(This note is not part of the Rules)
These Rules replace the existing prescribed firearm certificate and shotgun certificate with new certificates. These new certificates are designed to accompany the new single application form which applies for the purposes of applications for firearm and shotgun certificates.
Rules 3 and 5 make minor changes to the conditions attached to a firearm certificate and a shotgun certificate. These changes relate to the certificate holder’s obligation to inform the chief officer of police of developments in connection with the certificate, the firearm, the shotgun or the ammunition.
Rule 4 omits the prescribed reference form that is used by referees in relation to an application for a firearm certificate. This is no longer required in light of the content of the new single application form, which contains provision for the input of referees.
Rule 6 amends the requirements for referees in relation to applications for shotgun certificates. The effect of the change is that the referee is not required to fall within a particular category of professional; rather they are simply required to be a person of good character. This change reflects the existing requirement for referees in respect of applications for firearms certificates.
Rule 7 of these Rules amends rule 9 of the Firearms Rules 1998, with the effect that from now on there will be only one prescribed auctioneer’s permit, rather than two separate prescribed permits: one for firearms and ammunition and the other for shotguns.
Rule 8 substitutes the new firearm certificate, which appears at Schedule 1 to these Rules, for the formerly applicable prescribed certificate.
Rule 9 substitutes the new shotgun certificate, which appears at Schedule 2 to these Rules, for the formerly applicable prescribed certificate.
Rule 10 substitutes the new auctioneer’s permit, which appears at Schedule 3 to these Rules, for the formerly applicable prescribed auctioneer’s firearm permit, and omits the old auctioneer’s shotgun permit.