Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre) with amending laws of:
8 July 2011 [shall come
into force from 21 July 2011];
19 January 2012 [shall come into force from 15 February
2012];
13 June 2013 [shall come into force from 1 October
2013].
If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the
date of the amending law appears in square brackets at
the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or
clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears
in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph
or clause.
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The Saeima1 has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following Law:
Law On the Handling of Weapons and
Special Means
Chapter I
General Provisions
Section 1. Terms Used in This
Law
The following terms are used in this Law:
1) antique firearms - firearms which have been
manufactured until 1899;
2) handling - the manufacture (production), repair,
acquisition, sale, collecting, export and import of weapons,
ammunition, special means and the parts thereof, the bringing in
and out from the Republic of Latvia, the inheritance, recording,
displaying in exhibitions or demonstration, utilisation and use
of the referred to objects, the awarding therewith, the
possession, carrying, transportation, conveyance, withdrawing,
alienation and destruction thereof;
3) non-automatic firearm - a firearm in which a new
cartridge from a magazine or a cylinder is loaded by a
hand-operated mechanism after each shot;
4) non-firearm weapon - an object that has the features
of a weapon and that is intended to cause damage utilising human
muscle strength or special mechanisms;
5) automatic firearm - a firearm that loads
automatically for a new shot after each shot and, if its firing
mechanism has once been actuated, can make several shots;
6) service firearms - firearms belonging to State and
local government authorities and legal persons governed by
private law, which have the right to acquire, possess and utilise
in the operations thereof firearms allocated in accordance with
the law, intended for the fulfilment of service or work
duties;
7) export - the bringing out from Latvia of weapons,
ammunition, special means and the parts thereof manufactured in
Latvia or brought in from other countries, for sale in other
European Union Member States, European Economic Area States or in
other countries;
8) electric shock devices - special means the high
voltage electric charge of which has a short-term paralysing
effect on the organism of a human or animal;
9) long firearm - a firearm with a barrel not exceeding
300 millimetres or with the overall length exceeding 600
millimetres;
10) gas cylinders - special means filled with liquefied
gas which has a short-term irritating or paralysing effect;
11) gas pistol (revolver) - a weapon whose construction
is intended solely for cartridges with elementary entities of gas
containing irritating or paralysing substances in order to have a
short-term effect on the organism of a human;
12) possession - the keeping of weapons, ammunition,
special means and the parts thereof at a permitted location in
compliance with the specified safety requirements;
13) smooth-bore firearm - a firearm of which at least
two thirds of the bore is smooth, measuring from the cartridge
chamber;
14) acquisition - the acquisition of weapons,
ammunition, special means and the parts thereof in the ownership
or possession;
15) weapon - an object or mechanism specially made for
the destruction or damage of live or inanimate targets;
16) copy of a weapon - a precise copy of the original
weapon, which is not functional and has only a source of
reference or decorative functions;
17) transportation of a weapon - transportation,
carrying or other moving with oneself of an unloaded weapon
packaged separately from ammunition in a way that the use thereof
is impossible;
18) repair of a weapon - elimination of a defect of a
weapon or adjustment of a weapon to the individual needs of an
owner;
19) import - the bringing in Latvia of weapons,
ammunition, special means and the parts thereof manufactured in
other European Union Member States and European Economic Area
States or other countries for selling in the local market;
20) short firearm - a firearm with a barrel not
exceeding 300 millimetres or with the overall length not
exceeding 600 millimetres;
21) manufacture - industrial, artisan or individual
production of different types of weapons, ammunition, special
means and the parts thereof;
22) calibre - the internal diameter of the bore of a
firearm, an approximate size of a shell or a shell case;
23) classification - the division of weapons,
ammunition and special means into categories corresponding to the
technical parameters and use thereof;
24) collection - a stock of weapons or ammunition of
scientific technical, artistic, historical, criminal or other
reference source importance;
25) high energy pneumatic weapon - a pneumatic weapon
with the initial energy of a projectile of more than 12
joules;
26) marking - the incorporation of special marks or
numbers on a weapon or essential components thereof and
ammunition, which allow them to be differentiated from other
weapons or essential components thereof and ammunition;
27) low energy pneumatic weapon - a pneumatic weapon
with the initial energy of a projectile not exceeding 12
joules;
28) military firearms and special means - firearms and
special means manufactured specially for military purposes, for
the destruction or damage of live or inanimate targets, and the
ammunition, parts and accessories of these weapons and special
means;
29) ammunition - objects, which have been structurally
manufactured for making a shot and intended for the destruction
or damage of live or inanimate targets;
30) carrying - carrying of a weapon ready for use or
special means with oneself outside the place of possession;
31) conveyance - movement of weapons, ammunition,
special means or the parts thereof by mail, in luggage or through
the intermediation of third persons;
32) cartridge - ammunition of a firearm or gas pistol
(revolver) (with or without a shell), in which the propellant
(gunpowder), firing device (cap) and shell (not mandatory) have
been combined in a unit;
33) pneumatic weapon - a weapon from which a bullet, an
arrow or another projectile is shot with the help of compressed
gas;
34) semi-automatic firearm - a firearm, which after
each shot loads automatically for a new shot and if the firing
mechanism thereof has once been actuated, only one shot can be
made;
35) sale - the sale, change, giving as a gift,
re-registration or other type of handing over of weapons,
ammunition, special means or the parts thereof in the ownership
or possession of another person;
36) salute cartridge - a cartridge without a shell
which is intended to imitate shooting, saluting or giving a
signal;
37) special means - chemical substances, objects or
mechanisms that are intended for self-defence or securing of
public order and safety, but are not weapons;
38) firearm - a portable weapon, with or without a
barrel, in which a shell receives the energy for directional
movement as a result of the gas pressure from the burning of
gunpowder;
39) essential component of a firearm - the barrel,
including exchangeable barrels and adapters provided for changing
the calibre, the lock, cartridge compartment (cartridge cylinder,
mechanism box or frame), which is included in the firearm
category;
40) firearm part - any element or replacement element
specifically designed for a firearm and essential to its
operation, including a barrel, frame, receiver, mechanism box or
frame, cartridge cylinder, bolt or breech block, and any device
which has been designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused
by firing a firearm, as well as a flame dowser;
41) shell - a bullet, canister, pellet, arrow or other
objects or substances, which are intended or adapted for shooting
from a weapon or which have been shot from a weapon;
42) traumatic firearm - a firearm whose construction is
intended solely for cartridges with a reduced amount of gunpowder
or other propellant, whose cartridge shell is manufactured from
such material which reduces the likelihood of causing bodily
injuries hazardous to human or animal life;
43) single-shot firearm - a firearm, which does not
have a magazine or a cylinder and in which the ammunition (a
cartridge) is loaded manually before each shot; and
44) rifled firearm - a firearm in the muzzle bore of
which spiral grooves have been formed along its entire length,
which cause the rotation of a bullet, except for firearms which
are intended for shooting with smooth-bore firearm ammunition and
which are classified in Latvia as smooth-bore firearms.
[13 June 2013]
Section 2. Purpose of this Law
The purpose of this Law is to determine the rights and
obligations of State authorities and private individuals in
relation to the handling of weapons, ammunition, special means
and the parts thereof in Latvia, as well as to specify the
classification of such objects and the prohibitions and
restrictions in respect of these objects in order to ensure the
safety of persons and of the public.
Section 3. Scope of Application of
the Law
(1) This Law shall apply to weapons, ammunition, special means
and the parts thereof, except:
1) antique firearms and copies thereof if a shot cannot be
fired from them with a cartridge intended for prohibited firearms
or for firearms the handling of which requires a State Police
authorisation;
2) copies of weapons and weapons which have been deactivated -
rendered unusable for firing a shot in such a way that all the
essential components of the firearm have been rendered
permanently inoperable and incapable of removal, replacement or a
modification that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in
any way, if such changes have been officially approved by the
State Police;
3) industrially manufactured certified instruments in which
the principles or constructions of firearm operation have been
utilised and which may be utilised only for the purposes
intended;
4) underwater hunting weapons and ammunition thereof;
5) markers propelled by compressed gas, which resemble
firearms and are shot by gelatine balls containing food colouring
which breaks on the target, marking it thereby (paintball
guns);
6) objects which are operated by electrical motor, spring or
compressed gas, which resemble firearms and are intended for
firing with plastic balls, with the initial energy not exceeding
4 joules.
