Firearms rules are being updated
The rules for firearms are being updated, but the title does not show what will change for owners.
Arms Regulations 2026
What's changing
- New rules replace the Arms Regulations 1992 and set requirements for firearms, business, museum and visitor licence applications.
- Pistol-club licence holders must take part in pistol shooting activities or events for 10 days each year, instead of 12.
- Ammunition sellers must meet new approval, secure-storage and record-keeping requirements.
- Licence holders and approved ammunition sellers must keep registry information updated and report specified events.
- Some range applications no longer need declarations about council consents or affected landowners’ agreement.
Who's affected
Firearms licence holders, businesses, museums, ammunition sellers, shooting clubs and ranges, visitors, collectors, researchers and other people covered by the arms rules are affected.
When
Most rules start on 23 September 2026; ammunition-seller rules start on 23 July 2027, and rules for multiple-visit visitor licences start on 23 February 2028.
What you might need to do
- Firearms, business and museum licence holders may need to provide information for the arms registry by the stated deadlines, including 31 August 2028 or 24 June 2029 where applicable.
- Pistol-club licence holders should take part in pistol shooting activities or events for 10 days each year.
- People applying for licences, endorsements, permits or ammunition-seller approval must provide the required information and meet the secure-storage rules.
Background
The government says these regulations support the Arms Act 2026 and replace the 1992 regulations, which are revoked by that Act. The rules set out application, storage, record-keeping, registry, shooting-range and ammunition-seller requirements.