Rules on importing guns

I would like to bring some shotguns that are family heirlooms back to the UK from France (I am half French). Now that Brexit has happened, do I need an import licence?

Section 27 of the Home Office

Guide on Firearms Licensing Law deals with the import and export of firearms. It is available online and well worth a read.

It states: “As a concession for personal non-commercial import of privately owned firearms, shotguns and ammunition, the following documents are accepted by HM Border Force in lieu of import licences: (i) valid UK firearm or shotgun certificates; (ii) visitors’ firearm or shotgun permits.

“The firearms, shotguns or ammunition must be freely declared to Border Force upon importation. Firearms made on or after 1 January 1900 may only be imported with a

DIT [Department for International Trade] import licence or, for personal imports, a valid firearm or shotgun certificate or a visitors’ firearm or shotgun permit.”

You will also need to write the details of the shotguns on to Table 2 of your certificate and tell the firearms licensing department that issued your certificate that you have acquired them within seven days of doing so.

This can be done by email using the address on the police website. Keep a copy of the email.

When coming into the UK, declare the guns to Border Force in the red channel and show your shotgun certificate. BH