(2) An object which is intended, or may be adapted so that a
shell is fired as a result of the effect of gunpowder shall be
considered a firearm, if it resembles a firearm or is concealed
as another object and the structure or material thereof, from
which it has been manufactured, enables the modification thereof
for a shell to be fired as a result of the effect of gunpowder,
except objects which:
1) have been deactivated;
2) are intended for raising an alarm, signalling, lifesaving,
animal slaughter, fishing by harpoon or for industrial or
technical requirements, where they may only be used for the
purposes concerned.
Chapter II
Classification of Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means
Section 4. Classification of Weapons
and Ammunition in Latvia
(1) In Latvia, only the handling of firearms, ammunition and
high energy pneumatic weapons (except the handling of military
weapons and ammunition), which are classified with the State
Police is permitted.
(2) Weapons and ammunition shall be classified by dividing
them according to the technical parameters and use.
(3) Weapons and ammunition of one type, mark (system), model
and calibre, as well as high energy pneumatic weapons may be
classified by different methods of use.
(4) The procedures by which the State Police shall classify
firearms, ammunition and high energy pneumatic weapons shall be
determined by the Cabinet.
Section 5. Classification of
Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means in Conformity with the Use
Thereof
Weapons, ammunition and special means shall be classified as
follows in conformity with the use thereof:
1) military firearms, ammunition and special means;
2) service firearms, gas weapons, pneumatic weapons,
ammunition and special means intended for the protection of
public order and safety or for the fulfilment of service or work
duties;
3) self-defence weapons, ammunition and special means;
4) hunting weapons and ammunition thereof;
5) sports weapons and ammunition thereof;
6) collection weapons and ammunition thereof.
Section 6. Technical Classification
of Weapons and Ammunition
(1) Category A weapons and ammunition are the following:
1) military weapons and ammunition thereof;
2) automatic firearms;
3) firearms disguised as other objects;
4) cartridges of pistols and revolvers with expansive bullets
(the bullet of a firearm which having entered a target splits or
expands) or hollow-pointed bullets, except ammunition of hunting
and sport firearms.
(2) Category B weapons and ammunition are the following:
1) semi-automatic or non-automatic short firearms;
2) single-shot short firearms the ammunition of which have a
central capsule;
3) single-shot short firearms the total length of which is
less than 280 millimetres and the ammunition of which are rimfire
cartridges;
4) semi-automatic long firearms the total capacity of
cartridge chamber and magazine (cartridge feeding mechanism) of
which is more than three cartridges;
5) semi-automatic long firearms the total capacity of
cartridge chamber and magazine of which is not more than three
cartridges, but the magazine is movable, or which utilising
simple instruments may be modified into such a firearm the total
capacity of cartridge chamber and magazine of which is more than
three cartridges;
6) non-automatic and semi-automatic smooth-bore firearms whose
total barrel length does not exceed 600 millimetres;
7) semi-automatic firearms, which are not military firearms
and resemble automatic firearms.
(3) Category C weapons are the following:
1) non-automatic long firearms, except the firearms referred
to in Paragraph two, Clause 6 of this Section;
2) long firearms with single-shot rifled barrels;
3) semi-automatic long-barrelled firearms except the firearms
referred to in Paragraph two, Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 7 of this
Section;
4) single-shot short firearms the total length of which is not
less than 280 millimetres and the ammunition of which are rimfire
cartridges.
(4) Category D firearms are single-shot long firearms with
smooth-bore barrels.
(5) The category of pneumatic weapons includes high energy
pneumatic weapons and low energy pneumatic weapons.
Section 7. Weapons, Ammunition and
Special Means for Self-Defence
(1) The following weapons, ammunition and special means are
permitted for self-defence in Latvia:
1) Category B semi-automatic, non-automatic or single-shot
short firearms (pistols and revolvers) classified for
self-defence, whose calibre does not exceed 9 millimetres, and
the ammunition thereof, except the traumatic firearms of this
category and the ammunition thereof;
2) Category B, C and D long smooth-bore firearms, including
traumatic firearms classified for self defence, and their
cartridges the length of whose shell does not exceed 76,2
millimetres;
3) semi-automatic, non-automatic or single-shot gas pistols
(revolvers) intended for self-defence and the ammunition thereof,
including salute cartridges provided for them;
4) gas cylinders intended for self-defence;
5) electric shock devices intended for self-defence;
6) sound devices of psychological effect for scaring off
aggressive animals, intended for self-defence.
(2) The following irritant substances (lacrimators) may be
used in the ammunition of gas pistols (revolvers) and gas
cylinders intended for self-defence:
1) omega-chloroacetophenone (phenacyl chloride) CN (CAS
532-27-4);
2) O-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile CS (CAS 2698-41-1);
3) Oleoresin Capsicum, Capsaicin OC (pepper spray, including
Teren-1 and Skorpion 5003, but excluding Teren-4, Teren-6,
PMKK+CS and Rezeda) (CAS 8023-77-6);
4) Capsaicin II PAVA (synthetic pepper spray, Nonivamide) (CAS
2444-46-4).
[13 June 2013]
Chapter III
Prohibitions in Respect of Handling Weapons, Ammunition and
Special Means
Section 8. General Prohibitions
The following is prohibited in Latvia:
1) the handling of weapons, ammunition and special means
prohibited in international agreements binding to Latvia, except
the withdrawing and destruction thereof;
2) the handling of unclassified firearms, the ammunition
thereof and high energy pneumatic weapons;
3) the handling of unmarked firearms and the essential
components thereof, as well as unmarked ammunition, unmarked high
energy pneumatic weapons and unmarked gas pistols
(revolvers);
4) the handling of home-made firearms, high energy pneumatic
weapons and home-made ammunition, except the assembly of
cartridges for hunting and sport firearms from industrially
produced parts or home-made pellets, canisters or bullets;
5) the acquisition, possession, carrying or sale of firearms,
which do not conform to technical regulations or firearms with a
modified technical classification, as well as firearms modified
for shooting in bursts, or concealed carrying, or high energy
pneumatic weapons;
6) the manufacture and sale of such toys which by the external
appearance thereof are copies of industrially manufactured
firearms;
7) the handling of self-made gas pistols (revolvers) and their
ammunition, as well as adjustment of gas pistols (revolvers)
(including unscrewing of structurally intended barrel restraints)
or other altering for shooting with cartridges of firearms and
ammunition of another type, which is not intended for
self-defence gas pistols (revolvers);
8) altering of firearms for shooting with cartridges of gas
pistols (revolvers).
[13 June 2013]
Section 9. Prohibitions for Natural
Persons and Legal Persons
(1) Natural persons are prohibited:
1) to acquire, possess, carry, sell, utilise and use gas
grenades, ammunition filled with substances with an irritating or
paralysing effect and are not intended for gas pistols
(revolvers), light and sound devices with a psychological effect,
underwater firearms and the ammunition thereof, electric shock
pistols with leads and electrodes;
2) to acquire, possess and sell ammunition whose shell is
filled with medicine intended to temporarily put to sleep,
paralyse or kill animals and weapons specially intended for such
ammunition;
3) to carry such non-firearm weapons specially intended to
inflict bodily injuries, except non-firearm weapons for hunters,
fishermen and anglers for hunting, fishing and angling,
non-firearm weapons for athletes intended for the relevant type
of sport, for competitions or training and non-firearm weapons
used by participants of cultural events in displays, parades and
other official cultural events;
4) to acquire, possess, carry, sell, utilise and use firearms
which have been rendered usable for shooting only with salute
cartridges.
(2) Natural persons and legal persons are prohibited to
manufacture, acquire, possess, carry, use, utilise and sell any
weapons with sawn-off or re-bored barrels, sawn-off butts,
firearms with enlarged magazine capacity, as well as to carry,
utilise and use firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons with
dismounted butts and to possess, carry and transport deactivated
firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons without a statement
from the State Police that the weapon has been deactivated.
(3) Natural persons and legal persons are prohibited to
manufacture, acquire, possess, carry, sell, utilise and use:
1) concentrated and directed energy weapons (systems of
lasers, beams of elementary particles or high power radio
frequency that are able to destroy or paralyse the target);
2) Category A weapons, and ammunition and parts thereof;
3) firearms disguised as other objects;
4) mufflers of shooting noise (silencers) and flame dowsers,
as well as firearms equipped therewith;
5) Category B semi-automatic, non-automatic or single-shot
short traumatic firearms and the ammunition thereof;
6) ammunition filled with nerve paralysing gases or the
ammunition of such gas pistols (revolvers) containing rubber
pellets, bullets or other solid form shells or that are capable
of causing bodily injury or the death of a person shooting from a
distance of more than a metre;
7) gas grenades, ammunition filled with substances of
irritating and paralysing effect and not intended for gas pistols
(revolvers), light and sound devices of psychological effect;
8) the semi-finished parts of essential components of firearms
and essential components of firearms, except the acquisition,
selling, possession and utilisation of exchangeable barrel and
lock set of firearms, the exchangeable barrel of firearms, the
exchangeable barrel and adapter provided for changing the calibre
(hereinafter - exchangeable barrels).
