an authorised range

conducting officer. In the case of airgun shooting events these shall

be held under the supervision of at least one Target Shooter licensed

under Part III and or IV of these Regulations, delegated as a safety

officer;

(b) ensure that any minors taking part in any form of

shooting event are always under the supervision of an authorised

range conducting officer;

(c) keep a record of persons or organizations making use of

the range;

(d) have an adequate insurance cover;

(e) inform the Commissioner of any disciplinary measures

taken against any range user within not more than one month from

such measures.

Part IX

Range Conducting Officer Permit

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires

“applicant” means an applicant for a permit under this Part;

“permit” means the range conducting officer licence

referred to in regulation 54;

“permit holder” means any person who holds a permit under

this Part.

Any person who intends to act as a range conducting officer

may apply to the Commissioner for a range conducting officer permit.

The Board shall verify that the applicant had attended a range

conducting officer course or equivalent and obtained certification to

the satisfaction of the Board. The Commissioner shall issue the necessary

permit where his decision is in favour of granting such permit.

By virtue of the permit granted under this Part the permit

holder shall be entitled to act as a range conducting officer during events

organized on an indoor or outdoor target shooting range under the

provisions of the Act

Provided that any person who on the coming into force of the Act

is a person who is a certified range conducting officer certified as such

by the Armed Forces of Malta or any other body recognized by the

Board, may act as a range conducting officer if he has applied for a

permit under this Part and until such time as a decision is given by the

Commissioner in respect of that application.

The licensee shall attend refresher courses as may be required Obligations of

holder of range

by the terms of the permit.

conducting officer

permit.

Part X

Re-enactment Permit

Historical re-enactments can be held only by bodies or Historical re-

enactments.

organizations approved by the Board.

(1) Any body or organization which intends to hold a Permits for

historical re-enactment in a public place shall apply to the Commissioner historical

enactments.

for a permit at least one month before the intended activity.

(2) An application may also be made for a permit covering

a number of re-enactments which are planned to take place over a period

of not more than one calendar year.

(3) It shall be a condition of any permit granted under this

regulation that only blank charges or ammunition may be fired during

historical re-enactments.

(4) It shall also be a condition of any permit granted under

this regulation that any historical re-enactment shall be covered by an

adequate third party liability insurance.

(1) The application for a permit under this Part shall include Contact person.

the name, address and telephone numbers of a contact person for the

body or organization which will be holding the re-enactment.

(2) The contact person shall comply with any request for

clarification or further information from the Police and shall ensure

that any conditions communicated to him shall be complied with.

(3) The contact person shall also be the person legally

responsible for any act or omission which may result in breach of these

regulations and any other applicable law both civil and criminal.

All the participants in a historical re-enactment must be

members of a historical re-enactment body or organization approved

by the Board. Visitors to Malta who participate in such a re-enactment

must also be members of a historical re-enactment organization or must

be guests of a Maltese historical re-enactment organization.

(1) Each historical re-enactment shall have at least one

safety officer whose name and contact details must be notified to the

Commissioner in the application.

(2) The safety officer shall be responsible for

(a) the general safe conduct of the event, the participants in

the event and the general public;

(b) the issue of gun powder and, or ammunition and to

ensure that no projectiles can be or are discharged.

Part XI

Declaration of Firearms and Other Objects

No licence shall be required for the keeping of firearms and

other objects listed in Schedule III of the Act, provided that such objects

falling under Schedule III are duly declared and registered with the

Commissioner.

Anyone coming into possession of an arm or object falling

under Schedule III shall fill in the appropriate form and deliver the

form to the Commissioner within seven days of coming into possession

of the arm or object. The Commissioner shall not object provided that

he is satisfied that the declaration is correct and the applicant is not

otherwise barred from obtaining a licence or permit under the Act.

Part XII

Minors practising Target Shooting

When a minor wishes to practice a target shooting activity in

terms of the Act, an application may be submitted by the parent or legal

guardian for the relative licence from the Commissioner of Police.

The application must contain

(a) the full particulars of the parent and the minor;

(b) the consent of the parent or legal guardian;

(c) the relative application and acceptance of a recognised

shooting club;

(d) the site where such activity is to take place; and

(e) the type of arm or firearm being intended use in such

sporting practice activity.

By virtue of the licence granted under this Part the licensee Rights granted to

the minor in terms

shall be entitled to participate in an indoor or outdoor target shooting of the Target

range under the provisions of the Act and in accordance to the licence Shooting Practice

licence.

issued.

The licensee shall

Obligations of

holder of Target

Shooting Practice

(a) ensure that all shooting events are held under the

licence

supervision of an authorised Range Conducting Officer;

(b) abide by the rules and regulations covering such sporting

practice activity.

The licencee shall only be allowed to practice target shooting Restricted

practice.

activity at a recognised range and under the supervision of a licensed

Range Conducting Officer.

PART XIII

One time events

When an individual, or an association such as Band Clubs, Events happening

Football Clubs, factories and similar institutions wish to organise a target once in a while.

shooting competition and the indicated site is not a licensed Target

Shooting Range, an application has to be submitted to the Commissioner

of Police.

Such an application is to be submitted at least two weeks Time limit for

application.

before the event.

A policy of insurance covering third parties is to be provided Insurance cover.

covering the event.

The site is to be inspected and approved before the issue of Site inspection.

the permit.

The Commissioner may make such conditions as he deems

fit in the particular case applied for.

All participants taking part in such competition are to be

licensed Target Shooters.

PART XIV

General Provisions

All licenses issued in accordance with these regulations shall

become valid as of the date of issue and are valid up till the end of the

current year unless otherwise expressly limited in their duration.

No person shall deliver into the possession of a third party

any firearm unless and until the relative transfer has been approved and

the relative licence or permit has been issued.

Any breaches of these regulations is an offence and shall be

liable to the punishment prescribed in the Act.

The Court in awarding punishment for breaches of these

regulations shall furthermore either cancel or suspend a licence for a

period not less than three months as it may deem fit.