Individuals
Individuals - Import
Are you importing from a member state of the European Union?
Individuals importing from a member state of the EU:
- Read these instructions carefully before submitting your application.
- Complete the application form (MS Word - 52KB) fully
- Make sure you have filled in:
(a) the exact make and model of the firearm
(b) the correct category A-D (PDF - 17KB) - Attach to the application a copy of the valid firearms certificate for the firearm or ammunition to be imported.
- For firearms listed as category B (PDF - 17KB) you will need to obtain a document entitled an Article 7. This is issued by a superintendent of An Garda Síochána. A copy will have to be sent to us with your application to import the firearms.
- You can fill in the form using type or in handwriting. If completing it in handwriting please use black ink and block capitals.
- Forward the documentation to the Crime 4 Division of The Department of Justice and Equality. We will issue a transfer document to you which you can use to legally import the firearms and/or ammunition.
Individuals importing from a country which is not a member of the EU:
- Read these instructions carefully before submitting your application.
- Complete the application form (MS Word - 52KB) fully
- Make sure you have filled in:
(a) the exact make and model of the firearm
(b) the correct category A-D (PDF - 17KB) - Attach to the application a copy of the valid firearms certificate for the firearm or ammunition to be imported.
- You can fill in the form using type or in handwriting. If completing it in handwriting please use black ink and block capitals.
- Forward the documentation to the Crime 4 Division of The Department of Justice and Equality. We will issue a transfer document to you which you can use to legally import the firearms and/or ammunition.
Individual - Export
Are you exporting to a member state of the European Union?
Individuals exporting to a member state of the EU:
- Read these instructions carefully before submitting your application.
- Complete the application form (MS Word - 54KB) fully
- Make sure you have filled in:
(a) the exact makes and models of the firearms
(b) the correct category A-D (PDF _ 17KB) - Attach to the application a copy of the valid firearm certificate for the firearm to be exported.
- In cases where there is no valid firearm certificate, you must apply to a Garda superintendent for a document entitled an Authorisation for Export or Removal and submit a copy of this document with the application
- You can fill in the form using type or in handwriting. If completing it in handwriting please use black ink and block capitals.
- Forward the documentation to the Crime 4 Division of The Department of Justice and Equality. We will issue to you a transfer document which you can use to legally export the firearms and/or ammunition.
Individuals exporting to a country which is not a member of the EU:
Exports to countries which are not members states of the EU are dealt with by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. You can contact them at:
Phone: + 353 1 631-2534
Website: http://www.entemp.ie/trade/marketaccess/
An individual transiting the State:
When a person who is resident in another country wishes to pass through this State with a firearm, they require a licence issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
A Transit the State Licence is applicable where a non-resident is travelling though the jurisdiction with a firearm but not using their firearm. An example would be a resident of Northern Ireland wishing to travel with firearms and flying out from Dublin airport.
To apply for a Transit the State Licence, complete the following steps:
- Complete the application form (MS Word - 44KB).
- If you are an EU resident, include the original European Firearms Pass with your application. If you are not an EU resident, include a copy of a current firearms licence that you hold in your home country.
- Forward the documentation to Crime 4 Division of The Department of Justice and Equality. We will send you a transfer document with which you can legally move the firearm or firearms concerned through this state.
Non-residents shooting in Ireland
People not normally resident in this State who wish to import a firearm for holiday or sporting purposes, including clay pigeon and target shooting, must be in possession of an Irish firearm certificate for non-residents relating to the firearm.
In addition, visitors from a member state of the EU must be in possession of a valid European Firearms Pass (EFP).
Stun guns, CS gas spray, and pepper spray all are totally prohibited in Ireland and firearm certificates are not granted for these weapons.
Crossbows, spearguns and air guns (including air rifles) with a muzzle energy greater than one joule are classified as firearms in Ireland, so these cannot be brought into the State unless you have an Irish firearm certificate for non-residents.
Full details, including an application form, are available from the Garda superintendent of the district in which you intend to shoot or online from the Garda website.