[13 June 2013]
Section 10. Exceptions to the
Prohibitions Specified for Natural Persons and Legal Persons
(1) The prohibitions referred to in Section 9, Paragraph three
of this Law shall not apply to the National Armed Forces.
(2) The prohibitions for the acquisition, possession,
carrying, selling, utilising and using of the weapons, parts and
ammunition thereof and special means referred to in Section 9,
Paragraph three of this Law (except concentrated and directed
energy weapons) shall not apply to the Constitution Protection
Bureau, institutions of the system of the Ministry of the
Interior for which service firearms are provided for, the Latvian
Prison Administration, the Military Intelligence and Security
Service and the Security Department of the Bank of Latvia.
(3) The prohibitions for the manufacture of weapons,
ammunition thereof and special means and the prohibitions for the
acquisition of the essential components of firearms referred to
in Section 9, Paragraph three of this Law (except concentrated
and directed energy weapons filled with nerve paralysing gases)
shall not apply to merchants who have been issued a special
authorisation (licence) for the manufacture of firearms.
(4) The prohibitions for the acquisition of the essential
components of firearms referred to in Section 9, Paragraph three
of this Law shall not apply to merchants who have been issued a
special authorisation (licence) for the manufacture or repair of
firearms.
(5) The prohibitions for the acquisition, possession and
utilisation of mufflers of shooting noise (silencers) and flame
dowsers, as well as firearms equipped therewith referred to in
Section 9, Paragraph three of this Law, shall not apply to legal
persons who have received a permit for keeping wild animal
species in the fenced off areas in the ownership or possession
thereof.
(6) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which the
legal persons referred to in Paragraph five of this Section shall
acquire, possess, issue and utilise mufflers of shooting noise
(silencers) and flame dowsers, as well as firearms equipped
therewith for the acquisition of wild animal species.
Chapter IV
Weapons Authorisations
Section 11. Issuance of Weapons
Authorisations
(1) Natural persons and legal persons, except State and local
government authorities, who have the right to acquire, possess
and utilise in the activities thereof weapons allocated in
accordance with the law have the right to acquire, collect,
possess, carry, convey and sell Category B, C and D firearms,
including traumatic long firearms, the exchangeable barrels
thereof and firearm ammunition, as well as high energy pneumatic
weapons only with the authorisation of the State Police.
(2) The State Police shall issue authorisations for the
acquisition, possession, collecting, transportation, bringing in
and out from Latvia, for transit through Latvia, for the
transportation to European Union Member States and selling of
Category B, C and D hunting, sport, self-defence and service
firearms, the exchangeable barrels thereof, firearm ammunition,
as well as for carrying short self-defence firearms.
(3) An authorisation to acquire and possess the exchangeable
barrel of a firearm shall be issued to a person with a firearm
registered for use in hunting or sport.
(4) Authorisations for a weapon collection, as well as
authorisations for the possession of a weapon, unless laid down
otherwise in this Law, shall be issued for an indefinite period
of time. Authorisations for the carrying of a weapon shall be
issued for 10 years.
(5) The State Police shall issue the European firearms pass
for five years to persons registered for the utilisation of
Category B, C or D firearms in hunting or sport or for the
utilisation of high energy pneumatic weapons in sport.
(6) If a weapons authorisation has been damaged, destroyed,
lost or stolen, a person shall receive a duplicate authorisation
from the State Police, but if the particulars of the natural
person or legal person or address of the possession of the weapon
indicated in the authorisation have changed, a repeat weapons
authorisation shall be issued.
(7) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which the
State Police shall issue the authorisations referred to in
Paragraph two of this Section, the duplicates and repeat
authorisations thereof, the European firearms passes, shall
extend the period of validity of authorisations for the carrying
of a weapon and of the European firearms pass and revoke
authorisations, as well as the requirements to be observed for
the receipt of an authorisation for the possession or carrying of
a weapon or for weapon collections and during the validity of the
authorisation.
(8) A State fee shall be payable for the issuance of any type
of weapons authorisation, repeat authorisation, duplicate
authorisation or the European firearms pass, and for extending
the period of validity of an authorisation for the carrying a
weapon and the period of validity of the European firearms pass.
The Cabinet shall determine the amount of the State fee, reliefs
and the procedures for payment.
[13 June 2013]
Section 12. Authorisation for the
Acquisition of a Weapon
An authorisation for the acquisition of a weapon shall be
valid for three months from the day of taking a decision on the
issuance of the authorisation by the State Police. The
authorisation shall give the following rights:
1) to acquire the firearms indicated therein, the exchangeable
barrels thereof, high energy pneumatic weapons and ammunition in
Latvia from merchants who have received a special authorisation
(licence) for the manufacture or trade of weapons or, upon
receipt of an authorisation for bringing weapons into Latvia,
from foreign manufacturers and trade merchants of weapons in
accordance with the laws of the corresponding country;
2) in accordance with the specified procedures, to possess and
transport a firearm, the ammunition and exchangeable barrel
thereof or a high energy pneumatic weapon until the registration
thereof with the State police;
3) to transfer to oneself the registration with the State
Police of the firearms, also exchangeable barrels thereof, or
high energy pneumatic weapons of such other natural person or
legal person, which has received an authorisation for the sale of
weapons.
Section 13. Authorisation for
Possession of a Weapon
An authorisation for the possession of a weapon shall give the
right, in accordance with the specified procedures, to possess
the firearm, the exchangeable barrel thereof or the high energy
pneumatic weapon indicated in the authorisation at the declared
place of residence of the weapon owner (natural person) indicated
in the authorisation and the location of the immovable property,
including joint property, or in a specially equipped weapons
depository of the weapon owner (legal person), to transport or
convey a weapon, to acquire and possess the ammunition thereof,
to utilise the weapon according to its method of use, as well as
to utilise and use the weapon in the cases and in accordance with
the procedures laid down in this Law or in other laws and
regulations.
Section 14. Authorisation for
Carrying of a Weapon
(1) An authorisation for the carrying of a weapon shall be
issued to natural persons for the carrying of Category B short
self-defence firearms.
(2) An authorisation for the carrying of a weapon shall give a
natural person the right, in accordance with the specified
procedure, to possess a firearm in the declared place of
residence of the weapon owner indicated in the authorisation and
the location of immovable property, including joint property, to
transport or convey the weapon, acquire and possess the
ammunition thereof, to carry and utilise the weapon according to
its method of use, as well as to utilise and use the weapon in
the cases and in accordance with the procedures laid down in this
Law or in other laws and regulations.
(3) Legal persons, for which service firearms have been
registered, shall issue employees an authorisation for the
carrying of a service weapon, including a long firearm. An
authorisation for the carrying of a service weapon shall give the
employees of the legal person the right to receive and carry the
service firearm registered to the legal person for the fulfilment
of duties, as well as to use it in the cases and in accordance
with the procedures laid down in this Law or in other laws and
regulations. An authorisation for the carrying of a service
weapon shall not give the right to acquire the ammunition for a
firearm.
Section 15. Authorisation for the
Sale of a Weapon
An authorisation for the sale of a weapon shall give a person
the right to sell the firearms indicated therein, as well as the
exchangeable barrels thereof, high energy pneumatic weapons or
the ammunition thereof with the intermediation of a merchant of
Latvia who has received a special authorisation (licence) for the
trade of weapons, or to transfer the registration thereof with
the State Police to another person who has received an
authorisation for the acquisition of a weapon.
Section 15.1
Authorisation for a Weapon Collection
An authorisation for a weapon collection shall give the right
to possess the firearms indicated in the authorisation, their
exchangeable barrels, high energy pneumatic weapons and
ammunition at the address indicated in the authorisation, to
transport them and exhibit at exhibitions in the cases and in
accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law and other
laws and regulations governing the handling of weapons and
ammunition.
[13 June 2013]
Chapter V
Rights and Restrictions
Section 16. Natural Persons Having
the Right to Receive a Weapons Authorisation to Acquire, Possess,
Carry and Transfer Weapons and Special Means
(1) A natural person who has reached the age of 16 years has
the right to acquire, possess and carry gas cylinders intended
for self-defence and use them for self-defence.
