Import and export of firearms (from or to third countries)

Import of category B firearms

People with residence in Austria are allowed firearms of Category B and ammunition for it from a third country (these are all countries outside the EU) into Austria if they are holders of a weapon passport or one gun ownership card.

If the person does not have a place of residence in Austria, they must apply for a permit which is issued in the form of a certificate. This certificate is valid for up to three months.

Import of category C firearms

There are no restrictions on the import of Category C firearms from third countries.

Caution

According to the weapons law, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not treated like third countries, but like EU member states.

Export of firearms to third countries

Taking (exporting) firearms of categories B and C from Austria to a third country is in any case possible under the Austrian firearms law. However, the firearms law of the country to which the firearm is being exported may require certain obligations under certain circumstances, such as the submission of additional documents. Please inquire about this in advance with the responsible Austrian representative authority abroad or the foreign representative authority in Austria.

If the firearms are defence goods pursuant to the Foreign Trade Act 2011 (AußWG 2011) and/or firearms pursuant to Firearms Regulations (EU) No. 258/2012, the export to third countries is as a rule subject to approval.

It should also be noted that the export of defence goods (such as pistols or hunting rifles) to countries with an arms embargo is generally prohibited. The interactive map "EU Sanctions Map" displays the relevant information about the affected countries.

It is recommended that hunters and sport shooters find out about the current legal situation in good time before leaving the country if they plan to take weapons (even temporarily) into arms embargo countries.

In the Second Foreign Trade Ordinance 2019 (2nd AußWV 2019), all goods on the European Union's Common Military Equipment List are defined as defence goods (e.g. pistols, rifles, ammunition), unless they are covered by the War Material Act (KMG).

Further information: The Firearms Regulation(EU) No. 258/2012 establishes licensing requirements for the export of firearms listed in Annex I to this Regulation.

Further links

Legal basis

Translated by the European Commission
Last update: 24 February 2023
Responsible for the content:
  • Federal Ministry of the Interior
  • Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy