{"id":"tas:sr-2016-084","name":"Firearms Regulations 2016","slug":"firearms-regulations-2016","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"84 of 2016","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":186350,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2016-084-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> These regulations may be cited as the [Firearms Regulations 2016](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2016-084) .","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> These regulations take effect on 25 October 2016.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In these regulations –\n> \n> > ***Act*** means the [Firearms Act 1996](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023) ;\n> \n> > ***captive bolt device*** means a device designed for use in an abattoir in the humane killing of livestock by means of a retractable bolt;\n> \n> > [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpa@EN) ***foam blaster*** means a toy firearm, including a device known as a NERF gun, or another device that is not an imitation firearm, that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is designed to propel a foam projectile by means of a spring, lever, compressed air or compressed gas; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is not a modified foam blaster;\n> \n> [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS4@Hpa@EN) [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpb@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpb@EN) ***gel blaster*** means a toy firearm or another device that is not an imitation firearm, that –\n> > \n> > > > (c) is designed to propel hydrated polymer balls or other similar gel-like projectiles by means of compressed air or compressed gas; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) is not a modified gel blaster;\n> \n> > ***line thrower*** means a device designed to be used for throwing lines in a life-saving or distress-signalling situation;\n> \n> [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS4@Hpb@EN) [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpc@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***modified***, in relation to a foam blaster, gel blaster or toy firearm, means the blaster or toy firearm has been modified so as to be capable of propelling a projectile in a manner that could cause bodily harm to a person;\n> \n> > ***nail gun*** means a tool designed to discharge a nail, spike or other fastener by means of compressed air or carbon dioxide;\n> \n> > ***net thrower*** means a device designed to throw a net for the purpose of catching animals, but does not include a device operated by the use of blank ammunition;\n> \n> [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS4@Hpc@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS4@Hpc@EN) ***phaser*** means a device that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is fitted with a transmitter or receiver of infrared electromagnetic waves; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) cannot easily be modified to fire a projectile;\n> \n> [*\\[Regulation 3 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS4@Hpd@EN)","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed firearms","content":"### 4 Prescribed firearms\n\n> For [paragraph (f) of the definition of ***firearm***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd16@Hpf@EN) in section 3 of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed thing:\n> \n> > > (a) a grenade launcher;\n> > \n> > > (b) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS5@Hpa@EN) a mortar that is capable of being carried manually by a single person;\n> > \n> > > (c) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS5@Hpb@EN) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS5@EN) a modified foam blaster, gel blaster or toy firearm.\n> > \n> > > (d) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS5@Hpb@EN) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS5@EN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Devices prescribed not to be firearms","content":"### 5 Devices prescribed not to be firearms\n\n> For the purposes of [the definition of ***firearm***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd16@EN) in section 3 of the Act, the following devices are declared not to be firearms:\n> \n> > > (a) a captive bolt device;\n> > \n> > > (ab) [*\\[Regulation 5 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS6@Hpa@EN) a foam blaster;\n> > \n> > > (ac) [*\\[Regulation 5 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS6@Hpa@EN) a gel blaster;\n> > \n> > > (b) a line thrower;\n> > \n> > > (c) a nail gun;\n> > \n> > > (d) a net thrower;\n> > \n> > > (e) [*\\[Regulation 5 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS6@EN) [*\\[Regulation 5 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 52, Applied:19 Nov 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-11-19/sr-2025-052#GS6@Hpb@EN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  \n> > \n> > > (f) [*\\[Regulation 5 Amended by S.R. 2024, No. 74, Applied:01 Dec 2024\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2024-12-01/sr-2024-074#GS6@EN) a phaser.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed places","content":"### 6 Prescribed places\n\n> For the definitions of [***interim restraint order***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd25@EN) and [***restraint order***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd40@EN) in [section 3](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@EN) of the Act, each of the following is a place:\n> \n> > > (a) Australian Capital Territory;\n> > \n> > > (b) New South Wales;\n> > \n> > > (c) Northern Territory;\n> > \n> > > (d) Queensland;\n> > \n> > > (e) South Australia;\n> > \n> > > (f) Victoria;\n> > \n> > > (g) Western Australia.