(2) A natural person who has reached the age of 18 years has
the right to:
1) acquire, possess and transport non-firearm weapons, low
energy pneumatic weapons and ammunition thereof and use these
weapons in training and sports competitions;
2) acquire, possess and carry electric shock devices intended
for self-defence and use them for self-defence;
3) acquire, possess and carry gas pistols (revolvers) and the
ammunition thereof and use them for self-defence.
(3) A citizen of Latvia, a non-citizen of Latvia, a citizen of
a European Union Member State and a citizen of a state of the
European Economic Area, as well as a person who has received a
permanent residence permit in the Republic of Latvia if he or she
has reached the age of 18 years and the prohibitions referred to
in this Law do not apply thereto, has the right, with the
authorisation of the State Police, to acquire, possess and
transport Category B, C and D long smooth-bore hunting, sport and
self-defence firearms, traumatic long firearms, high energy
pneumatic weapons and the ammunition thereof, to utilise these
weapons according to their intended use for hunting, practice
shooting, shooting sports competitions and self-defence, as well
as for the killing of farm animals in accordance with the
procedures laid down in laws and regulations.
(4) The person referred to in Paragraph three of this Section,
who has reached the age of 21 years and who has a hunters
certificate, if the prohibitions referred to in this Law do not
apply to this person, has the right, with the authorisation of
the State Police, to acquire, possess and transport Category B
and C long rifled barrel hunting firearms and the ammunition
thereof, to utilise these weapons for hunting, practice shooting,
shooting sports competitions, as well as for the killing of farm
animals in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and
regulations.
(5) The person referred to in Paragraph three of this Section,
who has reached the age of 18 years, who has been a member of a
registered sports organisation for at least three years and who
has at least the second sport class in a type of sport connected
with shooting, if the prohibitions referred to in this Law do not
apply to this person, has the right, with the authorisation of
the State Police, to acquire, possess and transport Category B
and C long rifled barrel sports firearms and the ammunition
thereof, Category B short firearms, the calibre length of which
does not exceed 5.6 millimetres, and the ammunition thereof, and
to utilise these weapons in practice shooting and shooting sports
competitions.
(6) A citizen of Latvia, a citizen of a European Union Member
State who has received a permanent residence permit in the
Republic of Latvia and a citizen of a European Economic Area
State, who has reached the age of 21 years, if the prohibitions
referred to in this Law do not apply thereto, has the right, with
the authorisation of the State Police, to acquire, possess and
transport or possess, transport and carry Category B
semi-automatic, non-automatic and single-shot short firearms, the
calibre of which does not exceed 9 millimetres, and the
ammunition thereof and to utilise these weapons in practice
shooting and shooting sports competitions, as well as use them
for self-defence.
[13 June 2013]
Section 17. Prohibitions for the
Acquisition, Possession and Carrying of Weapons and
Ammunition
It is prohibited to issue an authorisation for the
acquisition, possession or carrying or a collection of firearms
or high energy pneumatic weapons to a natural person:
1) who has been punished for committing a crime - prior to the
conviction being extinguished or set aside;
2) who has been accused in criminal proceedings;
3) who has been released from criminal liability in accordance
with Section 58 of the Criminal Law - until a year has passed
after the coming into effect of the respective decision;
4) who has been conditionally released from criminal liability
in accordance with Section 58.1 of the Criminal Law - before the
end of the probationary period;
5) who has been released from punishment in accordance with
Section 59 of the Criminal Law - until a year has passed after
the coming into effect of the decision of the release from
punishment;
6) who has been recognised as a suspect in criminal
proceedings for the committing of a crime;
7) who has been administratively punished for violations
committed while under the influence of alcoholic beverages,
narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances,
for refusal to submit to a test determining the alcohol
concentration, from a test of narcotic or other intoxicating
substance influence, for petty hooliganism, for intentionally
infliction of insignificant bodily harm or for malicious
non-compliance with the lawful order or request of a police
officer, border guard, national guard or soldier - until a year
has passed after the execution of the administrative
punishment;
8) who has restricted rights (withdrawn for a period of time)
for the acquisition, possession or carrying of weapons or rights
to be engaged in commercial activities in the field of handling
of weapons - before the expiry of the period of the restriction
of rights;
9) regarding whom the State Police have justified information
that he or she may use the weapon maliciously, endangering
himself or herself, public order or safety;
10) regarding whom the State Police, the Office of the
Prosecutor or State security institutions have information
attesting that such person belongs to prohibited militarised or
armed formations, public organisations (parties) or associations
thereof;
11) who has been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders,
addiction to alcohol, narcotic, psychotropic or toxic substances
or behavioural disorders which give grounds for doubting his or
her ability to comply with the conditions for the handling of
weapons;
12) [13 June 2013];
13) who is not able to use a firearm or a high energy
pneumatic weapon due to physical deficiencies;
14) who does not have a declared (registered) place of
residence;
15) who has not ensured the conditions for the possession of
weapons at the indicated address of the storage of the
weapon;
16) who has stated unjustified reasons for the acquisition of
a weapon;
17) who does not comply with the conditions of Section 16 of
this Law.
[13 June 2013]
Section 18. Institutions and Legal
Persons who Have the Right to Acquire, Possess and Utilise
Firearms, High Energy Pneumatic Weapons and the Ammunition in the
Activities thereof
(1) The following institutions and legal persons have the
right to use firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons and the
ammunition thereof in the activities thereof:
1) State and local government authorities which have been
conferred the right to acquire, possess and utilise firearms in
the activities thereof in accordance with the law;
2) with an authorisation of the State Police - legal persons
governed by private law, which have been conferred the right to
acquire, possess and utilise firearms in the activities thereof
in accordance with the law, if the participants of the legal
person (natural persons), except shareholders (hereinafter -
participants), and persons holding an office in administrative
bodies (hereinafter - managers), as well as employees having
access to weapons and ammunition in accordance with the work
duties, comply with the conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six
of this Law and the prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of
this Law do not apply thereto (except the prohibition referred to
in Section 17, Clause 13 in respect of participants and
managers). Within the meaning of this Law partnerships shall also
be considered equivalent to legal persons governed by private
law;
3) with an authorisation of the State police - educational
institutions founded by State and local governments, in which
lessons in types of sport related to shooting, young guard or
military training programmes are intended, if the employees of
the educational institution have access to weapons and ammunition
in accordance with the work duties, comply with the conditions of
Section 16, Paragraph six of this Law and the prohibitions
referred to in Section 17 of this Law do not apply thereto;
4) with an authorisation of the State Police - sports
federations recognised in Latvia, engaged in types of sport
related to shooting (hereinafter - sports federations), and the
collective members thereof, if their managers and employees with
access to weapons and ammunition in accordance with the work
duties comply with the conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six of
this Law and the prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this
Law do not apply thereto (except the prohibition referred to in
Section 17, Clause 13 in respect of managers);
5) with an authorisation of the State Police - legal persons
who have received a local government authorisation for the
operation of a Category 2 or Category 3 shooting gallery
(shooting stand), if the participants of the legal person and
managers, as well as employees having access to weapons and
ammunition in accordance with the work duties comply with the
conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six of this Law and the
prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this Law do not apply
thereto (except the prohibition referred to in Section 17, Clause
13 in respect of participants and managers);
6) with an authorisation of the State Police - State, local
government and private museums if their managers and employees
with access to weapons and ammunition in accordance with the work
duties comply with the conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six of
this Law and the prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this
Law do not apply thereto (except the prohibition referred to in
Section 17, Clause 13 in respect of managers);
7) merchants who have received the special authorisations
(licences) referred to in Section 42 of this Law for commercial
activities with firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons and the
ammunition thereof;
8) with an authorisation of the State Police - merchants which
have received an authorisation for holding wild animal species in
fenced areas in their ownership or possession, if their managers
and managers, as well as employees with access to weapons and
ammunition in accordance with the work duties comply with the
conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six of this Law and the
prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this Law do not apply
thereto (except the prohibition referred to in Section 17, Clause
13 in respect of participants and managers).
(2) Firearms, which have been rendered usable for shooting
only with salute cartridges, and salute cartridges may be
acquired, possessed and utilised by State and local government
authorities and legal persons governed by private law, which have
been conferred the right to acquire, possess and utilise firearms
in accordance with the law in the activities thereof, as well as
by legal persons which utilise them for making cinematographic
films or in other professional activities.
