{"id":"weapons-regulations-1999","name":"Weapons Regulations 1999","slug":"weapons-regulations-1999","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"wa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":183878,"registerId":"wa-weapons-regulations-1999-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Weapons Regulations 1999","content":"![Crest]()Western Australia\n\nWeapons Act 1999\n\nWeapons Regulations 1999\n\nWestern Australia\n\nWeapons Regulations 1999\n\nContents\n\n1. Citation 1\n\n2. Commencement 1\n\n3. Terms used 1\n\n4. Prohibited weapons prescribed (Act s. 3) (Sch. 1) 2\n\n5. Controlled weapons prescribed (Act s. 3) (Sch. 2) 2\n\n5A. Edged weapons prescribed (Act s. 3A) (Sch. 3) 2\n\n6. Approved electric shock cases may be used for defence (Act s. 5A(2)) 3\n\n7. Capsicum spray weapons may be used for defence (Act s. 5A(2)) 3\n\n8. Circumstances prescribed (Act s. 10(3)) 3\n\n9. Certain collectors and others excepted from Act s. 6(1)(a) to (c) in relation to specified prohibited weapons 5\n\n10. Prison officers and other authorised persons excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8 7\n\n10A. Custodial officers excepted from Act s. 7 in relation to capsicum spray weapons 7\n\n11. Certain people excepted from Act s. 6 in relation to blow pipes 8\n\n12. Federal and interstate police officers excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8 9\n\n12A. Aviation and maritime security inspectors excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8 9\n\n13. People connected with dramatic productions excepted from Act s. 6 10\n\n14. Exempt arbalests and others excepted from Act s. 6 in relation to crossbows in certain circumstances 12\n\nSchedule 1 — Prohibited weapons\n\nSchedule 2 — Controlled weapons\n\nSchedule 3 — Edged weapons\n\nNotes\n\nCompilation table 22\n\nDefined terms\n\n  \n\nWestern Australia\n\nWeapons Act 1999\n\nWeapons Regulations 1999\n\n##### 1. Citation\n\nThese regulations may be cited as the *Weapons Regulations 1999* 1*.*\n\n##### 2. Commencement\n\nThese regulations come into operation on the day fixed by proclamation under section 2(1) of the Act 1.\n\n##### 3. Terms used\n\nIn these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears —\n\napproved electric shock case means a briefcase or suitcase of the kind described in regulation 6(1);\n\nbaton means a short stick or rod —\n\n(a) made of any material; and\n\n(b) made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon,\n\nand includes a bludgeon, club, cudgel, truncheon or the article commonly known as the police nightstick;\n\ncapsicum spray weapon means a spray weapon made or modified to be used to discharge oleoresin capsicum;\n\ncatapult includes a ging, shanghai or slingshot;\n\ndischarge includes to propel;\n\ninjure or disable does not include administer, in good faith and with reasonable care and skill, surgical or medical treatment;\n\nmartial arts weapon means an article made or modified to be used for attack or defence in the practice of a martial sport, art or similar discipline;\n\nmissile includes an arrow, bolt, bullet, dart, knife, shot, spear or any other article made or modified to be discharged from another article so as to injure or disable a person or in the practice of a martial sport, art or similar discipline;\n\nspray weapon means an article made or modified to be used to discharge a substance in the form of a spray so as to injure or disable a person and includes the substance.\n\n[Regulation 3 amended: SL 2024/267 r. 4; SL 2024/282 r. 6.]\n\n##### 4. Prohibited weapons prescribed (Act s. 3) (Sch. 1)\n\nAn article described in the third column of Schedule 1 is prescribed to be a prohibited weapon.\n\n##### 5. Controlled weapons prescribed (Act s. 3) (Sch. 2)\n\nAn article described in the third column of Schedule 2 is prescribed to be a controlled weapon.\n\n##### 5A. Edged weapons prescribed (Act s. 3A) (Sch. 3)\n\nFor the purposes of the definition of ***edged weapon*** in section 3A of the Act, an article described in Schedule 3 is an edged weapon.\n\n[Regulation 5A inserted: SL 2024/282 r. 7.]\n\n##### 6. Approved electric shock cases may be used for defence (Act s. 5A(2))\n\n(1A) A briefcase or suitcase of the kind described in subregulation (1) is prescribed for the purposes of section 5A(2) of the Act.\n\n(1) A briefcase or suitcase that —\n\n(a) is made or modified to discharge an electric current so as to deter the theft of the case; and\n\n(b) is, or is of a standard or type that is, approved by the Minister, for the purposes of this regulation, by notice in the *Gazette*.\n\n(2) For the purposes of section 5A(2) of the Act, a person may carry or possess an approved electric shock case if the person carries or possesses it for the purpose of it being used in lawful defence in circumstances that the person has reasonable grounds to apprehend may arise.\n\n[Regulation 6 amended: SL 2024/282 r. 8.]\n\n##### 7. Capsicum spray weapons may be used for defence (Act s. 5A(2))\n\nFor the purposes of section 5A(2) of the Act, a person may carry or possess a capsicum spray weapon if the person carries or possesses it for the purpose of it being used in lawful defence in circumstances that the person has reasonable grounds to apprehend may arise.\n\n[Regulation 7 inserted: SL 2024/282 r. 9.]