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed prohibited pistols","content":"### 7 Prescribed prohibited pistols\n\n> For the definition of [***prohibited pistol***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd37684378773148@EN) in [section 3](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@EN) of the Act, each of the following is a prohibited pistol:\n> \n> > > (a) a pistol that has a calibre exceeding .38 inches;\n> > \n> > > (b) a semi-automatic pistol that has a barrel length of less than 120 millimetres;\n> > \n> > > (c) a revolver that has a barrel length of less than 100 millimetres;\n> > \n> > > (d) a single-shot pistol that has a barrel length of less than 100 millimetres;\n> > \n> > > (e) a pistol that has a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed firearms – stun guns","content":"### 8 Prescribed firearms – stun guns\n\n> > (1)  For [paragraph (f) of the definition of ***firearm***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd16@Hpf@EN) in section 3 of the Act, a stun gun is a prescribed thing.\n> \n> > (2)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***stun gun*** means a hand-held device, such as the weapon commonly known as a TASER, that is designed or adapted to administer, either through direct contact or indirectly through something conductive fired from the device, an electric shock to a human being for the purpose of dazing, disorienting, incapacitating, subduing or injuring that human being.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed ammunition","content":"### 9 Prescribed ammunition\n\n> > (1)  For [paragraph (e) of the definition of ***ammunition***](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS3@Nd3@EN) in section 3 of the Act, a seal control cap is a prescribed article.\n> \n> > (2)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***seal control cap*** means a projectile that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) has a percussion cap; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) is loaded with powder; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) is designed to ignite and burst apart upon impact.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"9A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Storage of firearms and firearm parts by licence holders","content":"### 9A Storage of firearms and firearm parts by licence holders\n\n> [*\\[Regulation 9A Inserted by S.R. 2017, No. 51, Applied:04 Dec 2017\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2017-12-04/sr-2017-051#GS4@EN) The holder of a firearms licence must ensure that any firearm or firearm part that is not being used, maintained or conveyed is stored in a receptacle that –\n> \n> > > (a) is locked; and\n> > \n> > > (b) is not easily penetrable; and\n> > \n> > > (c) is –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) made of concrete; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) in the case of the storage of a Category A or Category B firearm, or any firearm part for such a firearm, made of metal that is at least 2mm thick; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) in the case of the storage of a Category C, Category D or Category H firearm, or any firearm part for such a firearm, made of metal that is at least 3mm thick; and\n> > \n> > > (d) has an internal locking mechanism; and\n> > \n> > > (e) has –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) an internal hinging mechanism; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) a mechanism which would prevent the door of the receptacle from opening when the door is locked and the hinges are removed; and\n> > \n> > > (f) in the case of a receptacle that weighs less than 150kg when empty, is fixed by means of internal masonry fixing bolts or coach screws –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) in a manner that prevents easy removal; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) at least –\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (A) twice to a wall and at least twice to the floor; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (B) 4 times to a wall or the floor.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Storage of ammunition by licence holders","content":"### 9B Storage of ammunition by licence holders\n\n> [*\\[Regulation 9B Inserted by S.R. 2017, No. 51, Applied:04 Dec 2017\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2017-12-04/sr-2017-051#GS4@EN) The holder of a firearms licence must ensure that ammunition that is not being used or conveyed is stored –\n> \n> > > (a) in a receptacle that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) is locked; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) is separate from, or comprises a separate compartment of, any receptacle in which a firearm is stored; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) cannot be opened by the same key as a receptacle in which a firearm is stored; or\n> > \n> > > (b) in a manner approved by the Commissioner.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Additional storage requirements for 10 or more firearms and Category H firearms","content":"### 9C Additional storage requirements for 10 or more firearms and Category H firearms\n\n> [*\\[Regulation 9C Inserted by S.R. 2017, No. 51, Applied:04 Dec 2017\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2017-12-04/sr-2017-051#GS4@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  Where a Category H firearm or 10 or more firearms of any category are stored in one or more receptacles at any premises, the premises must be equipped with an electronic security device.\n> \n> > (2)  The electronic security device must be –\n> > \n> > > > (a) designed to prevent, detect or deter unauthorised entry to the premises or any of the receptacles; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) capable of detecting any such entry; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) maintained in proper working order.\n> \n> > (3)  The electronic security device must be an alarm or a visual recording device.