[13 June 2013]
Section 18.1 Health
Examinations for a Person in Possession of (Carrying) Weapons and
Performing Work with Weapons
(1) Health examinations shall be performed in order to assess
the conformity of the state of health of a natural person for
possessing (carrying) weapons or for work with weapons and to
determine whether the person has been diagnosed with psychiatric
disorders, addiction to alcohol, narcotic, psychotropic or toxic
substances, behavioural disorders, physical deficiencies due to
which the person is not able to use a firearm or high energy
pneumatic weapon (hereinafter - medical contraindications).
(2) The initial health examination shall be performed:
1) for natural persons who wish to receive an authorisation
for the acquisition, possession or carrying of a weapon or for a
weapon collection, or a certificate of shooting instructor;
2) for participants of such legal persons and managers who
wish to receive an authorisation for the possession of a weapon
or for a weapon collection, as well as employees with access to
weapons, ammunition or their components in accordance with the
work duties;
3) for participants of such merchants and managers who wish to
receive or have received a special authorisation (licence) for
commercial activities involving weapons, ammunition or special
means, as well as employees of such merchants with access to
weapons, ammunition, their components or special means in
accordance with the work duties.
(3) Regular health examination for persons who have received
an authorisation for the possession or carrying of weapons or for
a weapon collection, an authorisation for work with weapons or a
certificate of shooting instructor shall be performed every one
to five years depending on the state of health of the person.
(4) A medical practitioner or the State Police have the right
to send the persons referred to in Paragraph three of this
Section to a prescheduled health examination, if there is
justified suspicion that the particular person has medical
contraindications for possession (carrying) of weapons or for
work with weapons.
(5) A medical treatment institution shall enter information
regarding the conformity of the state of health of a person for
possession (carrying) of weapons or for work with weapons in the
Weapons Register or the Register of Licences and
Certificates.
(6) The Cabinet shall determine:
1) medical contraindications for possession (carrying) of
weapons and for work with weapons, the procedures by which health
examinations shall be performed, as well as the procedures by
which the term of the regular health examination shall be
determined;
2) the requirements and procedures by which a person shall be
sent to a prescheduled health examination;
3) the amount of information and the procedures by which
medical treatment institutions shall include information in the
Weapons Register or the Register of Licences and Certificates
regarding the conformity of the state of health of a person for
possession (carrying) of weapons or for work with weapons.
(7) A person may contest a decision on existence of medical
contraindications within a month from the day of entering into
effect thereof by submitting a relevant submission to the Health
Inspectorate. The decision of the Health Inspectorate may be
appealed within a month in accordance with the procedures laid
down in the Administrative Procedure Law.
[13 June 2013 / Paragraph five
shall come into force from 1 July 2014. See Paragraph 6 of
Transitional Provisions]
Chapter VI
Withdrawal of Weapons Authorisations
Section 19. Withdrawal of
Authorisations for the Acquisition, Possession, Carrying and
Collection of Weapons
The State Police shall withdraw an authorisation for the
acquisition, possession, carrying and collection of weapons (also
an authorisation for the carrying of a service weapon and an
authorisation for the possession or carrying of a personally
awarded weapon) or shall not extend the period of validity of the
authorisation, if:
1) the prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this Law
apply to the person;
2) the person does not comply with the conditions of Section
16 or Section 18, Paragraph one of this Law;
3) the person has had hunting rights withdrawn or the hunting
certificate thereof has been recognised as invalid (authorisation
for the acquisition and possession of a hunting firearm);
4) false information or invalid documents have been submitted
for the receipt of the authorisation;
5) the legal person, to which weapons have been registered, is
liquidated or the activity thereof are suspended; or
6) the natural person or legal person, to which firearms or
high energy pneumatic weapons have been registered, refuses to
present the weapons, ammunition and the relevant authorisation to
an official of the State authority, in whose competence the
control of the handling of weapons lies, evades or otherwise
hinders an official of the State Police from checking the
conditions of possession of firearms, ammunition, the parts
thereof or high energy pneumatic weapons at the address indicated
in the weapons authorisation;
7) it is determined by a court adjudication.
[13 June 2013]
Section 20. Appeal of Decisions
(1) A natural person or a legal person may contest and appeal
a decision on refusal to issue an authorisation for the
acquisition, possession or carrying of a firearm or high energy
pneumatic weapon or an authorisation for the collection of such
weapons, or a decision on withdrawal of the authorisation in
accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative
Procedure Law.
(2) Contesting or appealing of a decision on withdrawal of an
authorisation shall not suspend the operation thereof.
Section 21. Handover of Weapons and
Ammunition to the State Police
(1) If an authorisation for the possession or carrying of a
firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon or an authorisation for
the collection of such weapons is withdrawn, the weapon and
ammunition shall, within five working days after receipt of the
relevant notification, be handed over to the State Police or,
with the authorisation thereof, to a merchant who has received a
special authorisation (licence) for the trade of firearms, high
energy pneumatic weapons and ammunition.
(2) When handing over a weapon and ammunition, a natural
person and a legal person shall also hand over the relevant
weapons authorisation and the European firearms pass to the State
Police.
Chapter VII
Acquisition, Registration, Possession, Transportation,
Conveyance, Carrying, Utilisation and Sale of Weapons, Ammunition
and Special Means
Section 22. Conditions for the
Acquisition, Possession, Transportation, Carrying, Utilisation
and Use of Weapons, the Parts thereof and Ammunition for Natural
Persons
(1) Prior to the first acquisition of a firearm (except a
hunting firearm) or a high energy pneumatic weapon, a person
shall take a qualification examination in respect of the
procedures for the handling weapons and ammunition and certify
the skill to use a weapon. The Cabinet shall determine the
procedures for giving a qualification examination, the extent of
the knowledge required for passing it, the fee for the
qualification examination, as well as the spending of the funds
acquired.
(2) Persons who have not had a firearm or a high energy
pneumatic weapon registered within the last five years, or
persons whose authorisation for the possession or carrying of a
weapon (including a hunting firearm) has been withdrawn for
violations of the regulations for the acquisition, registration,
possession, carrying or sale of weapons or ammunition or whose
right for the acquisition, possession or carrying of weapons have
been restricted (suspended temporarily) shall re-take the
qualification examination referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section.
(3) Prior to the acquisition of a hunting firearm a person
shall receive a hunters certificate. Prior to the acquisition of
a rifled barrel hunting firearm a person shall also pass a
practical examination in shooting with a long rifled barrel
hunting firearm (except persons to whom such firearm has been
registered within the last five years).
(4) A natural person shall, within five working days after
acquisition of a firearm, the exchangeable barrel thereof or a
high energy pneumatic weapon or within five working days after
bringing thereof in Latvia, register it with the State
Police.
(5) A natural person not having an authorisation for a weapons
collection has the right to acquire or possess not more than 10
firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons, not including the
exchangeable barrels of firearms.
(6) In order to change the essential components of a firearm
or to deactivate a firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon, a
person shall hand over a weapon or a high energy pneumatic weapon
to a merchant who has received a special authorisation (licence)
for the manufacture or repair of weapons.
(7) Persons who have firearms registered for hunting and
sports, have the right to acquire the relevant industrially
manufactured cartridge parts for the assembly of hunting and
sport firearm cartridges, and possess them at an authorised place
for the possession of firearms.
(8) A natural person has the right, with an authorisation of
the State Police, to hand over firearms, high energy pneumatic
weapons and the ammunition thereof for the possession in a
weapons depository to legal persons which have received an
authorisation for the possession of weapons, or to hand over
weapons and ammunition for the possession to the State Police for
a fee in accordance with the price list for paid services
provided by the State Police.
(9) Persons who have long firearms or high energy pneumatic
weapons registered for hunting or sports, have the right to
temporarily, during a hunting or shooting sports competition,
possess a weapon and ammunition in premises (a place) or a
vehicle specially provided for this purpose, as well as while the
weapons and ammunition are being transported from or to a hunt, a
shooting sports competition or practice shooting lessons - in a
vehicle, including during the temporary stopping thereof,
performing the monitoring of these premises and vehicle and
ensuring that the weapon and ammunition do not come into the
hands of unauthorised persons. Weapons and ammunition shall be
placed in the vehicle in as safe a place as possible so that the
cases or other packaging, in which the weapon and ammunition are
placed, are not visible from outside of the vehicle, the door and
the baggage compartment of the vehicle shall be locked and the
warning signal device shall be switched on.
(10) A natural person who has received an authorisation for
the carrying of a weapon, has the right to concurrently carry not
more than two firearms and not more than two loaded magazines
(cartridge cylinders) for each firearm.