\n\n##### 8. Circumstances prescribed (Act s. 10(3))\n\n(1) For the purposes of section 10(3), prescribed circumstances are the carrying or possession of an extendable baton by a person who is the holder of a security officer’s licence issued for the purpose of section 16 of the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996* if —\n\n(a) the person is engaged in activities authorised by his or her licence; and\n\n(b) the person’s licence is endorsed under section 26(3) of the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996* to permit the person to be in possession of a baton while engaged in activities authorised by the licence; and\n\n(c) the baton is of a type approved by the Commissioner of Police by order published in the *Gazette* under section 26(2)(b) of the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*.\n\n(1a) For the purposes of section 10(3), prescribed circumstances are the carrying or possession of an extendable baton by a person who —\n\n(a) is the provider of a training course, under the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*, conducting an approved training course in baton use —\n\n(i) as required by the holder of a security officer’s licence to obtain an endorsement under section 26 of that Act;  or\n\n(ii) for a person undergoing a training course in baton use under that Act for the purposes of having or keeping a security officer’s licence with an endorsement under section 26 of that Act;\n\nor\n\n(b) supplies the provider of an approved training course in baton use, under the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*, with weapons for that course, while so providing or storing the weapons,\n\nif the baton is of a type approved by the Commissioner of Police by order published in the *Gazette* under section 26(2)(b) of the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*.\n\n(1b) For the purposes of section 10(3), prescribed circumstances are the carrying or possession of an extendable baton by a person who is undergoing an approved training course in baton use under the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*, where the person —\n\n(a) is the holder of a security officer’s licence but is seeking an endorsement under section 26 of that Act; or\n\n(b) is undergoing that course for the purposes of having or keeping a security officer’s licence with an endorsement under section 26 of that Act,\n\nif the baton is of a type approved by the Commissioner of Police by order published in the *Gazette* under section 26(2)(b) of the *Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996*.\n\n(2) In this regulation —\n\nextendable baton means a baton referred to in Schedule 1 item 10.\n\n[Regulation 8 inserted: Gazette 29 Feb 2000 p. 997‑8; amended: Gazette 9 Jun 2000 p. 2774; 12 Sep 2006 p. 3665‑6.]\n\n##### 9. Certain collectors and others excepted from Act s. 6(1)(a) to (c) in relation to specified prohibited weapons\n\n(1) An exempt collector or any other person who, for the purpose of adding to an exempt collector’s private collection —\n\n(a) brings or sends into the State a specified prohibited weapon; or\n\n(b) purchases a specified prohibited weapon from a person who is lawfully entitled to sell the weapon,\n\ndoes not commit an offence under section 6(1)(a) or (c) of the Act.\n\n(2) An exempt collector or any other person who, for the purpose of keeping, adding to, or disposing of all or any of an exempt collector’s private collection, carries or possesses a specified prohibited weapon does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(b) of the Act.\n\n(3) An exempt collector or any other person who, for the purpose of disposing of all or any of an exempt collector’s private collection, sells or supplies a specified prohibited weapon to a person who is lawfully entitled to purchase or possess the weapon does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(c) of the Act.\n\n(4) If the Minister is satisfied that —\n\n(a) a person was on or before the relevant date a genuine collector of specified prohibited weapons; and\n\n(b) the person is fit and proper to be an exempt collector of specified prohibited weapons; and\n\n(c) adequate arrangements exist to keep the collection secure,\n\nthe Minister may give to the person written notice that the person is an exempt collector.\n\n(5) If, after giving a notice under subregulation (4), the Minister is no longer satisfied as to any of the circumstances described in that subregulation, the Minister may give to the exempt collector written notice that, on a day specified in the notice (being a day that is not less than 30 days after the notice is given), the person ceases to be an exempt collector, and the notice has effect accordingly.\n\n(6) In this regulation —\n\nexempt collector means a person who has been given a notice under subregulation (4) and has not ceased to be an exempt collector because of a notice under subregulation (5);\n\nrelevant date —\n\n(a) in relation to an article described in the third column of Schedule 1 item 3, 7, 10, 11, 12 or 13 — means 29 February 2000;\n\n(b) in relation to the article described in the third column of Schedule 1 item 7A — means 1 July 2011;\n\nspecified prohibited weapon means an article described in the third column of Schedule 1 item 3, 7, 7A, 10, 11, 12 or 13.\n\n[Regulation 9 inserted: Gazette 10 Mar 2000 p. 1122‑3; amended: Gazette 8 Apr 2011 p. 1282‑3.]