Background & Purpose

The current rules needed updating to better distinguish between legal and illegal weapon use while simplifying life for sport shooters and hunters.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved a new weapons law that tightens control over certain semi-automatic rifles while making it easier for sport shooters to travel with their equipment.

Does this affect you?

  • Hunters: They face new restrictions on which semi-automatic rifles are allowed for hunting and animal control.
  • Sport shooters: They benefit from simplified rules when traveling within the EU with their competition weapons.
  • Weapon owners: They will experience more flexible storage rules and a new system for monitoring handgun permits.

In Practice

  • New permits for certain semi-automatic rifles used for hunting and animal control will be banned.
  • Rules for storing weapons will become more flexible.
  • Sport shooters and hunters will find it easier to bring their weapons across EU borders.
  • The requirement to renew permits every five years for certain handguns is replaced by a new monitoring system.
  • Laws are updated to better target illegal weapon owners.