Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403Show full title

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403

of 15 December 2015

establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons(1), and in particular the second paragraph of Part III of Annex I thereof,

Whereas:

(1) In accordance with Article 4 of Directive 91/477/EEC, Member States are to ensure either that any firearm or part of a firearm placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with that Directive, or that it has been deactivated.

(2) In accordance with Annex I, Part III, first paragraph, point (a), of Directive 91/477/EEC, objects which correspond to the definition of a ‘firearm’ are not to be included in that definition if they have been rendered permanently unfit for use by deactivation, ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and incapable of removal, replacement or a modification that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way.

(3) Annex I, Part III, second paragraph, of Directive 91/477/EEC requires Member States to make arrangements for the deactivation measures to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable. Member States are also requested to provide for issuance of a certificate or record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm.

(4) The Union is a Party to the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (‘the Protocol’), concluded by Council Decision 2014/164/EU(2).

(5) Article 9 of the Protocol lists the common general principles of deactivation that Parties have to comply with.

(6) The standards and techniques for the irreversible deactivation of firearms laid down in this Regulation have been established with the technical expertise of the ‘Permanent International Commission for firearms testing’ (CIP). The CIP has been set up to verify the activities of national firearms proof houses and, in particular, to guarantee the presence in each country of laws and regulations to assure the efficient and uniform testing of firearms and ammunition.

(7) To ensure the highest level of security possible for the deactivation of firearms, the Commission should regularly review and update technical specifications laid down in this Regulation. To this effect, the Commission should take into account the experience acquired by the Member States when applying any additional deactivation measures.

(8) This Regulation is without prejudice to Article 3 of Directive 91/477/EEC.

(9) Taking into account the risk as regards the security, firearms deactivated prior to the date of application of this Regulation and which are placed on the market, including transmission for free, exchange or barter, or transferred to another Member State after that date should be subject to the provisions of this Regulation.

(10) Member States should have the possibility to introduce measures additional to the technical specifications set out in Annex I to deactivate firearms in their territory provided they have taken all necessary measures to apply the common deactivation standards and techniques provided for by this Regulation.

(11) In order to provide a possibility for the Member States to ensure the same level of security within their territory, Member States which introduce additional measures to deactivate firearms in their territory in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation should be allowed to require proof that deactivated firearms to be transferred to their territory comply with those additional measures.

(12) In order for the Commission to be able to take into account developments and best practices in the Member States in the field of firearms deactivation when reviewing this Regulation, Member States should notify to the Commission the relevant measures they adopt in the field covered by this Regulation and any additional measures they introduce. For that purpose, the notification procedures of Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council(3) should apply.

(13) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Directive 91/477/EEC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1 U.K. Scope

[F1 1. This Regulation shall apply to firearms of all categories listed in Part II of Annex I to Directive 91/477/EEC.]

2. This Regulation shall not apply to firearms deactivated prior to [F2 8 April 2016], unless those firearms are transferred [F3 outside of the United Kingdom] or placed on the market.

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/337 of 5 March 2018 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable (Text with EEA relevance).

F2 Words in Art. 1(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(2)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Words in Art. 1(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Article 2 U.K. Persons and entities authorised to deactivate firearms

Deactivation of firearms shall be carried out by public or private entities or by individuals authorised to do so in accordance with national legislation.

Article 3 U.K. Verification and certification of deactivation of firearms

[F1 1. [F4 The appropriate authority] shall designate a competent public authority to verify that the deactivation of the firearm has been carried out in accordance with the technical specifications set out in Annex I (‘the verifying entity’).]

2. Where the verifying entity is also authorised to deactivate firearms, [F5 the appropriate authority] shall ensure a clear separation of those tasks and of the persons carrying them out within that entity.

F6 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. Where the deactivation of the firearm has been carried out in accordance with the technical specifications set out in Annex I, the verifying entity shall issue to the owner of the firearm [F7 certification in writing in accordance with the relevant legislation]. F8 ...

5. The owner of a deactivated firearm shall retain the deactivation certificate at all times. If the deactivated firearm is placed on the market, it shall be accompanied by the deactivation certificate.

6. [F9 The appropriate authority] shall ensure that a record is kept of the certificates issued for deactivated firearms, with an indication of the date of deactivation and the certificate number, for a period of at least 20 years.