\n\n##### 10. Prison officers and other authorised persons excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8\n\nA person does not commit an offence under section 6, 6A, 7 or 8 of the Act only because of something done by the person in the performance of the person’s functions as —\n\n(a) a prison officer as defined in the *Prisons Act 1981*; or\n\n(b) a person authorised to exercise a power set out in Division 1, 2 or 3 of Schedule 2 to the *Court Security and Custodial Services Act 1999* or a power set out in Schedule 3 to that Act.\n\n[Regulation 10 inserted: Gazette 28 Jul 2000 p. 4027; amended: SL 2024/282 r. 10.]\n\n##### 10A. Custodial officers excepted from Act s. 7 in relation to capsicum spray weapons\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\ncustodial officer has the meaning given in the *Young Offenders Act 1994* section 3(1).\n\n(2) A person does not commit an offence under section 7(1) of the Act only because the person, in the performance of the person’s functions as a custodial officer, carries or possesses a capsicum spray weapon.\n\n(3) A person does not commit an offence under section 7(2) of the Act only because the person, in the performance of the person’s functions as a custodial officer, carries or possesses a capsicum spray weapon in a manner that could reasonably be expected to cause someone —\n\n(a) to be injured or disabled; or\n\n(b) to fear that someone will be injured or disabled.\n\n[Regulation 10A inserted: SL 2024/267 r. 6.]\n\n##### 11. Certain people excepted from Act s. 6 in relation to blow pipes\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\n  exempt event means a recreational event, training session or sporting competition, organised and supervised by the WA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) or one or more of the WA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) member clubs;\n\n  participant includes a person assisting a participant;\n\n  possess in relation to a blow pipe includes having access to a blow pipe while it is being stored;\n\n  WA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) member includes a member of one of the WA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) member clubs.\n\n(2) A person does not commit an offence under section 6 of the Act if that person —\n\n(a) carries or possesses a blow pipe; or\n\n(b) attempts to carry or possess a blow pipe,\n\nif the person does so as a participant in an exempt event.\n\n(3) A WA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) member does not commit an offence under section 6 of the Act if that person —\n\n(a) brings or sends a blow pipe into the State; or\n\n(b) carries or possesses a blow pipe; or\n\n(c) purchases, sells or supplies a blow pipe; or\n\n(d) manufactures a blow pipe,\n\nor attempts to do any of those things, if that member does one or more of those things as a part of the organisation, control or supervision of an exempt event.\n\n[Regulation 11 inserted: Gazette 29 Feb 2008 p. 693.]\n\n##### 12. Federal and interstate police officers excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8\n\nA person does not commit an offence under section 6, 6A, 7 or 8 of the Act only because of something done by the person in the performance of the person’s functions as —\n\n(a) a member of the Australian Federal Police; or\n\n(b) a member of the police force of another State or a Territory; or\n\n(c) a police officer of this State, South Australia or the Northern Territory under the *Cross‑border Justice Act 2008* section 7(1).\n\n[Regulation 12 inserted: Gazette 12 Mar 2010 p. 953; amended: SL 2024/282 r. 11.]\n\n##### 12A. Aviation and maritime security inspectors excepted from Act s. 6, 6A, 7 and 8\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\naviation security inspector has the meaning given in the *Aviation Transport Security Act 2004* (Commonwealth) section 9;\n\nmaritime security inspector has the meaning given in the *Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003* (Commonwealth) section 10;\n\nSecretary has the meaning given in the *Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003* (Commonwealth) section 10.\n\n(2) A person does not commit an offence under section 6, 6A, 7 or 8 of the Act only because of something done by the person in the performance of the person’s functions as —\n\n(a) an aviation security inspector; or\n\n(b) a maritime security inspector.\n\n(3) In subregulation (2)(b), a person’s functions as a maritime security inspector include a function the performance of which is permitted in writing by the Secretary under the *Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003* (Commonwealth).\n\n[Regulation 12A inserted: Gazette 22 Oct 2019 p. 3719; amended: SL 2024/282 r. 12.]\n\n##### 13. People connected with dramatic productions excepted from Act s. 6\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\ndramatic production means a theatrical, television, film or other dramatic production;\n\nexemption notice means a notice under subregulation (3);\n\nexempt production means a dramatic production in relation to which an exemption notice has been given and that has not ceased to be an exempt production because of a notice under subregulation (7);\n\nspecified weapon means a prohibited weapon specified in an exemption notice.\n\n(2) The producer of a dramatic production may apply in writing to the Commissioner of Police for an exemption notice.