\n> \n> > (4)  If the electronic security device is an alarm, it must be audible or monitored at all times.\n> \n> > (5)  If the electronic security device is a visual recording device, it must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) record to a separate storage device any activity in the vicinity of any of the receptacles; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) provide images of a sufficient quality to identify people recorded.\n> \n> > (6)  The storage device must not be located in the immediate vicinity of any of the receptacles.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed events","content":"### 10 Prescribed events\n\n> For [section 18(4)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS18@Gs4@EN) and [section 58A](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS58A@EN) of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed event:\n> \n> > > (a) Metallic Silhouette Event;\n> > \n> > > (b) Western (Single) Action Event.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed government agencies","content":"### 11 Prescribed government agencies\n\n> For [section 41(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS41@Hpb@EN) of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed government agency:\n> \n> > > (a) the department responsible for the administration of the [Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1994-044) ;\n> > \n> > > (b) the department responsible for the administration of the [Animal Health Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-085) .","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Form of licence","content":"### 12 Form of licence\n\n> For [section 45(h)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS45@Hph@EN) of the Act, a licence is to specify the date on which it ceases to be in force.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Amount of ammunition","content":"### 13 Amount of ammunition\n\n> For [section 46(f)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS46@Hpf@EN) of the Act, the prescribed amount of ammunition is such amount as the Commissioner determines having regard to –\n> \n> > > (a) the amount of ammunition that the licensee reasonably requires for the firearm to which the licence relates; and\n> > \n> > > (b) the genuine reason for which the licence is issued.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Firearm collections and heirloom firearms","content":"### 14 Firearm collections and heirloom firearms\n\n> > (1)  For [section 47(1)(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS47@Gs1@Hpb@EN) and [section 47(2)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS47@Gs2@EN) of the Act, the following is the prescribed manner in which a firearm of a kind specified in those sections that is not a shotgun is to be rendered permanently incapable of being fired:\n> > \n> > > > (a) a bore diameter mild steel rod is to be inserted into the barrel of the firearm, extending for the full length of the barrel;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the mild steel rod is to be fully welded to –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the muzzle and finished flush; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the chamber of the firearm, if applicable;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the barrel is to be welded to the receiver to prevent its removal;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the firing pin of the firearm is to be removed and the firing pin hole welded closed;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) all internal springs or components that can be removed from the firearm without detracting from its external appearance are to be so removed;\n> > > \n> > > > (f) the trigger of the firearm is to be welded in a fixed position to prevent its function;\n> > > \n> > > > (g) weld is to be applied to the internal components of the firearm to prevent its function, if possible;\n> > > \n> > > > (h) each bolt, if any, is to be welded in a fixed position;\n> > > \n> > > > (i) each external hammer, if any, is to be welded in a fixed fired position to prevent its function;\n> > > \n> > > > (j) the action of the firearm is to be welded in a closed position to prevent its function;\n> > > \n> > > > (k) if the firearm has a bolt action, weld is to be applied to the bolt guide rail to prevent removal of the bolt;\n> > > \n> > > > (l) if the firearm has a nipple, the nipple is to be blocked with weld.\n> \n> > (2)  For [section 47(1)(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS47@Gs1@Hpb@EN) and [section 47(2)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS47@Gs2@EN) of the Act, the following is the prescribed manner in which a firearm of a kind specified in those sections that is a shotgun is to be rendered permanently incapable of being fired:\n> > \n> > > > (a) a bore diameter mild steel rod is to be inserted into the barrel of the firearm for a distance of 5 centimetres;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the mild steel rod is to be fully welded flush to the muzzle;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a 5 centimetre-long mild steel plug is to be inserted into the chamber and fully welded flush;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the barrel is to be welded to the receiver to prevent its removal;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) if the firearm has a nipple, the nipple is to be blocked with weld.\n> \n> > (3)  An heirloom firearm that is a semi-automatic pistol is, in addition to the matters set out in [subregulation (1)](#GS14@Gs1@EN) , to have the slide of the pistol welded to the frame on both sides to prevent its removal.\n> \n> > (4)  A pistol with a revolving cylinder is, in addition to the matters set out in [subregulation (1)](#GS14@Gs1@EN) , to have a mild steel rod extending from the muzzle to a chamber of the cylinder and the cylinder is to be welded to the frame.