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Firearms Act 1968

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Changes over time for: Part I

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Version Superseded: 14/07/2021

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Point in time view as at 31/12/2020.

Changes to legislation:

Firearms Act 1968, Part I is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 15 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Part IE+W+S Table of Punishments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Sch. 6 Pt. I modified (1.11.1968) by S.I. 1968/1200, art. 3

Section of this Act creating offenceGeneral nature of offenceMode of prosecutionPunishmentAdditional provisions
Section 1(1) ...Possessing etc. firearm or ammunition without firearm certificate.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment(i) where the offence is committed in an aggravated form within the meaning of section 4(4) of this Act, [F27 years], or a fine; or both,
(ii) in any other case, [F35 years]or a fine; or both.Paragraph 1 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 1(2) ...Non-compliance with condition of firearm certificate.Summary ... ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.Paragraph 1 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 2(1) ...Possessing, etc., shot gun without shot gun certificate.[F5(a) Summary.][F56 months or the statutory maximum or both.]Paragraph 1 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
[F5(b) On indictment.][F5[F65 years] or a fine; or both.]
Section 2(2) ...Non-compliance with condition of shot gun certificate.Summary...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.Paragraph 1 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 3(1) ...Trading in firearms without being registered as firearms dealer.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F75 years] or a fine; or both.
Section 3(2) ...Selling firearm to person without a certificate.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F85 years] or a fine; or both.
Section 3(3) ...Repairing, testing etc. firearm for person without a certificate.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F95 years] or a fine; or both.
Section 3(5) ...Falsifying certificate, etc., with view to acquisition of firearm.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F105 years] or [F11a fine]; or both.
Section 3(6) ...Pawnbroker taking firearm in pawn.Summary ... ...3 months or a fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]; or both.
[F12Section 3(7) Pawnbroker taking air weapon in pawn (Scotland only).Summary3 months or a fine of level 3 on the standard scale; or both. ]
Section 4(1)(3)Shortening a shot gun; conversion of firearms.(a) Summary...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F137 years] or a fine; or both.
[F14Section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) [F15, (ag), (ba)] or (c)Possessing F16... prohibited weapons or ammunition.On indictment10 years or a fine, or both.
Section 5(1)(b)Possessing F17... prohibited weapon designed for discharge of noxious liquid etc.

(a) Summary

(b) On indictment

6 months or a fine of the statutory maximum, or both.

10 years or a fine or both.

Section 5(1A)(a)Possessing F18... firearm disguised as other object.On indictment10 years or a fine, or both.
Section 5(1A)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g)Possessing F19... other prohibited weapons.

(a) Summary

(b) On indictment

6 months or a fine of the statutory maximum, or both.

10 years or a fine, or both.]