\n\n(3) If the Commissioner of Police is satisfied that —\n\n(a) a particular prohibited weapon is required in or for the dramatic production and for no other purpose; and\n\n(b) the producer is fit and proper to be a producer of an exempt production; and\n\n(c) if the prohibited weapon is to be manufactured in or for the production — the weapon will be manufactured safely; and\n\n(d) the prohibited weapon will be used only —\n\n(i) in or for the production; and\n\n(ii) in a safe manner;\n\nand\n\n(e) adequate arrangements exist to keep the prohibited weapon secure when it is not being used,\n\nthe Commissioner of Police may give to the producer written notice permitting the use of the prohibited weapon in and for the production.\n\n(4) A person does not commit an offence under section 6 of the Act if that person —\n\n(a) brings or sends a specified weapon into the State; or\n\n(b) carries or possesses a specified weapon; or\n\n(c) purchases, sells or supplies a specified weapon; or\n\n(d) manufactures a specified weapon,\n\nor attempts to do any of those things, if that person does so in or for the exempt production and for no other purpose.\n\n(5) An exemption notice must specify —\n\n(a) that the specified weapon is to be lawfully disposed of after it ceases to be required in or for the exempt production; and\n\n(b) how the specified weapon may be lawfully disposed of.\n\n(6) A person does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(c) of the Act if that person disposes, or attempts to dispose, of a specified weapon in accordance with the exemption notice.\n\n(7) If, after giving an exemption notice, the Commissioner of Police is no longer satisfied as to any of the circumstances described in subregulation (3), the Commissioner of Police may give to the producer written notice that, on a day specified in the notice (being a day that is not less than 30 days after the notice is given), the production ceases to be an exempt production, and the notice has effect accordingly.\n\n[Regulation 13 inserted: Gazette 8 Apr 2011 p. 1283‑4.]\n\n##### 14. Exempt arbalests and others excepted from Act s. 6 in relation to crossbows in certain circumstances\n\n(1) In this regulation —\n\nArchery Australia (Inc.) member includes a member of one of Archery Australia (Inc.) member clubs;\n\ncrossbow does not include a crossbow made or modified to be used with one hand;\n\nexempt arbalest means a person who has been given a notice under subregulation (6) and has not ceased to be an exempt arbalest because of a notice under subregulation (7).\n\n(2) An exempt arbalest or any other person who, for the purpose of selling or supplying a crossbow to an exempt arbalest —\n\n(a) brings or sends into the State a crossbow; or\n\n(b) purchases a crossbow from a person who is lawfully entitled to sell the weapon,\n\ndoes not commit an offence under section 6(1)(a) or (c) of the Act.\n\n(3) An exempt arbalest who, for the purpose of engaging in the sport of crossbow archery, carries or possesses a crossbow does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(b) of the Act.\n\n(4) An exempt arbalest or any other person who, for the purpose of selling or supplying a crossbow to an exempt arbalest, carries or possesses a crossbow does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(b) of the Act.\n\n(5) An exempt arbalest or any other person who, for the purpose of disposing of all or any of an exempt arbalest’s crossbows, sells or supplies a crossbow to a person who is lawfully entitled to purchase or possess the crossbow does not commit an offence under section 6(1)(c) of the Act.\n\n(6) If the Minister is satisfied that —\n\n(a) a person was on or before 1 July 2011 an Archery Australia (Inc.) member; and\n\n(b) on or before 1 July 2011 the person possessed a crossbow for the purposes of taking part in crossbow events or competition; and\n\n(c) the person is fit and proper to be an exempt arbalest; and\n\n(d) adequate arrangements exist to keep each of the person’s crossbows secure,\n\nthe Minister may give to the person written notice that the person is an exempt arbalest.\n\n(7) If, after giving a notice under subregulation (6), the Minister is no longer satisfied as to any of the circumstances described in that subregulation, the Minister may give to the exempt arbalest written notice that, on a day specified in the notice (being a day that is not less than 30 days after the notice is given), the person ceases to be an exempt arbalest, and the notice has effect accordingly.\n\n[Regulation 14 inserted: Gazette 8 Apr 2011 p. 1284‑6.]\n\n[**15.** Expired 30 Jun 2017.]\n\nSchedule 1 — Prohibited weapons\n\n[r. 4]\n\n| **Item** | | **Article** | **Description** |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | | Acoustic shock weapon | An article made or modified to be used to emit sound so as to injure or disable a person. |\n| 1A. | | Airsoft gun | An article that —<br>(a) has the appearance of being a firearm; and<br>(b) is made or modified to be used to discharge a spherical projectile made of ceramic, metal, plastic or biodegradable material (commonly known as a BB pellet) using a pneumatic, gas, electric or spring-loaded mechanism or a combination of those mechanisms. |\n| 2. | | Ballistic knife | An article made or modified to be used to discharge a knife and includes the knife. |\n| 3. | | Blow pipe | An article made or modified to be used to discharge a missile by