(11) A natural person has the right to acquire a gas pistol
(revolver) in Latvia with the intermediation of a merchant who
has received a special authorisation (licence) for the sale of
the relevant weapons, or from another person who has a gas pistol
(revolver) registered, by performing the re-registration of the
gas pistol (revolver) with the State Police or using the
electronic service provided by the Information Centre of the
Ministry for the Interior, or in accordance with the procedures
laid down in the laws and regulations in foreign states,
subsequently registering it with the State Police or using the
electronic service provided by the Information Centre of the
Ministry for the Interior.
(12) A natural person is prohibited to attend public festival,
commemorative, entertainment, sport or recreational events in a
public place with weapons, ammunition and special means, except
where it has been allowed by the event organiser.
(13) It is prohibited to acquire, carry, transport, utilise
and use firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons, as well as gas
pistols (revolvers) under the influence of alcohol, if a breath
test or blood test establishes an alcohol concentration in the
blood that exceeds 0.5 permils, or under the influence of
narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating
substance.
(14) The State Police shall register information regarding
persons who have passed the qualification examination referred to
in Paragraphs one and two of this Section in relation to the
procedures for the handling of weapons and ammunition and the
ability to handle a weapon in the Register of Licences and
Certificates in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws
and regulations, but the State Forest Service - regarding persons
who have passed the practical examination referred to in
Paragraph three of this Section in shooting with a long rifled
barrel hunting firearm.
[13 June 2013]
Section 23. Conditions for the
Acquisition, Possession, Transportation and Utilisation of
Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means for Legal Persons
(1) Prior to the receipt of an authorisation for the
acquisition of a weapon, the manager of a legal person shall
ensure the installation of a weapons depository and appoint a
person responsible for the acquisition, possession, recording and
issuance of weapons and ammunition.
(2) Legal persons have the right to issue the firearms
specified in the authorisation and ammunition thereof to their
employees for the performance of work duties if such employees
have an authorisation to carry a service weapon. A service
firearm shall only be issued for the period of the fulfilment of
work duties.
(3) Sports federations, the collective members thereof and
legal persons who have received an authorisation for the
operation of a shooting gallery (shooting stand), have the right
to issue firearms and the ammunition thereof registered with the
State Police for utilisation in accordance with the specified
procedures in practice shooting and shooting sports competitions
under the supervision of a certified trainer or instructor.
(4) Sports federations and the collective members thereof, who
have installed a weapons depository and received the
authorisation of the State Police, following co-ordination with
the State Police, have the right to take into possession the
personal firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons of athletes
and hunters.
(5) Legal persons have the right to issue firearms, the
ammunition thereof and high energy pneumatic weapons to
temporarily put to sleep, paralyse or kill animals for the
fulfilment of work duties to those employees who have an
authorisation for the possession or carrying of weapons issued by
the State Police or who have been authorised by the State Police
to work with weapons. These conditions shall also apply to
individual workers.
(6) Legal persons have the right, after co-ordination with the
State Police, to determine restrictions for natural persons for
the carrying of weapons and special means in their premises,
territory or place of organisation of public events, to install
weapons storehouses and, during the visit or event in the places
concerned, to take into possession weapons and ammunition if
employees who in accordance with the work duties are responsible
for the possession of weapons and ammunition conform with the
conditions of Section 16, Paragraph six of this Law, and if the
prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this Law do not apply
thereto and it is certified by the State Police.
(7) The conditions referred to in Section 22, Paragraphs four
and six of this Law shall apply to a legal person.
[13 June 2013]
Section 24. Right of Natural Persons
and Legal Persons to Sell Weapons and Ammunition
(1) A natural person and a legal person shall sell a firearm
registered in the ownership thereof, also the exchangeable
barrels and ammunition thereof, or a high energy pneumatic weapon
only if they have received an authorisation for the sale of
weapons from the State Police, with the intermediation of a
merchant who has received a special authorisation (licence) for
the sale of firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons and
ammunition, or by transferring the registration of the weapon
with the State Police to another person who has been issued an
authorisation for the acquisition of a weapon.
(2) A natural person has the right, without the intermediation
of the merchant referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, to
sell industrially manufactured ammunition for a self-defence,
hunting or sports firearm to other natural persons who have an
authorisation for the possession or carrying of the relevant
firearms, if such selling is not commercial in nature.
(3) A natural person and a legal person shall sell a gas
pistol (revolver) in the ownership thereof to another person only
with the intermediation of a merchant who has received a special
authorisation (licence) for the sale of firearms, high energy
pneumatic weapons or gas pistols (revolvers), or by transferring
the registration thereof with the State Police or by using the
electronic service provided by the Information Centre of the
Ministry of the Interior.
Section 25. Procedures for the
Acquisition, Registration, Sale, Possession, Transportation,
Conveyance, Carrying, Utilisation and Use of Weapons, Ammunition
and Special Means
(1) The Cabinet shall determine the conditions and the
procedures by which natural persons and legal persons shall
acquire, register, possess, transport, convey and sell firearms,
the exchangeable barrels, ammunition and parts thereof, as well
as high energy pneumatic weapons, the conditions and procedures
by which natural persons shall carry firearms and the ammunition
thereof, acquire, possess, carry and sell gas pistols (revolvers)
and the ammunition thereof, as well as the conditions and
procedures by which legal persons shall issue firearms and
ammunition for the fulfilment of service or work duties, accept
firearms, the ammunition thereof and high energy pneumatic
weapons into possession, the requirements for weapons
depositories and the regulations for the possession of
collections of weapons and ammunition.
(2) The procedures for the possession, carrying, utilisation
and use of weapons and special means owned (possessed) by
institutions of the Ministry of the Interior, State security
institutions, the National Armed Forces, the Security Department
of the Bank of Latvia, the State Revenue Service, the Prison
Administration, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau,
the port police and local government police shall be determined
by the laws and regulations governing the activity of such
authorities, but the procedures by which the referred-to
authorities shall acquire and sell weapons, ammunition and
special means shall be determined by the Cabinet.
[13 June 2013]
Chapter VIII
Personal Award Weapons, Inheritance of Weapons and Giving as a
Gift Thereof
Section 26. Personal Award
Weapons
(1) The President and the Prime Minister have the right to
grant to a natural person a personal award weapon for special
meritorious service for the benefit of the Republic of Latvia in
compliance with the conditions of Section 16 of this Law.
(2) The Minister for Defence, the Minister for the Interior,
the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Finance and the
Director of the Constitution Protection Bureau have right to
award employees with personal award weapons for the exemplary
performance of service or work duties in compliance with the
conditions of Section 16 of this Law.
(3) Personal award weapons may be Category B, C and D
firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons and non-firearm
weapons.
(4) Prior to granting a personal award rifled barrel firearm,
the persons referred to in Paragraphs one and two of this Section
shall ensure that a control shot is made from the relevant
firearm at the State Police.
(5) The persons referred to in Paragraphs one and two of this
Section shall, within five working days from the day of the
awarding, inform the State Police of the awarding of a person
with a personal award firearm or a high energy pneumatic
weapon.
(6) The awarded person shall, within five working days from
the day of the awarding, register the personal award firearm or
high energy pneumatic weapon with the State Police.
(7) The State Police shall issue an authorisation for the
possession and carrying to the owner of a personal award firearm
or a high energy pneumatic weapon for an indefinite period of
time.
(8) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the
acquisition of firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons
intended for awarding.
Section 27. Inheritance of Weapons,
Ammunition and Special Means and Giving as a Gift Thereof
[13 June 2013]
(1) Weapons, ammunition and special means owned by persons
shall be inherited or given as a gift in accordance with The
Civil Law and this Law.
(2) Only such person who has an authorisation for the
acquisition of the relevant weapons may inherit or receive as a
gift the firearms, ammunition thereof or high energy pneumatic
weapons owned by persons. The registration of the firearms or
high energy pneumatic weapons inherited or given as a gift shall
be transferred with the State Police within five working days
from the day of inheritance of a weapon or giving as a gift
thereof.
(3) If the heir of a firearm, the ammunition thereof or a high
energy pneumatic weapon cannot or does not wish to receive an
authorisation for the acquisition of the relevant weapon, the
weapon and the ammunition thereof may be sold for the benefit of
the heir pursuant to a submission by the heir, with the
intermediation of a merchant who has received a special
authorisation (licence) for the trade of firearms, high energy
pneumatic weapons and ammunition, or the registration thereof
with the State Police may be transferred to another person who
has received an authorisation for the acquisition of weapons, or
they may be deactivated or destroyed.