\n> \n> > (5)  A weld made for the purposes of this regulation is to be –\n> > \n> > > > (a) substantial and, if practicable, not a spot weld; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) effected by gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, manual arc electrode or gas fusion with steel wire.\n> \n> > (6)  If a firearm that is required to be welded in accordance with this regulation has components of a non-ferrous composition that cannot be satisfactorily welded, the components may be glued and pinned to prevent their function.\n> \n> > (7)  If a firearm that is required to be welded in accordance with this regulation has a barrel that is constructed of material suitable for welding, the barrel may be plugged with a mild steel rod and welded by gas brazing or a similar method.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Period of licences","content":"### 15 Period of licences\n\n> > (1)  A Category A, B or H firearms licence is in force for whichever of the following periods the licensee elects when applying for the licence:\n> > \n> > > > (a) 5 years from the date of its issue;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) 3 years from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (2)  A Category C firearms licence granted to a person who is a primary producer is in force for whichever of the following periods the licensee elects when applying for the licence:\n> > \n> > > > (a) 5 years from the date of its issue;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) 3 years from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (3)  A Category C firearms licence granted to a person who is employed or engaged in the business of primary production is in force for a period of 12 months from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (4)  A Category D firearms licence is in force for a period of 12 months from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (5)  A firearms dealer licence is in force for a period of 3 years from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (6)  A firearms museum licence is in force for a period of 3 years from the date of its issue.\n> \n> > (7)  A firearm heirlooms licence is in force for 5 years from the date of its issue.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Loss and replacement of licences and permits","content":"### 16 Loss and replacement of licences and permits\n\n> The Commissioner, on receipt of the prescribed fee, may give the holder of a licence or permit a replacement for that licence or permit if the Commissioner is satisfied that the original licence or permit has been –\n> \n> > > (a) stolen, lost or destroyed; or\n> > \n> > > (b) damaged to a degree that renders it unsuitable for use.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Safety requirements for conveying prohibited firearms","content":"### 17 Safety requirements for conveying prohibited firearms\n\n> The following are safety requirements for conveying a prohibited firearm:\n> \n> > > (a) the firearm is to be in the unloaded condition, with any detachable magazine detached from the firearm;\n> > \n> > > (b) the bolt or breech block is to be removed from the firearm, if reasonably possible;\n> > \n> > > (c) a trigger lock is to be fitted to the firearm, if possible;\n> > \n> > > (d) if the firearm is not a pistol, it is to be conveyed in a locked receptacle that is of solid construction or made of timber that is at least 10 millimetres thick;\n> > \n> > > (e) the receptacle is to be fitted with a metal lock;\n> > \n> > > (f) the locked receptacle is not to contain any ammunition;\n> > \n> > > (g) magazines are not to contain any ammunition;\n> > \n> > > (h) if the firearm is a pistol, it is to be contained in a locked receptacle preferably located in the most secure area of a vehicle (such as the locked boot of a sedan).","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Safety requirements for conveying other firearms","content":"### 18 Safety requirements for conveying other firearms\n\n> The following are safety requirements for conveying a firearm that is not a prohibited firearm:\n> \n> > > (a) the firearm is to be in the unloaded condition;\n> > \n> > > (b) ammunition is to be in a closed container, completely separate from the firearm;\n> > \n> > > (c) magazines are not to contain any ammunition;\n> > \n> > > (d) at least one of the following requirements is to be met:\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) the firearm is to be in a locked receptacle;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) the bolt of the firearm is to be in a closed container, completely separate from the firearm;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) the firearm is to be fitted with a mechanism that locks or disables the trigger or action and prevents the firearm from being used.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed particulars to be contained in dealings record","content":"### 19 Prescribed particulars to be contained in dealings record\n\n> For [section 89(2)(f)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS89@Gs2@Hpf@EN) of the Act, where a licensed firearms dealer acts as an agent in any dealing with a firearm or firearm part between licensees, a dealings record is to contain the following particulars regarding that dealing:\n> \n> > > (a) the names and addresses of the licensees involved in the dealing;\n> > \n> > > (b) the numbers of the licences of the licensees or permits authorising the licensees to possess the firearm or firearm part;\n> > \n> > > (c) the numbers of the permits of the licensees to acquire the firearm;\n> > \n> > > (d) the date of receipt of the firearm or firearm part by the firearms dealer;\n> > \n> > > (e) the date of the sale and purchase of the firearm or firearm part;\n> > \n> > > (f) the make, serial number, calibre, type, action and any magazine capacity of the firearm or firearm part.