Customs

Customs, in co operation with The Attorney-General's Department, share the regulation and administration of the controls regarding the importation of firearms, which include the Customs Act 1901 and the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. This regulation prohibits the importation of firearms, their parts, accessories, magazines, ammunition (including components), replicas and other items specified without the appropriate permit to import.

Each state equivalent of the NSW Firearms Registry is responsible for issuing a police confirmation and certification (B709) which states that the importer can legally possess the specified item in their State or Territory.

When arriving or departing NSW you must declare all firearms, weapons and ammunition including real and imitation firearms and BB air guns that discharge a pellet by means of compressed gas, commonly purchased as "toy" guns. Other weapons such as paintball markers, blowpipes, all knives, nunchukas, slingshots, crossbows, electric shock devices and knuckle dusters must also be declared. Some of these items may require a permit, police confirmation and safety testing before importation.

The Firearms Registry supplies a B709 confirmation and certification to confirm, for the benefit of Customs, that a person can legally possess the item being imported in NSW.  

If you are unsure whether an item you are importing requires a police confirmation and certification or not, please contact Customs who will be able to advise you.

Customs website: www.customs.gov.au
Inquiries: 1300 363 263
+61 2 6275 6666 (outside Australia)
Email: information@customs.gov.au
Fax: (02) 8339 6714

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