Firearms – Dealer test – fact sheet
The dealer test is for licensed firearm dealers who wish to import category C and D firearms and firearms-related articles for stock purposes.
Firearm dealers wishing to import category H articles (handguns) should contact the relevant state or territory firearm registry.
Articles subject to this test are category C or D firearms or parts for those firearms.
Parts which are controlled and therefore require import permission are:
- a gas piston, friction ring, action bar, breech bolt or breech block
- a firearm barrel
- a trigger mechanism
- a frame or receiver
- a slide
- an upper receiver
- a lower receiver
- a revolving cylinder
- a bolt carrier
- stocks adjustable by more than 120mm, a folding stock or a detachable stock
- a barrel extension, and
- something, other than a complete firearm, that includes one or more of the items mentioned in the dot points above.
Detachable magazines for Category D firearms are now also subject to the dealer test.
Before you apply
Before you apply, you should contact your state or territory firearms registry to discuss local requirements and to ensure you are licensed or authorised to possess the article for your intended use.
You should also contact Australian Border Force about its requirements.
Important
You must receive import permission from us before importing articles subject to this test.
If any articles arrive in Australia without import permission from us, they may be seized and destroyed. If Australian Border Force issues you a Detention Notice you must apply for import permission immediately as strict time limits apply.
Please be aware that the possession of a firearms licence does not guarantee that import permission will be granted.
How to apply
There is no fee for applying to us for import permission or certification. You should apply using the same name that appears on the firearms licence (or exemption / authorisation) relevant to the articles you are seeking to import.
Your application should include copies of documents addressing each of the test criteria (see below). The suggested documents listed in this fact sheet are indicative only, and in some cases other documents or evidence may be sufficient to satisfy the criteria.
You must apply for import permission and certification online using the Application to import firearms or firearms-related articles form.
Test criteria
The importer must be a licensed firearm dealer.
A copy of the relevant firearm licence issued by the relevant Australian state or territory firearm registry must be provided.
In some states and territories, you may also be required to hold other licences or authorisations, such as a Commissioner’s permit, armourer’s licence or a licence to import and store explosives (ammunition).
Your application must contain details of all relevant licences and authorities.
We will conduct our own checks to verify the intended use of the articles imported under this test.
Post-import requirements
Your import permit will set out requirements for the use of the articles. You must comply with these. Failure to comply with any of the permit conditions is an offence under the Customs Act 1901. You may be prosecuted as a result and denied future applications for import permission. Generally, these conditions are as below.
Sale
A licensed firearm dealer can only dispose of articles imported under the dealer test to particular certified end users. Import permission for articles imported under the dealer test will therefore be conditioned such that articles are only to be sold by the licensed firearm dealer to either:
- a certified buyer (Attorney-General’s approval)
- a certified primary producer (B709)
- a certified sports shooter (Attorney-General’s approval)
- government (current and valid purchase order).
Storage
The articles imported must remain in the importer’s possession at all times prior to sale. The articles must be securely stored by the importer. The Attorney-General must be satisfied with the storage arrangements, which should be in accordance with the relevant Australian state or territory legislation.
The importer may be asked to provide evidence of approval of its safe storage facility from the relevant government body or authority.
Commonwealth compliance
You must report the sale of any Category C or D firearm, including parts and magazines, to us within 30 days of that sale occurring.
State and territory requirements
At all times you must be aware of, and comply with, all state and territory requirements relating to the article(s).
Find out more
Find out more about importing firearms.
Contact us
General enquiries:
Enquiries about existing applications:
firearms.applications@ag.gov.au (please include your application number in the ‘subject’ field)