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed amount of ammunition and period of acquisition","content":"### 20 Prescribed amount of ammunition and period of acquisition\n\n> For [section 105(2)(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS105@Gs2@Hpb@EN) of the Act –\n> \n> > > (a) the prescribed amount of ammunition is such amount as the Commissioner determines having regard to –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) the amount of ammunition that the holder of the licence for the firearm reasonably requires for the firearm; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) the genuine reason for which the licence is issued; and\n> > \n> > > (b) the prescribed period is 12 months.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed methods of dealing with surrendered firearms","content":"### 21 Prescribed methods of dealing with surrendered firearms\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of [section 109(3)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS109@Gs3@EN) of the Act, a licensed firearms dealer must, within 7 days of receiving one of the following firearms that has been surrendered by a person, surrender that firearm to a police officer:\n> > \n> > > > (a) a prohibited firearm;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a firearm that the licensed firearms dealer knows, or reasonably ought to know, has been unlawfully modified;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a firearm of a category that the licensed firearms dealer is not authorised under his or her licence to deal in;\n> > > \n> > > > (d) any other firearm that has been permanently surrendered by the person;\n> > > \n> > > > (e) any other firearm that has been surrendered by the person, if –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the person has not clearly stated to the licensed firearms dealer that the person intends to reclaim the firearm from the dealer once the person is authorised under the Act to be in possession of the firearm; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the licensed firearms dealer has not agreed to buy the firearm from, or to sell the firearm on behalf of, the person.\n> \n> > (2)  For the purposes of [section 109(3)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS109@Gs3@EN) of the Act, a licensed firearms dealer must deal with a firearm that has been surrendered by a person, by taking the following actions, if the person intends to reclaim the firearm once the person is authorised under the Act to be in possession of it:\n> > \n> > > > (a) if the firearm is not registered, the licensed firearms dealer must register the firearm within 7 days of receiving it;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the firearm has not been reclaimed by the person within the period of 6 months from the date of its surrender to the licensed firearms dealer, the dealer must surrender the firearm to a police officer within 7 days after the expiry of that period;\n> > > \n> > > > (c) if, within the period of 6 months from the date of surrender of the firearm to the licensed firearms dealer, the person who surrendered the firearm informs the dealer of his or her decision to permanently surrender the firearm, the dealer must surrender the firearm to a police officer within 7 days of being informed of that decision.\n> \n> > (3)  For the purposes of [section 109(3)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS109@Gs3@EN) of the Act, a licensed firearms dealer must deal with a firearm that has been surrendered by a person by registering it within 7 days of receiving the firearm if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) [subregulation (1)](#GS21@Gs1@EN) does not apply in respect of the firearm; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the firearm is not registered; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the person has surrendered the firearm to the licensed firearms dealer; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the person has informed the licensed firearms dealer at the time of surrender that –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) he or she intends that the licensed firearms dealer buy the firearm from the person and the dealer agrees to do so; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) he or she intends that the licensed firearms dealer sell the firearm on behalf of the person and the dealer agrees to do so.\n> \n> > (4)  Nothing in this regulation –\n> > \n> > > > (a) requires a licensed firearms dealer to retain a firearm that is required to be surrendered under [section 109(1)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1996-023#GS109@Gs1@EN) of the Act, if the person in possession of it is not surrendering it to the dealer; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) requires a licensed firearms dealer to agree to store, sell or buy a firearm that has been surrendered to the dealer under the Act; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) prevents a licensed firearms dealer from recovering a fee from a person for storing a firearm, in accordance with this regulation, that has been surrendered to the dealer by the person.\n> \n> > (5)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***permanently surrender***, in relation to a firearm, means a person surrenders the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer and has no intention of reclaiming the firearm from the dealer, or having the dealer sell or buy the firearm, under this regulation.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fees","content":"### 22 Fees\n\n> > (1)  The fees specified in [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) are prescribed as the fees that are payable or chargeable for the matters to which they respectively relate.\n> \n> > (2)  However, for an eligible pensioner, the fee that is payable or chargeable for any matter is 80% of the fee prescribed for that matter under [subregulation (1)](#GS22@Gs1@EN) .