air expelled from the mouth and includes the missile. |\n| 4. | | Butterfly knife | A knife —<br>(a) having a 2 piece handle which folds together to cover both edges of the blade; and<br>(b) made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon,<br>and includes the martial arts weapon known as the butterfly knife or balisong. |\n| 5. | | Catapult (with an arm brace) | A catapult made or modified to be used with an arm brace that fits or rests on the forearm to support the wrist from the tension of the elastic material used to discharge the missile (for example, the article commonly known as the “Saunders Falcon Hunting Sling”). |\n| 6. | | Commercially produced catapult (without an arm brace) | A catapult —<br>(a) made or modified to be used without the arm brace referred to in item 5; and<br>(b) made for commercial distribution. |\n| 7A. | | Crossbow | An article made or modified to be used with one or 2 hands to discharge a missile by an elastic force across a stock grooved to direct the missile and includes the missile. |\n| 7. | | Disguised knife or sword | A knife or sword disguised as part of another article and includes —<br>(a) a knife disguised as part of a belt (for example, the article commonly known as the “Bowen” knife belt); or<br>(b) a sword disguised as a cane or stick. |\n| 8. | | Electric shock weapon | An article made or modified to be used to discharge an electric current so as to injure or disable a person but does not include an approved electric shock case. |\n| 9. | | Electromagnetic weapon | An article made or modified to be used to emit electromagnetic radiation so as to injure or disable a person. |\n| 10. | | Extendable baton | A baton made or modified so that the length of the baton extends by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the baton. |\n| 10A. | | Flamethrower | An article made or modified to be used to spray ignited incendiary fuel over a distance. |\n| 11. | | Flick knife or Switchblade | A knife —<br>(a) having a blade that is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife; and<br>(b) made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon. |\n| 11A. | | Gas dart | A device designed or adapted to kill or injure an animal by injecting a gas into the body of the animal (including a “Gas Dart”, “Farallon Shark Dart” or similar device). |\n| 11B. | | Gel blaster | An article that is made or modified to be used to discharge a hydrated superabsorbent polymer ball or other similar gel‑like missile and includes the ball or missile. |\n| 12. | | Knuckle dusters | An article made or modified to be worn across the knuckles of a hand so as —<br>(a) to increase the force at the point of impact of a punch or blow when striking another with those knuckles; or<br>(b) to protect the knuckles from injury when striking another with those knuckles. |\n| 13. | | Knuckle knife | A knife made or modified to be held so that the blade protrudes between the knuckles or fingers of a hand (for example, the article commonly known as the “Urban Pal” knife). |\n| *[14. deleted]* | | |  |\n| 15. | Spray weapon   (other than a capsicum spray weapon) | | A spray weapon made or modified to be used to discharge a substance other than oleoresin capsicum. |\n| 16. | Spud gun | | An article (commonly constructed of PVC or other type of piping) made or modified to be used to discharge organic material (for example, potato) using a pneumatic, gas or spring-loaded mechanism. |\n\n\n[Schedule 1 amended: Gazette 11 Sep 2007 p. 4613; 8 Apr 2011 p. 1286; SL 2021/120 r. 4; SL 2024/267 r. 7; SL 2024/282 r. 13; SL 2024/296 r. 17.]\n\nSchedule 2 — Controlled weapons\n\n[r. 5]\n\n| **Item** | **Article** | **Description** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | Approved electric shock case | Any approved electric shock case. |\n| 2. | Baton flail | An article consisting of 2 or more batons joined by a cord, rope or chain so as to form a flail and includes —<br>(a) the martial arts weapon known as the nunchaku; and<br>(b) a baton constructed in such a way that it can be unscrewed or broken to form a flail. |\n| 3. | Bow | An article made or modified to be used to discharge an arrow by an elastic force and includes the arrow. |\n| 3A. | Capsicum spray weapon | A spray weapon made or modified to be used to discharge oleoresin capsicum. |\n| 4. | Captive bolt gun | An article made or modified to be used for slaughtering an animal by means of a bolt that is fired into the animal but remains part of the article before and after the firing. |\n| *[5, 6. deleted]* | | |\n| 7. | Fixed baton | Any baton other than an extendable baton or a baton flail and includes the martial arts weapon known as the tonfa. |\n| *[8, 9. deleted]* | | |\n| 10. | Imitation firearm | An article, not being an article that is clearly a toy, that has the appearance of being a firearm but is not capable of discharging a missile. |\n| 10AA. | Light pointer | An article made or modified to be used to emit light so as to be used as a pointing device (including a laser pointer). |\n| *[10A. deleted]* | | |\n| 11. | Metal whip | An article —<br>(a) consisting of or incorporating a chain or a combination of a chain and metal pieces or rods; and<br>(b) made or modified to be used as a whip,<br>(for example, the martial arts weapons known as the Chinese whip, whip spear, 7 or 9 piece iron chain, bian tzu chiang and lien tzu chiang). |\n| 