(4) If the owner of a gas pistol (revolver) does not wish to
register a gas pistol (revolver) on himself or has not reached
the age determined in Section 16, Paragraph two of this Law, the
gas pistol (revolver) and the ammunition thereof shall be sold
for the benefit of the heir pursuant to a submission by the heir,
with the intermediation of a merchant who has received a special
authorisation (licence) for the trade of the relevant weapons and
ammunition, or shall be re-registered at the State Police to
another person who has reached the respective age, or
destroyed.
[13 June 2013]
Chapter IX
Collections of Weapons and Ammunition
Section 28. Private Individual
Collections of Weapons and Ammunition
(1) The legal persons referred to in Section 18, Paragraph
one, Clauses 6 and 7 of this Law, as well as citizens of Latvia
and other European Union Member States and citizens of the
European Economic Area States who have reached the age of 21
years have the right to create a collection of firearms suitable
for shooting, the ammunition thereof and high energy pneumatic
weapons with the authorisation of the State Police, if the
prohibitions referred to in Section 17 of this Law, except the
prohibition referred to in Clause 13, do not apply thereto.
(2) The persons referred to in Paragraph one of this Section
are entitled, with the authorisation of the State Police, to
acquire Category B, C and D hunting, sport or self-defence
firearms suitable for shooting, the ammunition thereof and high
energy pneumatic weapons for a collection.
(3) If the total number of firearms (excluding the
exchangeable barrels of firearms) and high energy pneumatic
weapons in the possession of a natural person exceeds 10, a
weapons collection authorisation shall be required.
(4) It is permitted to create a collection of weapons and
ammunition not requiring the State Police authorisation for the
acquisition and possession thereof (including such firearms to
which this Law does not apply), but a collection of deactivated
firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons may only be created
with a statement from the State Police that the weapons have been
deactivated.
(5) An authorisation of the State Police shall be required for
the transportation or exhibiting of collections of weapons or
ammunition (except the collection referred to in Paragraph four
of this Section) outside the place of possession indicated in the
weapons collection authorisation. This rule shall not apply to
weapons for the possession or carrying of which an authorisation
has been issued.
(6) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to
exhibitions of weapons and ammunition of licensed merchants and
samples of goods.
[13 June 2013]
Section 29. Official State
Collections of Weapons and Ammunition
(1) In accordance with the procedures stipulated by the
Cabinet, the State Police shall establish for official use:
1) a collection of weapons for the needs of comparative
research containing the weapons which have been acquired or given
as a gift, confiscated or alienated, including home-made,
illicitly modified or prohibited weapons;
2) a control collection of such bullets and shell cases of
rifled firearms registered in Latvia (except the firearms of the
National Armed Forces) the calibre of which is not more than 12.7
millimetres (0.5 inches);
3) a sample collection of firearms and ammunition certified in
Latvia (except the firearms and ammunition of the National Armed
Forces).
(2) The National Armed Forces shall create a sample collection
of military weapons and ammunition.
Chapter X
Conditions and Procedures for the Utilisation and Use of Firearms
and Special Means
Section 30. Conditions for the
Utilisation and Use of Firearms and Special Means
(1) The use of a firearm shall be a targeted shot (except
shooting for hunting, sports competitions or practice shooting)
or a shot which causes the death of a person, harm to human
health or damage to property, or which renders an animal
harmless.
(2) A gas cylinder may be used in situations requiring
self-defence in order to affect the human or animal organism by
the means of gas.
(3) An electric shock device may be used in situations
requiring self-defence in order to affect the human or animal
organism by means of a high-voltage electric charge.
(4) A person may use a firearm as a last resort or a gas
pistol (revolver) in order to:
1) protect himself or herself or other persons from an attack
which genuinely endangers life or health;
2) avert an illicit attempt to take a firearm away by
force;
3) arrest a person who is surprised in the act of committing a
crime and shows resistance;
4) render harmless an animal which endangers human life,
health or property.
(5) A firearm may be utilised to summon help, to warn of the
use of a weapon or to frighten away animals.
(6) In using a firearm or special means it is prohibited to
exceed the limits of the necessary self-defence.
Section 31. Procedures for the
Utilisation and Use of Firearms
(1) Prior to using a firearm, a warning regarding the intent
to use it shall be given orally or by firing a warning shot.
(2) A firearm shall be used without warning if:
1) the attack that endangers human life or health is
sudden;
2) weapons or objects that endanger human life or health are
used or motor vehicles are utilised in the attack;
3) the person to be arrested shows resistance by using weapons
or objects that endanger the life or health of another
person.
(3) A person using a firearm or gas pistol (revolver) shall do
everything possible to reduce the damage and to ensure the safety
of other persons.
(4) It is prohibited to utilise and use a firearm or a gas
pistol (revolver) if other persons against whom the weapons or
special means are not directed may suffer as a result of their
utilisation or use.
(5) A person who has used a firearm shall notify the State
Police without delay regarding each case of the use of the
firearm. Such person shall preserve the circumstances of the
place of the event and stay at the place of the event, but if
there are victims, provide first aid to them and immediately
ensure the provision of emergency medical assistance.
Chapter XI
Organisation of Shooting Galleries (Shooting Stands), Provisions
for Practice Shooting and Shooting Sports Competitions
Section 32. Categories of Shooting
Galleries (Shooting Stands)
Shooting galleries (shooting stands) shall be divided into the
following categories in conformity with the type of weapons:
1) first category shooting galleries (shooting stands) in
which it is permitted to utilise bows and arbalests, as well as
throwing knives, axes, low energy pneumatic weapons and
ammunition thereof;
2) second category shooting galleries in which it is permitted
to utilise high energy pneumatic weapons and ammunition thereof,
Category B, C, D firearms and ammunition thereof;
3) third category shooting galleries in which it is permitted
to utilise Category A automatic firearms and ammunition thereof,
as well as weapons and ammunition thereof permitted to be
utilised in second category shooting galleries.
Section 33. Establishment of
Shooting Galleries (Shooting Stands)
(1) Natural persons and legal persons have the right to
establish shooting galleries (shooting stands) in the immovable
property in the ownership or possession, or holding thereof.
(2) A local government authorisation shall be required for the
establishment and operation of second and third category shooting
galleries (shooting stands). The authorisation shall be revoked
if the recipient thereof violates the requirements of this
Law.
(3) State and local government authorities which have the
right to acquire, possess and utilise, in the activities thereof,
firearms conferred in accordance with the law have the right to
establish second and third category shooting galleries (shooting
stands) without a local government authorisation.
(4) The Cabinet shall determine the requirements for the
establishment and operation of shooting galleries (shooting
stands), as well as the procedures by which authorisations for
the establishment of shooting galleries (shooting stands) shall
be issued and revoked.
[13 June 2013]
Section 34. Provisions for Practice
Shooting and Shooting Sports Competitions
(1) An owner of a shooting gallery (shooting stand) shall be
liable for the compliance with the provisions of practice
shooting and shooting sports competitions, as well as for the
technical and organisational measures for the provision of safety
of participants, viewers or other persons during practice
shooting or practice firing. The trainer (lecturer) or shooting
instructor leading training shall be liable for the compliance
with the safety provisions in the training of a specific shooter
or a group of shooters. The weapon handler shall be liable for
specific activities with a weapon in training and
competitions.
(2) The organiser of the competition and a certified chief
referee of the competition shall be liable for the safety of
participants, viewers or other persons, as well as for the
provision of medical assistance during shooting sports
competitions.
(3) Firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons, as well as
non-firearm weapons (bows whose arrows have hunting tips, and
arbalests) may only be utilised in practice shooting and shooting
sports competitions in the shooting gallery (shooting stand) of
appropriate category.
(4) Low energy pneumatic weapons and projectile non-firearm
weapons and bows whose arrows do not have hunting tips, may be
used in cordoned areas, complying with the safety requirements in
order to prevent harm to humans, animals, property or the
environment and so as not to endanger the public safety or cause
public disorders.
(5) Practice shooting in a second or third category shooting
gallery (shooting stand) shall be performed only under the
supervision of a certified instructor or trainer. Persons shall
comply with the lawful requirements of an instructor and trainer
(lecturer) in a shooting gallery (shooting stand).