\n> \n> > (3)  The fees and charges prescribed under [subregulation (1)](#GS22@Gs1@EN) are GST inclusive.\n> \n> > (4)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***eligible pensioner*** means a person who –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) is in receipt of a pension under the *Social Security Act 1991* of the Commonwealth; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) holds a valid pensioner concession card issued under the *National Health Act 1953* of the Commonwealth; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) is in receipt of a pension under the *Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986* of the Commonwealth or holds a valid pensioner concession card issued under that Act;\n> > \n> > > ***GST*** has the same meaning as in the *A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999* of the Commonwealth.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Fees","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Fees","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Fees SCHEDULE 1 - Fees\n\n[Regulation 22](#GS22@EN)\n\n|  |  | Fee units (inclusive of GST) |\n| 1. | Licence |  |\n|  | (a) Application for firearms licence or renewal |  |\n|  | (i) Categories A, B and H |  |\n|  | 5 years | 90 |\n|  | 3 years | 64 |\n|  | (ii) Category C |  |\n|  | 5 years | 90 |\n|  | 3 years | 64 |\n|  | (iii) Category C – 12 months or less | 26 |\n|  | (iv) Category D | 26 |\n|  | (b) Application for firearms dealer licence or renewal | 384 |\n|  | (c) Application for firearms museum licence or renewal | 128 |\n|  | (d) Application for firearm heirlooms licence or renewal | 26 |\n|  | (e) Issue of replacement licence | 8 |\n| 2. | Permits |  |\n|  | Application for permit (other than minor's permit) | 13 |\n|  | Application for minor's permit | 19 |\n|  | Issue of replacement permit | 13 |\n| 3. | Registration |  |\n|  | (a) Application for registration of firearms by non-dealer |  |\n|  | (i) one firearm | 13 |\n|  | (ii) each additional firearm | 6 |\n|  | (b) Application for registration of firearm by firearms dealer, each firearm | 6 |\n|  | (c) Application for, or renewal of, registration as paintball operator | 64 |\n| 4. | Approvals |  |\n|  | Application for approval of – |  |\n|  | (a) shooting gallery | 64 |\n|  | (b) rifle club | 64 |\n|  | (c) pistol shooting club | 64 |\n|  | (d) firearms range | 64 |\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 19 October 2016\n\nThese regulations are administered in the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.","sortOrder":25}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Subsequent amendments have both expanded and narrowed the regulatory perimeter compared with a straightforward firearms‑safety regulation. The instrument now (a) explicitly excludes several non‑lethal devices from the definition of firearm (for example, unmodified foam and gel blasters and phasers) while (b) explicitly treats modified versions of those toy devices and stun guns as prescribed firearms (regs 3, 4, 5, 8). It also adds detailed security and electronic‑alarm/camera requirements for premises holding 10 or more firearms or Category H firearms (reg 9C), and prescribes specific technical steps for permanently disabling heirloom/collection firearms (reg 14). These additions materially broaden the kinds of items and storage practices the regulator must assess and enforce, while the non‑firearm declarations narrow regulation for certain consumer goods. The net effect is a noticeable growth in scope and technical detail beyond simple licensing and general safety rules, increasing compliance obligations and enforcement complexity (see regs 3–5, 9A–9C, 14, 21)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple new or amended defined terms in regulation 3 (foam blaster, gel blaster, modified, phaser, line thrower, nail gun, net thrower, captive bolt device, plus cross-references) — ~9 technical definitions","Extensive cross-references to many sections of the Firearms Act (e.g. sections 3, 18, 41, 45, 46, 47, 58A, 89, 105, 109) creating dependency on the Act for meaning and operation","Detailed, multi-layered storage rules with nested conditional requirements and category-specific metal thickness and fixing specifications (reg 9A with many subclauses)","Separate but related storage rules for ammunition and enhanced electronic-security requirements when 10+ or Category H firearms are stored (regs 9B, 9C) — introduces technical and equipment standards","Complex surrendered-firearm procedures with different paths depending on whether dealer may store/buy/sell, whether firearm is unlawful/modified/prohibited, and timelines (reg 21 subregs 1–3)","Commissioner discretion over prescribed ammunition amounts and approvals (regs 13, 20) — creates case-by-case variability","Multiple licence categories with varied licence periods and fee differentials (reg 15 and Schedule 1) — administrative complexity for applicants","Schedule 1 contains a detailed fee table with many line items and duration options (multiple fee units for licence types and renewals)","Recent amendments (noted 2017, 2024, 2025) altering definitions and scope, increasing interpretative complexity and transitional/legal certainty issues"],"plain_english_summary":"**What these regulations do (mechanically)\n\n- Define terms and list specific devices that are treated as firearms and devices that are not firearms (for example: stun guns are prescribed as firearms; captive‑bolt devices, certain toy blasters, phasers and nail guns are declared not to be firearms) (regs 3, 4, 5, 8).\n\n- Prescribe safety, storage and transport rules for licence holders and dealers, including minimum construction and fixing standards for firearm receptacles, separate locked storage for ammunition, and electronic security requirements where 10 or more firearms or Category H firearms are kept (regs 9A, 9B, 9C, 17, 18).