New regulations set requirements for licensing, storage, transport, security checks and permits.
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has introduced tighter regulations for importing toy weapons and air rifles used for recreational purposes, setting out mandatory requirements covering licensing, storage, transportation and security procedures.
The new regulatory framework, involving 12 government entities, details the approvals and documents importers must secure before regulated products can be brought into the Kingdom. It also establishes requirements for how the items must be stored and transported after import.
Authorities involved in the framework include the ministries of Commerce, Interior, Environment, Water and Agriculture, Energy, and Industry and Mineral Resources, as well as several security and regulatory agencies.
Under the new guidelines, businesses seeking to import recreational weapons and air rifles must hold a valid licence from the Ministry of Sports as well as a commercial registration. Applications must state the quantity of products being imported and include product catalogues, details of the port of entry and the proposed storage location.
Applications must first be submitted to the relevant department at the Ministry of Sports. They are then referred to the Public Security Directorate’s Weapons and Explosives Department for review and the issuance of an import permit.
Those seeking to import air rifles must be at least 25 years old, have no criminal record or security restrictions, and provide storage facilities approved by Public Security. Approval from Civil Defence confirming compliance with safety requirements is also mandatory.
Importers are additionally required to provide an unconditional bank guarantee of SR500,000 and maintain an electronic inventory system that allows stock and its movements to be monitored and tracked.
Rules for antique firearms
Separate conditions apply to the import of antique firearms. Applicants must be at least 22 years old, while the firearms must have been manufactured before 1900. Documentation proving their age must also be provided.
Requirements for fireworks importers
The framework also sets strict requirements for importing fireworks. Importers must be Saudi nationals, have no security restrictions and hold a valid commercial registration.
They must also provide insurance or financial guarantees covering employees and third parties, along with dedicated transport vehicles and suitable storage facilities. An electronic inventory system capable of tracking and monitoring stock is also required.
Air rifle importers must be at least 25 years old and have no criminal record or security restrictions. They are also required to use storage facilities approved by Public Security and obtain Civil Defence clearance confirming that safety requirements have been met.
Applicants must also submit an unconditional bank guarantee of SR500,000 and maintain an electronic inventory system to track stock and monitor its movement.
Different rules apply to antique firearms. Importers must be at least 22 years old, while the firearms must date from before 1900. Documents verifying the age of the weapons are also required.
Fireworks importers are subject to a separate set of conditions. They must be Saudi nationals, have no security restrictions and hold a valid commercial registration. They are also required to provide insurance or financial guarantees covering employees and third parties, as well as dedicated transport vehicles, appropriate storage facilities and an electronic system for monitoring inventory.