12. | Pressure point weapon | An article made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person by application to the pressure points of the human body and includes the martial arts weapon known as the kubotan. |\n| 13. | Pronged weapon | An article with 2 or more prongs and no sharp edges, made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon (for example, the martial arts weapons known as the sai and jitte). |\n| *[14. deleted]* | | |\n| 15. | Spear | Any spear (for example, the martial arts weapon known as the yari). |\n| 16. | Spear‑gun | An article made or modified to be used to discharge a spear. |\n| *[17. deleted]* | | |\n| 18. | Studded weapon | An article fitted with raised pointed studs that is made or modified to be —<br>(a) used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon; and<br>(b) worn as an article of clothing,<br>(for example, a studded glove). |\n| *[19-21. deleted]* | | |\n| 22. | Weighted chain or cord weapon | An article —<br>(a) consisting of or incorporating a chain or cord made of any material and weighted at both ends; and<br>(b) made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon,<br>(for example, the martial arts weapons known as the kusari fundo, manrikigusari and surujin). |\n\n\n[Schedule 2 amended: Gazette 1 Oct 2004 p. 4284; 11 Apr 2008 p. 1392; 8 Apr 2011 p. 1286; 29 Nov 2016 p. 5323; SL 2024/267 r. 8; SL 2024/282 r. 14.]\n\nSchedule 3 — Edged weapons\n\n[r. 5A]\n\n[Heading inserted: SL 2024/282 r. 15.]\n\n| **Item** | **Article** | **Description** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | Dagger | Any dagger including a bayonet. |\n| 2. | Halberd | An article (other than a spear) consisting of a stick or pole with a blade at the end made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon (for example, the martial arts weapon known as the naginata). |\n| 3. | Hand or foot claws | An article consisting of claws that are made or modified to be attached to or worn on the hands or feet (for example, the martial arts weapons known as the ninja climbing claws, ninja hand claws and ninja foot claws). |\n| 4. | Sword | Any sword (for example, the martial arts weapons known as the butterfly sword, katana, wakizashi and tanto). |\n| 5. | Throwing blade or knife | A blade or knife made or modified to be thrown, including an article consisting of a blade attached to a cord, rope or chain to enable the blade to be thrown and retrieved (for example, the martial arts weapon known as the shoge, ninja kyokeysu shoge or kyotetsu shoge). |\n| 6. | Throwing star | A sharpened, star‑shaped article made or modified to be thrown (for example, the martial arts weapon known as the shuriken or shaken), including a throwing star attached to a belt buckle. |\n\n\n[Schedule 3 inserted: SL 2024/282 r. 15.]\n\n![dline]()\n\nNotes\n\nThis is a compilation of the *Weapons Regulations 1999* and includes amendments made by other written laws. For provisions that have come into operation, and for information about any reprints, see the compilation table.\n\nCompilation table\n\n| **Citation** | | **Published** | **Commencement** |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| *Weapons Regulations 1999* | 31 Aug 1999 p. 4225‑32 | 1 Sep 1999 (see r. 2 and *Gazette* 31 Aug 1999 p. 4235) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2000* | 29 Feb 2000 p. 997‑8 | 1 Mar 2000 (see r. 2) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2000* | 10 Mar 2000 p. 1122‑3 | 10 Mar 2000 |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2000* | 9 Jun 2000    p. 2773‑4 | 9 Jun 2000 |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 4) 2000* | 28 Jul 2000    p. 4027 | 28 Jul 2000 |\n| **Reprint of the *Weapons Regulations 1999* as at 18 May 2001** (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2004* | 1 Oct 2004 p. 4284 | 1 Oct 2004 |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2006* | 12 Sep 2006 p. 3665‑6 | 12 Sep 2006 |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2007* | 11 Sep 2007 p. 4613 | r. 1 and 2: 11 Sep 2007 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 12 Sep 2007 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2008* | 29 Feb 2008 p. 692‑3 | r. 1 and 2: 29 Feb 2008 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 1 Mar 2008 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2008* | 11 Apr 2008 p. 1392 | r. 1 and 2: 11 Apr 2008 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 12 Apr 2008 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| **Reprint 2: The *Weapons Regulations 1999* as at 4 Jul 2008** (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2010* | 12 Mar 2010 p. 953 | r. 1 and 2: 12 Mar 2010 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 13 Mar 2010 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2011* | 8 Apr 2011 p. 1282‑6 | r. 1 and 2: 8 Apr 2011 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 1 Jul 2011 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2011* | 16 Sep 2011 p. 3768‑9 | r. 1 and 2: 16 Sep 2011 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 17 Sep 2011 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2012* | 13 Mar 2012 p. 1037-9 | r. 1 and 2: 13 Mar 2012 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 14 Mar 2012 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| **Reprint 3: The *Weapons Regulations 1999* as at 22 Jun 2012** (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n| *Police