\n\n- Specify how certain surrendered or heirloom/collection firearms must be rendered permanently incapable of firing (detailed welding or plugging requirements) and how dealers must handle surrendered firearms (registration, surrender to police) (regs 14, 21).\n\n- Fix administrative details: licence periods for different licence categories, replacement‑licence rules, how much ammunition may be authorised (Commissioner to determine having regard to need), prescribed events and agencies, particulars required in dealer transaction records, and a fee schedule (regs 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22 and Schedule 1).\n\n**Who this affects\n\n- Licensed firearm owners (Category A, B, C, D, H and special licences such as heirlooms and museum licences): must meet specified storage and transport standards and comply with licence periods (regs 9A–9C, 15, 17–18).\n- Licensed firearms dealers: recordkeeping, duties when firearms are surrendered, and obligations to surrender certain firearms to police within set timeframes (reg 21, reg 19).\n- Manufacturers, importers, retailers and users of items that look or act like firearms (foam/gel blasters, phasers, stun devices): the rules define which of those devices are treated as firearms, which are expressly not firearms, and which become firearms if modified (regs 3, 4, 5, 8).\n- People or businesses storing many firearms or Category H firearms: must install and maintain electronic security systems (reg 9C).\n- Pensioners: eligible pensioners pay reduced fees (reg 22 and Schedule 1).\n- Police and the Commissioner: exercise discretion in determining authorised ammunition amounts, approve storage methods, and enforce surrender/registration requirements (regs 13, 20, 21).\n\n**Why it matters (claimed purpose and practical trade‑offs)\n\n- Claimed purpose: the regulations clarify the technical boundary between firearms and non‑firearms, set minimum safety and security standards for storage and transport, regulate handling of surrendered firearms and prescribe administrative details (licence form/periods, fees) to support the Act’s operation (see regs 3, 9A–9C, 14, 21, 22).\n\n- Costs and incentives: the rules create direct compliance costs for licence holders and dealers — e.g. buying or upgrading receptacles to specified metal thicknesses and fittings, installing alarms or cameras where 10+ firearms or Category H firearms are stored (reg 9A( c ), 9C). Dealers face procedural costs when receiving surrendered firearms (registration, storage, potential surrender to police within strict timeframes) (reg 21).\n\n- Administrative discretion and uncertainty: the Commissioner determines permitted ammunition quantities and may approve alternative storage methods, which centralises judgement and creates case‑by‑case variability (regs 13, 20, 9B(b)).\n\n- Enforcement/workability risks: some definitions (for example, what constitutes a \"modified\" foam/gel blaster or a device \"easily modified\" to fire a projectile) require technical assessment and are likely to generate disputes about classification and enforcement effort (reg 3 definition of \"modified\", reg 4(c)).\n\n- Behavioural and market effects: manufacturers and hobbyists have an incentive to design devices to stay outside the \"modified\" definition; conversely, the prescription of modified devices and of stun guns as firearms brings some products into the regulatory perimeter (regs 3, 4, 8). Dealers and owners may shift purchasing, storage or transport practices to remain compliant (regs 17–18, 21).\n\n- Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs: explicit non‑firearm declarations (e.g. for unmodified foam/gel blasters in reg 3 and reg 5) benefit toy and hobby sectors by reducing regulation for those goods, while security and compliance costs are spread over licensed owners and dealers.\n\n**Key specific mechanics to note (with sections)\n\n- Definition and classification changes: Reg 3 contains new/updated definitions for foam blaster, gel blaster, phaser and \"modified\"; Reg 4 adds modified toy blasters and some military items as prescribed firearms; Reg 5 lists devices declared not to be firearms (regs 3–5).\n- Storage rules: locked, not easily penetrable receptacles, metal thickness thresholds by firearm category and fixing requirements; separate locked storage for ammunition that cannot be opened by the same key (regs 9A–9B).\n- High‑security premises: where 10+ firearms or a Category H firearm are present, an electronic security device (alarm or visual recording) is required and must meet recording/monitoring and placement standards (reg 9C).\n- Surrendered firearms: dealers must surrender certain surrendered firearms to police within 7 days and handle other surrendered firearms according to registration and 6‑month reclamation rules (reg 21).\n- Ammunition and permits: the Commissioner determines \"prescribed amounts\" of ammunition based on reasonable need and genuine purpose; prescribed acquisition period set at 12 months (regs 13, 20).\n- Fees: Schedule 1 lists licence, permit and registration fees; eligible pensioners pay 80% (reg 22 and Schedule 1).\n\n**Implementation and compliance signals**\n\n- Who pays: licensed owners and dealers pay for safes, alarms, registration, fees and possible storage charges; pensioners get a fee reduction (regs 9A–9C, 21, 22).\n- Who decides: the Commissioner has discretionary roles (ammo amounts, approvals) and police have enforcement and surrender receipt roles (regs 13, 20, 21).\n- Behaviour changes required: owners must alter storage and transport practices, dealers must follow stricter handling and recordkeeping rules, and manufacturers may alter device designs to avoid classification as \"modified\" (regs 9A–9C, 17–19, 3–5)."