[F10 7. In this Article—

• “the appropriate authority” means, the Secretary of State;

• “the relevant legislation” means, section 8(b) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/337 of 5 March 2018 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable (Text with EEA relevance).

F4 Words in Art. 3(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F5 Words in Art. 3(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F6 Art. 3(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F7 Words in Art. 3(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(d)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Words in Art. 3(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(d)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F9 Words in Art. 3(6) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F10 Art. 3(7) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(3)(f) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1371, regs. 1, 4(2)(a)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F11 Article 4 U.K. Requests for assistance

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F11 Art. 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[F1 Article 5 U.K. Marking of deactivated firearms

[F12 1.] Deactivated firearms shall be marked with a common unique marking in accordance with [F13 the relevant legislation] to indicate that they have been deactivated in accordance with the technical specifications set out in Annex I. The marking shall be affixed by the verifying entity to all essential components modified for the deactivation of the firearm and shall fulfil the following criteria:

(a)

it is clearly visible and irremovable;

(b)

F14 ...

(c)

the original serial number(s) of the firearm are maintained.]

2. [F15 In this Article, “the relevant legislation” means, section 8(a) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/337 of 5 March 2018 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable (Text with EEA relevance).

F12 Art. 5 renumbered as Art. 5(1) (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(5)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F13 Words in Art. 5(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(5)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F14 Art. 5(1)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(5)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F15 Art. 5(2) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(5)(d) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1371, regs. 1, 4(2)(b)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F16 Article 6 U.K. Additional deactivation measures

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 Art. 6 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(6); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F17 Article 7 U.K. Transfer of deactivated firearms within the Union

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17 Art. 7 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(7); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F18 Article 8 U.K. Notification requirements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18 Art. 8 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(8); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Article 9 U.K. Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 8 April 2016.

F19 ...

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in Signature omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(9); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[F1 ANNEX I U.K. Technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms

• The deactivation operations to be performed in order to render firearms irreversibly inoperable are defined on the basis of three tables:

  • Table I lists the different types of firearms,

  • Table II sets out the general principles to be followed when rendering firearms irreversibly inoperable,

  • Table III describes the specific operations per type of firearm to be performed to render the firearms irreversibly inoperable.

• The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms should prevent the reactivation of firearms with the use of ordinary tools.

• The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms focus on the deactivation of essential components of firearms F20 .... The technical specifications for the deactivation of firearms set out in Annex I also apply to the deactivation of exchange barrels which, being separate objects, are technically linked with and intended to be mounted on the firearm to be deactivated.

• F21 ...

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in Annex 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(10)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F21 Words in Annex 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(10)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Table I List of types of firearms U.K.

Types of Firearms
1	Pistols (single shot, semi-automatic)
2	Revolvers (including cylinder loading revolvers)
3	Single-shot long firearms (not break action)
4	Break action firearms (e.g. smoothbore, rifled, combination, falling/rolling block action, short and long firearms)
5	Repeating long firearms (smoothbore, rifled)
6	Semi-automatic long firearms (smoothbore, rifled)
7	Automatic firearms: e.g. assault rifles, (sub)machine guns, automatic pistols
8	Muzzle loading firearms including break action (except cylinder loading revolvers)

Table II General Principles U.K.

Prevent the disassembly of the firearms essential components by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.

Depending on national laws, this process can be performed after the checking of the National Authority.

Hardness of inserts: Deactivating entity has to ensure that pins/plugs/rods used have a hardness of at least 40 HRC and that material used for welding ensures a permanent and effective bond.

Table III Specific operations per type of firearms U.K.

1. PISTOLS (SINGLE SHOT, SEMI-AUTOMATIC)
1.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber).
1.2	Barrel: For all pistols other than those with break action barrels a hole must be drilled across the chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. Alternatively, a plug of the size of the cartridge case must be inserted into the chamber and securely welded.
1.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
1.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 1.2 can be used for this purpose.
1.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not contained in a pistol, apply operations 1.1-1.4 and 1.19 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
1.6	Breech block/bolt head: Remove or shorten firing pin.
1.7	Breech block/bolt head: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire breech face. All locking lugs must be removed or substantially weakened.
1.8	Breech block/bolt head: Weld the firing pin hole.
1.9	Slide: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire surface.
1.10	Slide: Remove the firing pin.
1.11	Slide: Remove locking lugs in slide.
1.12	Slide: Where applicable, machine the inside of the locking edge of the ejection port in the slide to an angle at a range of 45 to 75 degrees.
1.13	Slide: If the breech block can be taken off the slide body, the deactivated breech block has to be permanently fixed to the slide body.
1.14	Frame/Receiver: Remove feed ramp where present.
1.15	Frame/Receiver: Machine away at least 2/3 of the slide rails on both sides of the frame.
1.16	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
1.17	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
1.18	Automatic system: Destroy the gas piston, gas pipe and gas port by cutting or welding.
1.19	Automatic system: If there is no gas piston, remove gas pipe. If the barrel is used as a gas piston, weld the deactivated barrel to the housing. In all cases where present, close the barrel's gas vent by welding.
1.20	Magazines: Weld the magazine with spots or use appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, depending on type of arm and material to prevent removing the magazine.
1.21	Magazines: If the magazine is missing, place spots of weld or use appropriate measures in the magazine location or fix a lock to permanently prevent the insertion of a magazine.
1.22	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
1.23	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

2. REVOLVERS (INCLUDING CYLINDER LOADING REVOLVERS)
2.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot (width > calibre; length: minimum the length of the barrel from the forcing cone).
2.2	Barrel: A hole must be drilled through both walls of barrel (near the forcing cone) and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % calibre, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. As an alternative, securely weld a fitting hardened steel plug (length: minimum half length of the cylinder's chamber), into the barrel starting at the cylinder side.
2.3	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the frame by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 2.2 can be used for this purpose.
2.4	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 2.1-2.3 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
2.5	Cylinder: Remove all internal walls from cylinder for a minimum of 2/3 of its length by machining. Remove as much of the internal walls from the cylinder as possible, ideally to the case diameter without breaching the external wall.
2.6	Cylinder: Where possible, weld to prevent the removal of the cylinder from the frame, or take appropriate measures such as pinning, that render the removal impossible.
2.7	Cylinder: For spare cylinders not affixed to a firearm, apply operation 2.5. In addition, the cylinder must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
2.8	Frame/Receiver: Extend firing pin hole to three times of its original size.
2.9	Frame/Receiver: Remove or shorten firing pin.
2.10	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
2.11	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
2.12	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
2.13	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

3. SINGLE-SHOT LONG FIREARMS (NOT BREAK ACTION)
3.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber).
3.2	Barrel: A hole must be drilled across the chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. Alternatively, a plug of the size of the cartridge case must be inserted into the chamber and securely welded.
3.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
3.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 3.2 can be used for this purpose.
3.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 3.1-3.4 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
3.6	Breech block/bolt head: Remove or shorten firing pin.
3.7	Breech block/bolt head: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire breech face. All locking lugs must be removed or substantially weakened.
3.8	Breech block/bolt head: Weld the firing pin hole.
3.9	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
3.10	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
3.11	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
3.12	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

4. BREAK ACTION FIREARMS (e.g. SMOOTHBORE, RIFLED, COMBINATION, FALLING/ROLLING BLOCK ACTION, SHORT AND LONG FIREARMS)
4.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber). For firearms without chamber included in the barrel, cut a longitudinal slot (width > calibre; length: minimum the length of the barrel from the forcing cone).
4.2	Barrel: A tight fitting plug of at least 2/3 length of the chamber is to be securely welded into the chamber and should be positioned as close to the breech as possible.
4.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
4.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
4.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 4.1-4.4 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
4.6	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
4.7	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
4.8	Action: Machine a cone of 60 degrees minimum (apex angle), in order to obtain a base diameter equal to 10 mm at least or the diameter of the breech face.
4.9	Action: Remove the firing pin, enlarge the firing pin hole at a minimum diameter of 5 mm and weld the firing pin hole.
4.10	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
4.11	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

5. REPEATING LONG FIREARMS (SMOOTHBORE, RIFLED)
5.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber). For firearms without chamber included in the barrel, cut a longitudinal slot (width > calibre; length: minimum the length of the barrel from the forcing cone).
5.2	Barrel: A hole must be drilled across the chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. Alternatively, a plug of the size of the cartridge case must be inserted into the chamber and securely welded.
5.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
5.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 5.2 can be used for this purpose.
5.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 5.1-5.4 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
5.6	Breech block/bolt head: Remove or shorten firing pin.
5.7	Breech block/bolt head: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire breech face. All locking lugs must be removed or substantially weakened.
5.8	Breech block/bolt head: Weld the firing pin hole.
5.9	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
5.10	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
5.11	Magazines: Weld the magazine with spots or use appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, depending on type of arm and material to prevent removing the magazine.
5.12	Magazines: If the magazine is missing, place spots of weld or use appropriate measures in the magazine location or fix a lock to permanently prevent the insertion of a magazine.
5.13	Magazines: For tube magazines, drive one or several hardened steel pin(s) through magazine, chamber and frame connecting them permanently to each other. Secure by welding.
5.14	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
5.15	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

