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Importing and exporting firearms

Learn about what is required when importing or exporting firearms in Australia.

The movement of firearms and firearm parts, ammunition and accessories in and out of Australian territory is controlled primarily by the Australian Border Force. Victoria Police and the Attorney-General's office provide limited administrative and regulatory assistance to Australian Border Force Customs.

You must declare all firearms, weapons and ammunition when arriving in Victoria from overseas or departing Victoria for overseas. For information about declaring firearms visit the Australian Border Force websiteExternal Link .

Importing

Australian Border Force requires Victoria Police to certify that Victorian residents wishing to import the following items, need to be appropriately licensed to receive that item or confirm the item does not require a licence to be held:

  • firearms
  • imitation firearms
  • paintball markers
  • firearm ammunition, parts or accessories.

Without this certification from the Licensing and Regulation Division, Australian Border Force will not release your item to you.

There are no fees for applying for a certification. If the firearm is not already registered to your firearm licence, you will need to engage the services of a Licensed Firearm Dealer to act on your behalf even though you are the applicant for the importation. In addition to this you will also be required to complete a Permit to Acquire for a longarm or handgun. The Permit to Acquire form will attract a processing fee.

Permit to Acquire application forms can be found on the firearms formsExternal Link page.

Our guide to Importing and Exporting Firearms provides detailed information about the requirements and limitations of importing and exporting these items:

Exporting

If you wish to export any of your own firearms, ammunition, parts or accessories you will need to apply for a Restricted Goods Permit with the Department of Export Controls.External Link

In certain circumstances, you may also need to submit additional information to Australian Border ForceExternal Link .

If the exported item(s) will not be brought back into Australia, you must advise the Licensing and Regulation Division and provide a copy of the relevant export documentation.

Note: if you are returning to Australia with your registered firearms or related goods, you should visit the Australian Border ForceExternal Link website for more information.

International visitors

Temporary Visitors to Victoria for the purpose of participation in an approved shooting activity must obtain an International Visitor Permit and the relevant import certification for any firearm/s, ammunition, parts or accessories. The International Visitor Permit and association information can be found on the firearms formsExternal Link webpage.

Australian Border Force will not release your items to you if you do not hold an approved import certification before you arrive in Australia.

It is recommended you submit both applications at least four weeks before your visit. Additionally:

  • Anyone planning to reside in Victoria and wishing to use firearms owned in another country will need to apply for a Victorian firearm licence.External Link
  • You will need to engage the services of a Licensed Firearm Dealer in Australia to import any firearms/parts or accessories owned on your behalf.
  • If you do not have proof of ownership you will need to apply for a permit to acquire for that firearm to be released to you.
  • Any firearms owned and imported must be stored with a Licensed Firearm DealerExternal Link until you have obtained the appropriate licence and permit to acquire.
  • Any costs associated with firearm storage with a Licensed Firearm DealerExternal Link is a civil agreement between the owner and the dealer.

Contact us

Get in touch about firearms licensing through our online enquiry form.

Reviewed 15 September 2023

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