Regulations Amendment (Captive Bolt Guns) Regulations 2016* Pt. 3 | 29 Nov 2016 p. 5322‑3 | 30 Nov 2016 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2019* | 22 Oct 2019 p. 3718‑19 | r. 1 and 2: 22 Oct 2019 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 23 Oct 2019 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2021* | SL 2021/120 2 Jul 2021 | r. 1 and 2: 2 Jul 2021 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 3 Jul 2021 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Weapons Amendment Regulations 2024* | SL 2024/267 11 Dec 2024 | r. 1 and 2: 11 Dec 2024 (see r. 2(a));   Regulations other than r. 1 and 2: 12 Dec 2024 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Police Regulations Amendment (Edged Weapons and Move On Orders) Regulations 2024* Pt. 3 | SL 2024/282 18 Dec 2024 | 20 Dec 2024 (see r. 2(b)) |\n| *Police Regulations Amendment (Firearms) Regulations 2024* Pt. 3 | SL 2024/296 21 Dec 2024 | 31 Mar 2025 (see r. 2(b) and SL 2024/289 cl. 2) |\n\n\nDefined terms\n\n*[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]*\n\n**Defined term Provision(s)**\n\napproved electric shock case 3\n\nArchery Australia (Inc.) member 14(1)\n\naviation security inspector 12A(1)\n\nbaton 3\n\ncapsicum spray weapon 3\n\ncatapult 3\n\ncrossbow 14(1)\n\ncustodial officer 10A(1)\n\ndischarge 3\n\ndramatic production 13(1)\n\nexempt arbalest 14(1)\n\nexempt collector 9(6)\n\nexempt event 11(1)\n\nexemption notice 13(1)\n\nexempt production 13(1)\n\nextendable baton 8(2)\n\ninjure or disable 3\n\nmaritime security inspector 12A(1)\n\nmartial arts weapon 3\n\nmissile 3\n\nparticipant 11(1)\n\npossess 11(1)\n\nrelevant date 9(6)\n\nSecretary 12A(1)\n\nspecified prohibited weapon 9(6)\n\nspecified weapon 13(1)\n\nspray weapon 3\n\nWA Disabled Sports Association (Inc.) member 11(1)\n\n© State of Western Australia 2025.\n\nThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0). To view relevant information and for a link to a copy of the licence, visit www.legislation.wa.gov.au.\n\nAttribute work as: © State of Western Australia 2025.\n\nBy Authority: GEOFF O. LAWN, Government Printer\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as no legislative content was available for analysis. The page returned only a system error message and an Acknowledgement of Country, with no substantive legal text."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative content was retrievable — the source URL returned a 'page not available' error","Cannot assess complexity of actual provisions without access to the text","Score of 1 reflects absence of content, not simplicity of the underlying law"],"plain_english_summary":"This appears to be a Western Australian regulation (subordinate to the Weapons Act 1999) from 1999 that likely sets rules on possession, use, carrying and sale of weapons and therefore would affect weapon owners, sellers and public safety. The regulation text is currently unavailable online, so specific requirements and who is covered cannot be confirmed — check the WA legislation website or contact the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulations have expanded since 1999: new categories and items have been added (for example Schedule 3 for edged weapons via reg 5A; additions to Schs 1 and 2 such as gel blasters and capsicum spray), and new exceptions and operational rules have been inserted (regs 6–8, 9–14, 10A, 12A and related Gazette approval mechanisms). These amendments broaden the list of regulated articles and increase administrative discretion and exemption pathways (see amendment notes and inserted regs cited in the compilation table and reg headings)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple weapon classifications (prohibited, controlled, edged) across three schedules (Schs 1–3) with overlapping definitions","Extensive defined terms and technical descriptions (eg. extendable baton, capsicum spray weapon, approved electric shock case)","Numerous tailored exceptions for groups (security officers, custodial/prison officers, federal/interstate police, collectors, sporting bodies, dramatic producers)","Delegated administrative approvals and endorsements by Minister or Commissioner published in the Gazette (regs 6, 8 and others)","Cross‑references to other statutes and licence regimes (Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, Prisons Act 1981, Commonwealth Acts)","Amendment history and recent insertions (eg. reg 5A and Sch 3 for edged weapons) increasing scope and interpretive complexity","Conditional exemptions with procedural steps (applications, fit and proper tests, notices with revocation periods)","Enforcement framing: criminal offences subject to exceptions, producing legal risk for ordinary owners, sellers and event organisers"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations specify which articles are \"prohibited\", \"controlled\" or \"edged\" weapons, set rules about carrying and possessing them, and create tailored exceptions and approval processes. The Minister or Commissioner may approve particular types (for example approved electric shock cases or approved batons) by Gazette notice, and the regulations list circumstances where security staff, custodial and prison officers, police, collectors, sporting associations and dramatic producers may lawfully possess specified items.\n\nThe rules affect owners, sellers and specialist users by creating criminal offences for unauthorised possession, imposing endorsement/approval requirements and delegating administrative discretion—imposing compliance costs and enforcement choices (see regs 4–8, 9–14, Schedules 1–3)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has grown significantly beyond its original 1999 scope. Originally focused on prohibiting and controlling traditional weapons like flick knives, batons, and martial arts equipment, the regulations have expanded through numerous amendments to cover modern recreational items (gel blasters, airsoft guns), create entirely new weapon categories (edged weapons added December 2024), and incorporate complex self-defence frameworks for electric shock cases and capsicum spray. The exemption scheme has also ballooned from simple police and military exceptions to include film producers, disabled sports participants, crossbow archers, aviation security inspectors, and youth custodial officers—reflecting a shift from simple prohibition to nuanced risk-based regulation."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping exemption schemes requiring different approval authorities (Minister for collectors, Commissioner of Police for film productions, endorsement under separate Security Act for batons)","Three distinct weapon categories (prohibited, controlled, edged) with different legal consequences, spread across three schedules","Heavily conditional language throughout (e.g., 'if the Minister is satisfied that...', 'adequate arrangements exist', 'fit and proper person')","Cross-references to at least four other Acts (Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, Prisons Act 1981, Court Security and Custodial Services Act 1999, Young Offenders Act 1994, plus Commonwealth aviation and maritime security Acts)","Temporal cut-off dates for grandfathering exemptions (e.g., 29 February 2000, 1 July 2011) creating different rules for different cohorts","18 defined terms in the interpretation section, several incorporating external statutory definitions","Nested subregulations with multiple limbs (e.g., regulation 8 has subregulations 1, 1a, and 1b, each with multiple paragraphs)","Specific exclusions within definitions (e.g., 'injure or disable' excludes surgical treatment; 'crossbow' excludes one-handed versions for exempt arbalest purposes)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations work alongside Western Australia's *Weapons Act 1999* to classify dangerous items into three categories—**prohibited weapons**, **controlled weapons**, and **edged weapons**—and to spell out who can legally own, carry, or use them.\n\n**Key things the rules cover:**\n\n*   **What's banned or restricted:** Three detailed schedules list specific items. **Prohibited weapons** (Schedule 1) include things like flick knives, crossbows, flamethrowers, knuckle dusters, gel blasters, and airsoft guns—these are generally illegal for the public to possess. **Controlled weapons** (Schedule 2) include items like batons, bows, capsicum spray, and laser pointers—these can be possessed in certain circumstances. **Edged weapons** (Schedule 3)—a new category added in late 2024—includes daggers, swords, throwing stars, and hand claws.\n\n*   **Who gets exemptions:** The regulations create a patchwork of exceptions where normally banned items are allowed:\n    *   **Security guards** can carry extendable batons if licensed and endorsed.\n    *   **Police and prison officers** can carry prohibited weapons as part of their job.\n    *   **Collectors** of certain weapons (like blow pipes or specific prohibited items) can get ministerial approval to keep private collections.\n    *   **Film and theatre producers** can get police permission to use prohibited weapons for dramatic productions.\n    *   **Crossbow enthusiasts** who were members of Archery Australia before 2011 can get \"exempt arbalest\" status.\n    *   **People with disabilities** can use blow pipes for sporting events organised by the WA Disabled Sports Association.\n    *   **Custodial officers** (youth justice workers) can carry capsicum spray.\n\n*   **Self-defence exceptions:** Ordinary people can legally carry **approved electric shock cases** (special Minister-approved briefcases that zap thieves) and **capsicum spray weapons**, but *only* if they have \"reasonable grounds\" to fear they might need them for lawful self-defence.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\nAnyone in Western Australia who owns, sells, collects, or uses weapons; security industry workers; police and corrections staff; film producers; sporting groups; and people wanting to carry items for self-defence.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese rules draw the line between legal tool and illegal weapon. They determine whether carrying a capsicum spray for protection makes you a criminal or a law-abiding citizen, and whether your movie prop or sporting equipment could land you in court. The recent 2024 amendments significantly expanded the framework by adding the new \"edged weapons\" category and tightening controls on items like gel blasters and airsoft guns."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999","history":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999/history","analysis":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/weapons-regulations-1999/documents"}}