Italy Firearms Legal Framework

There are an estimated 8 million firearms (licit and illicit) in Italy.  Permits authorized for hunting and shooting firearms increased by 50 percent between 2014 - 2019.  An increasing number of firearms are purchased for self-defense.  

The legal framework regarding firearms in Italy is very articulated and regulated by the Text of the Laws on Public Safety and by Legislative Decree n. 104 dated 8/10/2018.

The importation of firearms, components and accessories for sports and hunting is regulated by the Arms and Explosives division of the Italian Ministry of Interior.  Pursuant to articles 11, 12 and 31 of the Public Safety Law, local firms must apply for an import license issued by the police headquarters with territorial jurisdiction for place of destination of the weapons and/or essential components.

The importation of firearms, components and accessories defined as armaments for military use is controlled by the Unit for the Authorizations of Armament Materials (UAMA) and are regulated by Law n. 185 dated July 9, 1990.    

Purchase and detainment: Citizens who wish to apply for a purchase authorization (issued by an Interior Ministry official) must present (a) a certificate issued by a medical examiner certifying the applicant’s good mental health, and (b) a certificate of competence in weapons handling obtained by participating in a practical shooting course.  The purchase authorization permits acquisition and detainment.  A gun license is required to carry.  Licenses can be requested for the following purposes outside of which it is illegal to carry firearms in public places.

1)    Self-defense: issued by the Prefect.  One-year renewable validity.  Requires a valid and justifiable reason.

2)    Sports shooting: issued by an Interior Ministry official.  Five-year validity. Use only in shooting ranges.  Transport (unloaded and stored in a proper case) from home to shooting range or other safe place to practice shooting which must be reasonably distant from roads and inhabited areas and not accessible by unauthorized people;

3)    Hunting: Six-year validity.  Hunting rifles may be used only during the established hunting season in game reserves.  Transport of shotguns unloaded and locked in their case.

According to Italian Law, there are five types of gun licenses:

1)    Long-gun license for sports use: issued by a Police station in the province of residence.  Allows carrying of long guns in both public and private shooting ranges and purchasing and carrying of common and sporting guns, short guns included, and their ammunitions.

2)    Rifle license for hunting purposes: issued by a Police station in the province of residence only after obtaining the hunting license.

3)    Swordstick license for self-defense: issued by the Prefect.  It allows the carrying of a sword-cane outside home for self-defense.  One-year validity.

4)    Gun License for self-defense: issued by the Prefect and obtained only with a justifiable, specific need.  Allows carrying of short guns for self-defense and the carrying of both short and long guns in shooting ranges and in public and private places.  Allows the purchase of ammunitions.

5)    Rifle license for self-defense: issued by the Police station in the province of residence.  Obtained only with a justifiable, specific need.  Allows the carrying of long guns for self-defense and the carrying of both short and long guns in shooting ranges and in public and private places.  Allows the purchase of ammunitions.

According to Italian law, citizens are allowed to own:

1)    Up to three common firearms (usually handguns, but all firearms not using hunting calibers fall into this category, such as 10-gauge shotguns, or some .22 rimfire pistols and rifles);
2)    Up to twelve weapons that have been classified as manufactured for shooting sports;
3)    An unlimited number of hunting weapons (both rifles and shotguns);
4)    Up to eight antique or historical weapons (manufactured before 1890);
5)    Unlimited numbers of single shot muzzle loader replicas, for which no registration is needed;
6)    Unlimited numbers of air guns under 7.5 Joules of muzzle energy, specifically approved by the Ministry of Interior, which require no registration as well.

Ammunition is also regulated.  While each licensed individual can keep 1,500 rounds of hunting ammunition, only 200 rounds of handgun ammunition are allowed.  A license to store an additional 1,500 rounds of pistol ammunition can be obtained, provided specific requirements are met.  Ammunition purchases must also be registered.  Trade and ownership of deactivated and replica (non-firing) firearms is unrestricted, although every deactivated firearm must be accompanied by a deactivation certificate in conformity to the Italian law.

For further information on the firearms market in Italy, please contact Maria.Calabria@trade.gov.