[F20Section 5(2A) Manufacturing or distributing, or possessing for distribution, prohibited weapons or ammunitionOn indictmentImprisonment for life.]
Section 5(5) ...Non-compliance with condition ofDefence Council authority.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 5(6) ...Non - compliance with requirements to surrender authority to possess, etc., prohibited weapon or ammunition.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale].
Section 6(3) ...Contravention of order under s. 6 (or corresponding Northern Irish order) restricting removal of arms.Summary ... ...3 months or, for each firearm or parcel of ammunition in respect of which the offence is committed, a fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]; or both.Paragraph 2 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 7(2) ...Making false statement in order to obtain police permit.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 9(3) ...Making false statement in order to obtain permit for auction of firearms, etc.[F21Summary][F216 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale; o r both.]
Section 13(2) ...Making false statement in order to obtain permit for removal of signalling apparatus.Summary. ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 16 ...Possession of firearm with intent to endanger life or injure property.On indictment ...[F22life imprisonment] or a fine; or . . . F23b oth.
[F24Section 16A][F24Possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.][F24On indictment][F2410 years or a fine; or both.]
F24Section 17(1) ...Use of firearms to resist arrest.On indictment ...[F22life imprisonment] or a fine; or, . . . F23 both.Paragraphs 3 to 5 of Part II of this Schedule apply.
Section 17(2) ...Possessing firearm while committing an offence specified in Schedule 1 or, in Scotland, an offence specified in Schedule 2.On indictment ...[F25Life imprisonment] or a fine; or . . . F23 both.Paragraphs 3 and 6 of Part II of this Schedule apply.
Section 18(1) ...Carrying firearms or imitation firearm with intent commit indictable offence (or, in Scotland, an offence specified in Schedule 2) or to resist arrest.On indictment ...[F25Life imprisonment] or a fine; or, . . . F23 b oth.
Section 19 ...Carrying [F26firearm or imitation firearm] in public place.(a) Summary... [F27except if the firearm is a firearm specified in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (af) or section 5(1A)(a) of this Act.]6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment (but not F28. . . if the firearm is an air weapon).[F297 years.]or a fine; or both.
Section 20(1) ...Trespassing with firearm [F30or imitation firearm] in a building.(a) Summary ... [F27except if the firearm is a firearm specified in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (af) or section 5(1A)(a) of this Act.]6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment (but not [F30in the case of an imitation firearm or] if the firearm is an air weapon).[F317 years]or a fine; or both.
Section 20(2) ...Trespassing with firearm [F32or imitation firearm] on land.Summary ... ...3 months or a fine of [F4level 4 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 21(4) ...Contravention of provisions denying firearms to ex-prisoners and the like.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F335 years] or a fine; or both.
Section 21(5) ...Supplying firearms to person denied them under section 21.(a) Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F1£400]; or both.
(b) On indictment[F345 years] or a fine; or both.
[F35Section [F3621A] [F3621A(1) and (1A)]Person making improper use of air weaponSummaryA fine of level 3 on the standard scaleParagraphs 7 and 8 of Pt II of this Schedule apply.]
[F37Section 22(1) Person under 18 acquiring firearmSummary(i)  where the offence is committed by a person aged 17 in relation to a firearm other than an air weapon or ammunition other than ammunition for an air weapon, 3 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both;
(ii)  in any other case, 6 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both.]
F38Section 22(1A).. Person under 18 using certificated firearm for unauthorised purpose.Summary... 3 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both.
Section 22(2) ...Person under 14 having firearm in his possession without lawful authority.Summary ... ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 22(3) ...Person under 15 having with him a shot gun without adult supervision.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]Paragraph 8 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
[F39Section 22(4) ...][F39Person under [F4018] having with him an air weapon or ammunition therefor.][F39Summary ... ...][F39A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard s cale]][F39Paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part II of this Schedule apply.]
F41. . . F41. . . F41. . . F41. . . F41. . .
[F42Section 23(1) ...][F42[F43Person supervising a person under 18 and allowing him to make improper use of air weapon]][F42Summary ... ...][F42A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard s cale]][F42Paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part II of this Schedule apply.]
F44. . . F44. . . F44. . . F44. . . F44. . .
[F45Section 24(1) Selling or letting on hire a firearm to a person under 18Summary(i)  where the offence is committed in relation to a person aged 17 and in relation to a firearm other than an air weapon or ammunition other than ammunition for an air weapon, 3 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both;
(ii)  in any other case, 6 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both.]
Section 24(2) ...Supplying firearm or ammunition (being of a kind to which section 1 of this Act applies) to person under 14.Summary ... ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 24(3) ...Making gift of shot gun to person under 15.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]Paragraph 9 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 24(4) ...Supplying air weapon to person under [F4618] .Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]Paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part II of this Schedule apply.
[F47Section 24ZA(1) Failing to prevent minors from having air weaponsSummaryA fine of level 3 on the standard scale.Paragraphs 7 and 8 of Part II of this Schedule apply.]
[F48Section 24A(1) or (2)Acquisition by a minor of an imitation firearm and supplying him.SummaryIn England and Wales, 51 weeks or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale, or both. In Scotland, 6 months, or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale, or both.]
Section 25 ...Supplying firearm to person drunk or insane.Summary ... ...3 months or a fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]; or both.
[F49Section 28A(7)] ...Making false statement in order to procure grant or renewal of a firearm or shot gun certificate.Summary ... ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 29(3) ...Making false statement in order to procure variation of a firearm certificate.Summary ... ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
[F50Section 30D(3)]...Failing to surrender certificate on revocation.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard s cale].
F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .
F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .
Section 38(8) ...Failure to surrender certificate of registration [F52or register of transactions] on removal of firearms dealer’s name from from register.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard s cale].
Section 39(1) ...Making false statement in order to secure registration or entry in register of a place of business.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 39(2) ...Registered firearms dealer having place of business not entered in the register.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 39(3) ...Non-compliance with condition of registration.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 40(5) ...Non-compliance by firearms dealer with provivisions as to register of transactions; making false entry in register.Summary ...6 months or a fine of [F4level 5 on the standard scale]; or both.
F53. . .F53. . .F53. . .F53. . .
F53. . .F53. . .
[F54Section 42A... Failure to report transaction authorised by visitor’s shot gun permit.Summary... 3 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both.]
[F55Section 46.][F55Obstructing constable or civilian officer in exercise of search powers.][F55Summary.][F556 months or a fine of level 5 on the standard scale; or both.]
F55Section 47(2) ...Failure to hand over firearm or ammunition on demand by constable.Summary ...3 months or a fine of [F4level 4 on the standard scale]; or both.
Section 48(3) ...Failure to comply with requirement of a constable that a person shall declare his name and address.Summary ... ...A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale].
F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .F51. . .
Section 49(3) ...Failure to give constable facilities for examination of firearms in transit, or to produce papers.Summary ... ...3 months or, for each firearm or parcel of ammunition in respect of which the offence is committed, a fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale]; or both.Paragraph 2 of Part II of this Schedule applies.
Section 52(2)(c)Failure to surrender firearm or shot gun certificate cancelled by court on conviction.A fine of [F4level 3 on the standard scale].