6. SEMI-AUTOMATIC LONG FIREARMS (SMOOTHBORE, RIFLED)
6.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber). For firearms without chamber included in the barrel, cut a longitudinal slot (width > calibre; length: minimum the length of the barrel from the forcing cone).
6.2	Barrel: A hole must be drilled across the chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. Alternatively, a plug of the size of the cartridge case must be inserted into the chamber and securely welded.
6.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
6.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 6.2 can be used for this purpose.
6.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 6.1-6.4 and 6.12 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
6.6	Breech block/bolt head: Remove or shorten firing pin.
6.7	Breech block/bolt head: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire breech face. All locking lugs must be removed or substantially weakened.
6.8	Breech block/bolt head: Weld the firing pin hole.
6.9	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
6.10	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
6.11	Automatic system: Destroy the gas piston, gas pipe and gas port by cutting or welding.
6.12	Automatic system: If there is no gas piston, remove gas pipe. If the barrel is used as a gas piston, weld the deactivated barrel to the housing. In all cases where present, close the barrel's gas vent by welding.
6.13	Automatic system: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire surface of the breech face and elsewhere so that bolt/breech block is reduced by minimum 50 % of original mass. Permanently fix the breech block to the firearm by welding; bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
6.14	Automatic system: In cases where bolt heads are incorporated into a bolt carrier, the carrier must be reduced by a minimum of 50 %. The bolt head must be permanently fixed to the carrier and the carrier must be permanently fixed to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
6.15	Magazines: Weld the magazine with spots or use appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, depending on type of arm and material to prevent removing the magazine.
6.16	Magazines: If the magazine is missing, place spots of weld or use appropriate measures in the magazine location or fix a lock to permanently prevent the insertion of a magazine.
6.17	Magazines: For tube magazines, drive one or several hardened steel pin(s) through magazine, chamber and frame connecting them permanently to each other. Secure by welding.
6.18	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
6.19	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

7. AUTOMATIC FIREARMS: e.g. ASSAULT RIFLES, (SUB)MACHINE GUNS, AUTOMATIC PISTOLS
7.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: for rifled barrels three times the length of chamber and for smoothbore barrels twice the length of the chamber).
7.2	Barrel: A hole must be drilled across the chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. Alternatively, a plug of the size of the cartridge case must be inserted into the chamber and securely welded.
7.3	Barrel: Remove the feed ramp where present.
7.4	Barrel: The barrel must be permanently secured to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence. The pin used in operation 7.2 can be used for this purpose.
7.5	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 7.1-7.3 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
7.6	Breech block/bolt head: Remove or shorten firing pin.
7.7	Breech block/bolt head: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire breech face. All locking lugs must be removed or substantially weakened.
7.8	Breech block/bolt head: Weld the firing pin hole.
7.9	Slide (for automatic pistols): Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire surface.
7.10	Slide (for automatic pistols): Remove the firing pin.
7.11	Slide (for automatic pistols): Remove locking lugs in slide.
7.12	Slide (for automatic pistols): Where applicable, machine the inside of the locking edge of the ejection port in the slide to an angle at a range of 45 to 75 degrees.
7.13	Slide (for automatic pistols): If the breech block can be taken off the slide body, the deactivated breech block has to be permanently fixed to the slide body.
7.14	Frame/Receiver (for automatic pistols): Remove feed ramp where present.
7.15	Frame/Receiver (for automatic pistols): Machine away at least 2/3 of the slide rails on both sides of the frame.
7.16	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
7.17	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame).
7.18	Automatic system: Destroy the gas piston, gas pipe and gas port by cutting or welding.
7.19	Automatic system: If there is no gas piston, remove gas pipe. If the barrel is used as a gas piston, weld the deactivated barrel to the housing. In all cases where present, close the barrel's gas vent by welding.
7.20	Automatic system: Machine or remove the breech face at an angle of between 45 and 75 degrees as measured from the angle of the original face. Material must be removed across the entire surface of the breech face and elsewhere so that bolt/breech block is reduced by minimum 50 % of original mass. Permanently fix the breech block to the firearm by welding; bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
7.21	Automatic system: In cases where bolt heads are incorporated into a bolt carrier, the carrier must be reduced by a minimum of 50 %. The bolt head must be permanently fixed to the carrier and the carrier must be permanently fixed to the firearm by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
7.22	Magazines: Weld the magazine with spots or use appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, depending on type of arm and material to prevent removing the magazine.
7.23	Magazines: If the magazine is missing, place spots of weld or use appropriate measures in the magazine location or fix a lock to permanently prevent the insertion of a magazine.
7.24	Magazines: For tube magazines, drive one or several hardened steel pin(s) through magazine, chamber and frame connecting them permanently to each other. Secure by welding.
7.25	Silencer/Suppressor: Permanently prevent removal of the silencer/suppressor from the barrel by use of hardened steel pin or by welding, bonding or by using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence, if the silencer/suppressor is part of the weapon.
7.26	Silencer/Suppressor: Remove all the inner parts where possible and their attachment points of the moderator so that only a tube remains. Drill holes that are of a diameter larger than the calibre of the firearm and at a longitudinal interval of 3 cm (short firearms) or 5 cm (long firearms) through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber. Or else cut a longitudinal slot of minimum 6 mm from rear end to front end through the casing and penetrating the expansion chamber.

