New measures on firearms regulation

Firearm licenses will be renewed every three years, and holders must attend a theoretical and practical training course of at least 40 hours. The new measures on the regime of civilian firearms and ammunition will enter into force on 1 July this year.

In an interview given to the agency, Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin emphasized that the amendments provide a safer and stricter framework for firearm holders.

“Among the main changes are the complete digitalization of firearm records through the State Firearms Register, the introduction of the European firearm passport, and stricter rules regarding licenses, mandatory training, and restrictions for certain categories of persons. Thus, citizens must follow clear rules: they may not possess night-vision or thermal-imaging scopes, acoustic, signal, theatrical or tranquilizer weapons, and access to lethal or non-lethal firearms is restricted for persons under criminal investigation, previously sanctioned persons, or those living in regions not controlled by the constitutional authorities,” stated Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The minister noted that in the event of refusal to surrender or deactivate firearms when there is a legal basis, they will be seized by the police and managed by the State Commission for Evaluation and Compensation.

“For legal entities authorized in the security, the regulations allow the use of short non-lethal firearms, such as pistols or revolvers with rubber projectiles, for the protection of facilities and property,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The new regulations aim to reduce the risk of violence, accidents and other incidents, providing citizens with a safe framework in which they can exercise their legal right to possess firearms.