How to Import an Air Rifle to Ireland

Specific customs documents are required to import an air rifle into the Republic of Ireland.

There are strict rules and regulations regarding importing items into Ireland. This specifically applies to weaponry such as an air rifle. Irish legislation in 2004 laid out the legal requirements for importing air rifles to Ireland. Air rifles with a muzzle level over a certain level of force (one joule) require a license for use in Ireland. Prior to this, you must fill out the relevant application forms.

Things You'll Need

• Firearms certificate
• Application forms
• Packaging materials

Instructions

1. Print out and fill in a firearm certificate application (non-resident) and submit it to the Irish police force (An Garda Siochana) including any fees involved. Application forms can be found at garda.ie. This process can take up to six weeks to complete, so be sure to fill in and send off your application form well in advance of your planned importation date.

2. Print and fill out an importation application form, including the exact make and model of the firearm, the correct category (ranging from A-D) and a separate form if you are looking to import a category B firearm. Category B firearms are classified as exceptional weapons, and you are required to supply additional information about these firearms. Application forms can be found at garda.ie.

   There are separate forms depending on whether you are importing an air rifle from inside or outside the European Union (EU.)

3. Forward your complete application, along with your Irish firearm license to the Crime 4 division of the Department of Justice and Law Reform. Upon receipt and acceptance of your application, this department will issue you a transfer document that will enable you to import your air rifle into Ireland.

4. Package your air rifle safely and securely for transit to Ireland. It may be that you are traveling with your firearm, but will stow it away in the luggage compartment of an airplane, or you're distributing your firearm through a courier. Either way you must pack your air rifle meticulously, making sure there are no loose fittings and that the rifle itself is wrapped tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• When packaging your rifle make sure there are no loops or loose bits of tape that can get caught on a conveyor belt or other machine in the transit process.

• Label your package clearly with both the sending and return address clearly indicated. Ensure that your package is unambiguously labeled.

References

• Department of Justice and Law Reform: Importing Firearms & Ammunition
• Department of Justice and Law Reform: FAQs
• An Garda Siochana: New Firearms Licensing Regulations
• An Garda Siochana: Firearm Certificate Application (Non-Resident) [PDF]