8. MUZZLE LOADING FIREARMS INCLUDING BREAK ACTION (EXCEPT CYLINDER LOADING REVOLVERS)
8.1	Barrel: Cut a longitudinal slot through the barrel including the combustion chamber where present (width: > calibre; length: three times the bullet diameter). For firearms without combustion chamber included in the barrel, cut a longitudinal slot (width > calibre; length: minimum the length of the barrel from the forcing cone).
8.2	Barrel: For firearms with combustion chamber included in the barrel, a hole must be drilled across the combustion chamber through both walls and through which a hardened steel pin must be inserted and securely welded (diameter > 50 % chamber, min 4,5 mm). The same pin can be used to secure the barrel to the action. For firearms without combustion chamber included in the barrel, securely weld a fitting hardened steel plug (length: minimum two times the length of bullet diameter), into the barrel from the forcing cone.
8.3	Barrel: For exchange barrels not affixed to the firearm, apply operations 8.1-8.2 as applicable. In addition, the barrels must be permanently prevented from being affixed to a firearm by cutting, welding, bonding or using appropriate measures with the equivalent degree of permanence.
8.4	In case of break action: Machine a cone of 60 degrees minimum (apex angle), in order to obtain a base diameter equal to 10 mm at least or the diameter of the breech face.
8.5	In case of break action: Remove the firing pin, enlarge the firing pin hole at a minimum diameter of 5 mm and weld the firing pin hole.
8.6	Trigger mechanism: Ensure destruction of the physical operating link between the trigger blade and the hammer, striker or sear. Fuse the trigger mechanism together with weld within receiver/frame, where applicable. If such fusion of the trigger mechanism is not possible, remove the trigger mechanism and fill the area with weld or epoxy resin.
8.7	Trigger mechanism: The trigger mechanism and/or housing has to be welded to the receiver/frame (in case of steel frame) or glued to the receiver/frame with high temperature resistant glue (in case of light metal or polymer frame)
8.8	Nipples/holes: Remove or weld the nipple(s), weld the hole(s).
8.9	Separate (multiple) combustion chambers (except cylinder): For firearms with separate or multiple combustion chambers, remove internal wall(s) from the combustion chamber(s) for a minimum of 2/3 of its length by machining. Remove as much of the internal wall(s) as possible, ideally equal to the calibre diameter.]

F22 ANNEX II U.K. Template for marking of deactivated firearms

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Textual Amendments

F22 Annex 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(11); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F23 ANNEX III U.K. Model certificate for deactivated firearms (this certificate should be prepared on non-falsifiable paper)

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Textual Amendments

F23 Annex 3 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 58(12); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

(1)

OJ L 256, 13.9.1991, p. 51.

(2)

Council Decision 2014/164/EU of 11 February 2014 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (OJ L 89, 25.3.2014, p. 7).

(3)

Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services (OJ L 241, 17.9.2015, p. 1).