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the regulations appear to remain within their original scope as detailed subordinate rules supporting the Tasmanian Firearms Act. Amendments since 2016 are typical of regulatory maintenance (fee updates, procedural changes) rather than fundamental scope expansion. However, without access to the full text or amendment history, this assessment carries some uncertainty."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations operate as subordinate legislation beneath a parent Act (Firearms Act 1996), requiring cross-referencing between both instruments to understand the full legal picture","Multiple amendments since 2016 mean the current version reflects layers of changes that can be difficult to track without reviewing the amendment history","Firearms law involves a range of licence categories and permit types, each with different eligibility criteria and obligations","Technical definitions (e.g., what constitutes a 'firearm', 'prohibited firearm', or 'category') carry significant legal weight and are not always intuitive","Different rules apply to different classes of people (dealers, collectors, farmers, sporting shooters), adding complexity for readers trying to find what applies to them","Only administrative metadata was provided in the source document — the full regulatory text was not available for analysis, limiting certainty of assessment"],"plain_english_summary":"The Firearms Regulations 2016 (Tasmania) set the practical rules under the Firearms Act for applying for licences and permits, safe storage, dealer and range requirements, permitted firearm categories, fees, and record-keeping. They affect anyone who owns, trades, uses or regulates firearms in Tasmania — from private owners and farmers to dealers, clubs and police — and matter because breaches can lead to fines, licence loss or criminal charges. Note: full text wasn’t provided; this reflects typical content."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly beyond traditional firearms regulation to encompass toy guns and recreational devices. The 2024-2025 amendments introduced detailed definitions for 'foam blasters' (NERF guns) and 'gel blasters'—items originally outside the scope of firearm regulation. While these are mostly excluded from regulation (declared 'not firearms'), the very need to define and regulate them indicates scope creep from controlling lethal weapons to managing toys that resemble weapons. Additionally, the storage requirements (Regulations 9A-9C) impose substantial security obligations on collectors and owners of multiple firearms, going beyond simple possession rules into premises security infrastructure."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to the parent Firearms Act 1996 (at least 15 distinct section references)","Nested conditional logic in storage requirements (different metal thicknesses for different firearm categories, conditional bolting requirements based on safe weight)","Recent amendments creating layered definitions (foam blasters and gel blasters added in 2024-2025 with specific technical criteria)","Detailed technical specifications for firearm deactivation (14 distinct welding/modification steps in Regulation 14)","Exception-based structure for surrendered firearms (Regulation 21 has multiple overlapping conditions for different surrender scenarios)","Schedule of fees with multiple variables (licence category, duration, applicant type)"],"plain_english_summary":"This legislation sets out the detailed rules for how Tasmania's Firearms Act 1996 actually works in practice. It covers:\n\n**What counts as a firearm (and what doesn't)**\n- **Prescribed firearms**: Specific items like grenade launchers, portable mortars, stun guns (TASERs), and modified toy guns (foam blasters, gel blasters) are legally treated as firearms even if they don't fit the standard definition.\n- **Not firearms**: Certain devices are explicitly excluded from firearm laws, including NERF guns (foam blasters), gel blasters (toy guns shooting gel balls), nail guns, captive bolt devices (abattoir equipment), line throwers (life-saving equipment), net throwers, and laser tag phasers.\n\n**Storage and safety rules**\n- **Secure storage**: Licensed gun owners must keep unused firearms in locked, robust containers—concrete or steel (2mm for basic rifles, 3mm for restricted categories). If the safe weighs under 150kg, it must be bolted to walls or floors.\n- **Ammunition separation**: Bullets must be stored separately from guns, in different locked containers with different keys.\n- **Extra security**: Anyone with 10+ guns or a handgun (Category H) needs an alarm or CCTV system.\n- **Transport rules**: Guns must be unloaded, magazines empty, and ammunition separate. Prohibited firearms need trigger locks and hard cases.\n\n**Licences and permits**\n- Sets how long different licence types last (3-5 years for most, 12 months for restricted categories).\n- Lists the fees for applications, renewals, and replacements (with 20% discounts for pensioners).\n- Specifies what records gun dealers must keep when buying or selling firearms.\n\n**Dealing with surrendered guns**\n- Rules for what happens when someone hands in a firearm to a dealer—whether permanently surrendering it, storing it temporarily, or selling it.\n\n**Technical specifications**\n- Detailed welding and modification requirements for \"deactivating\" collectible or heirloom firearms so they can never fire again.\n- Defines prohibited pistols (large calibre, short barrels, high-capacity magazines).\n\n**Why it matters**: These regulations affect anyone who owns, sells, stores, or transports firearms in Tasmania—including farmers, sport shooters, collectors, and dealers. The rules aim to prevent theft, accidents, and misuse while clarifying that most toy guns (like NERF) are legal, but modified versions that could cause injury are not."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016","history":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016/history","analysis":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-2016/documents"}}