Textual Amendments

F2Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 1(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F3Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 1(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F6Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 2(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F7Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 3(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F8Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 3(2) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F9Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 3(3) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F10Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 3(5) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F13Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 4(1)(3) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F14Sch. 6 Pt. 1: entries relating to s. 5(1)(1A) substituted (22.1.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 288, 336; S.I. 2004/81, art. 3(2)(b)

F15Words in Sch. 6 Pt. 1 inserted (16.5.2019) by Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (c. 17), ss. 54(7)(a), 70(5)(g)

F16Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I omitted (14.7.2014) by virtue of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 108(7)(a), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 6(a)

F17Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I omitted (14.7.2014) by virtue of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 108(7)(b), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 6(a)

F18Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I omitted (14.7.2014) by virtue of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 108(7)(c), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 6(a)

F19Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I omitted (14.7.2014) by virtue of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 108(7)(d), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 6(a)

F24Sch. 6 Pt. I: entry relating to s. 16A inserted (21.9.1994) by 1994 c. 31, ss. 1(2), 4(2) (with s. 4(3))

F26Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 2 of entry relating to s. 19 substituted (20.1.2004) by Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (2003 c. 38), ss. 37(2)(a), 93; S.I. 2003/3300, art. 2(c)(i)

F28Sch. 6 Pt I: words omitted (1.10.2007) by virtue Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 41(1)(a), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2518, art. 2

F29Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 3 of entry relating to s. 19 substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), ss. 157(3)(9), 172(2), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F30Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in entry relating to s. 20(1) inserted (21.9.1994) by 1994 c. 31, ss. 2(3)(a), 4(2) (with s. 4(3))

F31Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 20(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F32Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in entry relating to s. 20(2) inserted (21.9.1994) by 1994 c. 31, ss. 2(3)(b), 4(2) (with s. 4(3))

F33Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 21(4) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F34Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in column 4 of entry relating to s. 21(5) substituted (3.2.1995) by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), s. 157(3)(9), Sch. 8 Pt. III; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F37Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I substituted (28.7.2010) by Firearms (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1759), regs. 1(2), 2(7)(a)

F38Sch. 6 Pt. I: the entry relating to s. 22(1A) inserted (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/2823, reg. 4(4).

F40Sch. 6 Pt. I: words in entry substituted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 33(6)(b), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(c)

F41Sch. 6 Pt. I: entry relating to s. 22(5) repealed (20.1.2004) by Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (c. 38), ss.38(5)(b), 92, 93, Sch. 3; S.I. 2003/3300, art. 2(c)(ii)(g)(ii)(a)

F43Sch. 6 Pt I: words in entry substituted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 34(5), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(d)

F45Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I substituted (28.7.2010) by Firearms (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1759), regs. 1(2), 2(7)(b)

F46Sch. 6 Pt. I: word in entry substituted (1.10.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 33(6)(d), 66(2); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 3(c)

F47Words in Sch. 6 Pt. I inserted (10.2.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 46(4), 59(1); S.I. 2011/144, art. 2

F49Sch. 6 Pt. I: words "Section 28A(7)" substituted for the words "Section 26(5)" (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 5, s. 52(1), Sch. 2 para. 4(2); S.I. 1997/1535, art. 3(b), Sch. Pt. I

F50Sch. 6 Pt. I: words "Section 30D(3)" substituted for words "Section 30(4)" (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 5, s. 52(1), Sch. 2 para. 14; S.I. 1997/1535, art. 3(b), Sch. Pt. I

F53Sch. 6 Pt. I: entry relating to s. 42 repealed (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 5, s. 52(1), Sch. 3; S.I. 1997/1535, art. 3(c), Sch. Pt. II

F54Sch. 6 Pt. I: the entry relating to s. 42A inserted (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/2823, reg. 6(3).

F55Sch. 6 Pt. I: entry relating to s. 46 inserted (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 5, s. 43(3); S.I. 1997/1535, art. 3(b), Sch. Pt. I

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