Arms Licensing

Firearm Marking Requirements

To facilitate tracing of firearms, Part IIIA of the amended Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238 sets out the obligation of manufacturers and importers to mark firearms (unless being exempted from the importers’ obligation). Besides, the Firearms and Ammunition (Marking of Firearms) Regulation (“the Regulation”) was issued to specify the detailed marking requirements.

Relevant provisions were commenced on 25 July 2025. Details are as follows:

The forms and information notes regarding ‘Applications for exemption from obligation of importers to mark firearms’ and ‘Applications to the Commissioner of Police under special circumstances’ have been updated and uploaded on this webpage.

The Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Ordinance 2025

The Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has taken effect on 6 June 2025 with a view to strengthening control over illicit firearms. The following acts are criminalised under the amended Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238:

Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238
S.14(1A)	Manufacturing, assembly and import or export of firearms (including their component parts and ammunition), whether or not by way of trade or business, without a dealer’s licence
S.14A	Manufacturing or assembly of firearms from illicit component parts

The maximum penalties are increased to a fine of $200,000 and 20 years’ imprisonment.

Relevant Legislation

• Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238
• Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Ordinance 2025
• Firearms and Ammunition (Marking of Firearms) Regulation, Cap. 238E

The Firearms and Ammunition (Declaration of Arms) (Amendment) Regulation 2021 (the Amendment Regulation) has taken effect on 1 November 2021. Upon commencement of the Amendment Regulation, specific firearm component parts, i.e. barrel, chamber, cylinder, frame, body, receiver, breech block, bolt or other mechanism for containing the pressure of discharge at the rear of a chamber, will be within the definition of “arms” under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance (Cap. 238).

A person who contravenes the offence of “Possession of Arms or Ammunition without Licence” under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance shall be liable on conviction upon indictment to a fine at level 6 ($100,000) and to imprisonment for 14 years.