From 22 January 2026, new Australian Government requirements for importing firearms and related goods will apply.
This means that:
- new goods will be subject to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
- some goods will be subjected to new or revised import tests as set out in the Regulations
- some goods will be restricted by a different section in the regulations
- a B709 certificate* will still be required.
These changes are enacted by the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms Customs Laws) Bill 2026.
* The B709 (import) permit is required for individuals or businesses wishing to import firearms, firearm parts, or related accessories into Australia.
Revised import requirements for assisted opening and straight pull firearms: new definitions
New definitions have been added to the Regulations for assisted repeating action and straight pull repeating action firearms[DS1] :
- A firearm is an assisted repeating action firearm if it operates with a self-opening repeating action, or a self-closing repeating action, and the cycle of operation of the firearm is partly automated.
- A firearm is a straight pull repeating action firearm if the firearm is operated by movement of a bolt or handle along a single linear axis (without rotation).
The purpose of this amendment is to require the importation of an assisted repeating action or a straight pull repeating action to satisfy the same tests applicable to the importation of a semi-automatic firearm that fires the same type of ammunition.
For Tasmania that is a category C or D licence – depending on the magazine capacity.
Under the new legislation, any licence holder who wants to import a firearm of this type will be required to obtain a Department of Home Affairs import permit (previously, a Tasmania Police certification test applied before importing an assisted opening or straight pull firearm).
More information is available from the Department of Home Affairs Importing firearms page or the Australian Government Firearms Portal.
Note:
- Current supplies of straight pull repeating action and assisted repeating firearms that are held as firearms dealer stock in Australia will not be subject to the change in import laws.
- Firearms licence holders will still be able to purchase straight pull repeating action and assisted repeating action firearms with a category A or B licence as long as those firearms fit that category under Firearms Act 1996.
Revised import permit requirements for handguns
This amendment removes the Tasmania Police certification test and substitutes it with the sports shooter test, international sports shooter test, dealer test, and a newly created handgun test to require all imports of handguns to obtain written permission to import from the Department of Home Affairs.
To obtain a Department of Home Affairs import permit for a handgun, you will need to visit the Department of Home Affairs’ Firearms Portal.
The Department of Home Affairs will align with states and territories current requirements for sports shooters who import/apply for handguns by requesting applicants provide firearms clubs approval or evidence of internation/overseas sports shooting to demonstrate sports shooting requirements.
Import of speed loaders
The import of speed loaders will now require written permission from the Department of Home Affairs and may be applied for under a number of tests – including for sports shooters when for use with a handgun.
Revised import restrictions for 30 round magazines
The purpose of this change is to align the controls of magazines with more than 30 rounds with the agreed treatment provided by the National Firearms Agreement.
Magazines with more than 30 rounds were not previously specifically captured in the Prohibited Items Regulations.
Clarification of the import requirements for frames and receivers
The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that firearms, frames, and receivers are subject to serial number markings and physical inspection on importation, alongside complete firearms.
Enhancing the identification requirements for frames and receivers on importation will enable accurate tracking of these items.
Frames and receivers remain subject to the same import permit requirements dependant on the requirements for the firearm they are designed for use with.
Introduction of a public safety test
This change introduces an ability for the Minister of Home Affairs to refuse an import permission in the interest of public safety.
This provides the Minister with the authority to further consider whether an importation poses a significant risk to the community, recognising that while certain firearms or weapons may pass other import tests, they may not be suitable for their intended use described within the importation application, within the community.
Transitional arrangements
Australian Border Force will work with importers to provide an opportunity to comply with the new permit requirements for goods that were in transit prior to the Bill being passed, including facilitating requests for re-export where necessary.
Find out more
The explanatory memorandum and the Bill is available at Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 – Parliament of Australia.
The Prohibited Import Regulations as a compilation will be available via Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 – Federal Register of Legislation.
If you have any questions about how firearms will be treated under the new firearms amendments to the Prohibited Imports Regulations, please contact firearms.enquiries@abf.gov.au directly.