Weapons manufacturing licence
Service description
The licence to manufacture, process or repair firearms or ammunition commercially or independently as part of a commercial enterprise must be applied for from the weapons authority responsible for the place of business. It may be restricted to certain types of firearms and ammunition.
The licence is only issued for a natural person (sole proprietorship). In the case of legal entities, the responsible managing director or the individual personally liable partners each require a licence.
If the firearms manufacturing trade is to be operated by a deputy or if a person is appointed to manage a branch office or a dependent branch office, then a deputy licence must be applied for for them
The licence expires if the activity is not commenced within one year of the licence being granted or has not been exercised for one year. The time limits may be extended for special reasons.
Procedure
You must apply in writing for a firearms manufacturing licence. The application must be submitted together with the required documents to the weapons authority responsible for the place of business.
If you need a deputy during your absence, you must apply for a deputy authorisation for this person.
As a rule, the applicant and the designated representative must appear in person.
Responsible office
In Hesse, the district or independent city in whose district the main commercial establishment is located or is to be established is responsible as the lower weapons authority.
Prerequisites
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You have the necessary reliability.
The required reliability requires above all that you do not have a criminal record. - You have the personal aptitude.
For example, people who are suspected to be legally incompetent, addicted to alcohol or mentally ill do not have the required personal suitability. - You have the necessary specialised knowledge.
You can obtain the necessary proof of specialised knowledge of the most important firearms and firearms regulations, the type, construction and handling of common firearms and ammunition by passing an examination. You are deemed to have the necessary expertise if you fulfil the requirements for registration of a gunsmith's business in the Register of Craftsmen. - They prove the need for the issue of a firearms manufacturing licence.
- You wish to manufacture weapons commercially or independently as part of a commercial enterprise.
Substitutes must fulfil the same requirements as you.
The licence may be refused if you are not German within the meaning of Article 116 of the Basic Law or have neither your habitual residence nor a commercial establishment in Germany.
Which documents are required?
- Identity card or passport
- Proof of expertise (for persons who manage the business, a branch or a dependent branch office themselves)
- Business registration
- in the case of a craft business: Proof of entry in the register of craftsmen
- Non-EU citizens: a residence permit that authorises the holder to pursue self-employed gainful employment
- Proof of need for the issue of a firearms licence
- Proof of the safe storage of the weapons and ammunition by means of corresponding certificates or technical safety reports
What fees are incurred?
In Hesse, the administrative cost regulations for the business area of the Ministry of the Interior and Sport (VwKostO-MdIS) of 7 June 2013 under numbers 7171 and 7173 of the list of administrative costs provide for a fee based on time spent.
Legal basis
Typing
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