(6) The following minimum age of participants of practice
shooting or shooting sports competitions in shooting galleries
(shooting stands) shall be specified:
1) in the first category shooting galleries - unlimited;
2) for shooting with high energy pneumatic weapons or Category
B and C small-calibre rifled hunting and sport firearms the
ammunition of which have a rimfire cartridge - 12 years;
3) for shooting with Category D firearms - 12 years;
4) for shooting with Category B and C firearms - 16 years;
5) for shooting with Category A automatic firearms - 18
years.
(7) Persons who do not have the relevant authorisation for the
possession and carrying of firearms shall participate in practice
shooting or shooting sports competitions only under the
supervision of a certified shooting instructor or trainer
(lecturer).
(8) Minors who have reached the age referred to in Paragraph
six of this Section, may use firearms of the relevant category or
high energy pneumatic weapons in shooting galleries (shooting
stands) only if practice shooting is being organised by a legal
person related to a shooting sport or an educational institution
or if the minor is visiting the shooting gallery (shooting stand)
in the presence of parents or lawful representatives.
(9) Persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotic,
psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances may not
utilise a weapon or remain in a shooting gallery (shooting
stand). It is prohibited to issue weapons and ammunition to the
persons referred to.
(10) The procedures by which shooting practice and shooting
sports competitions shall take place in Latvia, as well as the
safety regulations to be observed in shooting galleries (shooting
stands) shall be determined by the Cabinet.
Section 35. Certification of
Shooting Instructors, Trainers and Referees of Shooting Sports
Competitions
(1) Shooting instructors, except those who are employees of
State and local government authorities having the right to
acquire, possess and utilise, in the activities thereof, firearms
conferred in accordance with the law, shall be certified by the
association "Sports Federation Council of Latvia".
(2) The certificate of a shooting instructor shall be revoked
if he or she violates the regulations of shooting sports
competitions or the safety regulations in a shooting gallery
(shooting stand).
(3) The association "Sports Federation Council of Latvia",
when fulfilling the tasks specified in Paragraphs one and two of
this Section, is entitled to issue administrative acts and is
functionally subordinate to the Ministry of Education and
Science.
(4) A decision regarding the issuance of a shooting instructor
certificate, regarding the refusal to issue a shooting instructor
certificate or the contesting and appeal of the revocation of a
shooting instructor certificate shall not suspend the operation
thereof.
(5) Referees of shooting sports competitions shall be
prepared, the recording thereof and the categories shall be
assigned thereto by the recognised sports federation in
accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and
regulations.
(6) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the
certification of shooting instructors, trainers and referees of
shooting sports competitions, and the fee for the certification
of shooting instructors.
Chapter XII
Crossing the Border of the Republic of Latvia with Weapons and
Ammunition
Section 36. Procedures by which
Military Persons and Officials shall Transport Weapons and
Ammunition across the Border of the Republic of Latvia
The relevant laws and regulations shall lay down the
procedures by which officials of State authorities, personnel of
the National Armed Forces, persons of foreign armed forces, in
order to perform tasks co-ordinated with the National Armed
Forces, as well as employees of foreign interior or security
services who on the basis of agreements with the Ministry of the
Interior have arrived to perform co-ordinated official tasks
shall, during peace time, cross the border of the Republic of
Latvia having weapons and ammunition.
Section 37. Bringing out from Latvia
and Bringing into Latvia of Firearms, Ammunition and High Energy
Pneumatic Weapons
(1) An authorisation of the State Police shall be required for
the bringing out of Latvia and bringing into Latvia of firearms,
the exchangeable barrels thereof and ammunition or high energy
pneumatic weapons, and the European firearms pass or
authorisation for the transportation of weapons - for the
bringing out of Latvia and transporting to European Union Member
States and European Economic Area States or bringing into Latvia
from another European Union Member State or European Economic
Area states, except the cases referred to in Section 36 of this
Law and cases when commercial activities are being performed in
accordance with the procedures laid down by this Law and the laws
and regulations governing the handling of goods with strategic
significance.
(2) A person shall be permitted to bring out of Latvia and
transport or convey to another European Union Member State or
European Economic Area State Category B, C and D firearms and
high energy pneumatic weapons and ammunition, if he or she has a
European firearms pass and a justification for bringing in of
weapons to the relevant country for utilisation in hunting,
practice shooting or shooting sports competitions, unless other
procedures are specified by the relevant country.
(3) Category B, C and D firearms, the exchangeable barrels and
ammunition thereof, as well as high energy pneumatic weapons may
be acquired in foreign countries and brought into Latvia by a
person if he or she has received an authorisation for the
acquisition of weapons and an authorisation for the bringing of
weapons into Latvia from the State Police.
(4) Firearms, the exchangeable barrels and ammunition thereof,
as well as high energy pneumatic weapons may be transported
across the State border of the Republic of Latvia and conveyed
only in unloaded form, in a special case or other packaging,
moreover, the weapons separately from the ammunition thereof,
observing the laws and regulations in the field of customs and
border crossing. Firearms, the exchangeable barrels and
ammunition thereof or high energy pneumatic weapons may only be
removed from their packaging during customs control or border
control upon the request of a customs or border guard
employee.
(5) Employees of foreign diplomatic and consular
representations, having an authorisation of the State Police for
the bringing into Latvia, the bringing out of Latvia or the
transit of firearms through Latvia, or a European firearms pass
or authorisation for the transportation of weapons - for
transportation to European Union Member States and European
Economic Area States, have the right to transport loaded Category
B short firearms in a special holder, but with no cartridges in
the cartridge chamber, across the State border of the Republic of
Latvia.
(6) The customs authority shall inform the State Police of
each case where a private individual brings into Latvia, brings
out of Latvia, transports by transit through Latvia, or conveys
to a country or from a country which is not a European Union
Member State or a European Economic Area State a firearm, the
exchangeable barrels or ammunition thereof, as well as a high
energy pneumatic weapon.
(7) The State Police shall inform the relevant authority of
the country having issued the authorisation, or the competent
authority indicated by the foreign country regarding each case
where a citizen of another European Union Member State or
European Economic Area State has acquired a Category B, C or D
firearm or the exchangeable barrel thereof in Latvia.
Chapter XIII
Right of Foreign Citizens, Employees of Diplomatic and Consular
Representations, High Foreign Officials and Employees of the
Security Service Thereof to Acquire, Bring In, Possess,
Transport, Carry, Utilise and Use Weapons and Ammunition in
Latvia
Section 38. Right of Foreign
Citizens to Acquire Firearms and High Energy Pneumatic Weapons in
Latvia
(1) Citizens of European Union Member States and citizens of
European Economic Area States, as well as citizens of other
countries, if they have the authorisation issued by the competent
authority in the country thereof giving the right to acquire a
firearm, the exchangeable barrel and ammunition thereof or a high
energy pneumatic weapon in Latvia, may receive an authorisation
from the State Police for the acquisition of a weapon, and after
the acquisition thereof - an authorisation for bringing out of
the firearm, the exchangeable barrel and ammunition thereof or
the high energy pneumatic weapon from Latvia.
(2) A citizen of a European Union Member State, a citizen of a
European Economic Area State or a citizen of another foreign
country shall, within five working days after the acquisition of
a firearm, the exchangeable barrel thereof or a high energy
pneumatic weapon in Latvia, present the acquired firearm, the
exchangeable barrel thereof or the high energy pneumatic weapon
to the State Police and receive an authorisation for the bringing
out of this weapon and the ammunition thereof of Latvia.
(3) The State Police shall inform the relevant authority of
the country having issued the authorisation, or the competent
authority indicated by the foreign country regarding each case
where a citizen of another European Union Member State or
European Economic Area State has acquired a firearm or the
exchangeable barrel thereof in Latvia.
Section 39. Right of Foreign
Citizens to Bring In, Possess, Transport, Sell and Utilise
Firearms and High Energy Pneumatic Weapons in Latvia
(1) Citizens of European Union Member States and citizens of
European Economic Area States having a European firearms pass and
a justification for entering Latvia or crossing it in transit,
taking with them a Category B, C or D hunting or sports firearm,
the exchangeable barrel thereof or a high energy pneumatic weapon
and the ammunition of these weapons, indicated in the European
firearms pass, are entitled to bring these weapons into Latvia
for a period of time and utilise them in hunting, practice
shooting or shooting sports competitions, to acquire the
appropriate ammunition for the weapon, as well as to transport
weapons and the ammunition thereof in transit.
(2) An authorisation of the State Police shall be required for
bringing into Latvia (except for transit) of Category B short
firearms, except Category B short sports firearms whose calibre
does not exceed 5.6 millimetres, and the ammunition thereof,
entering it in the European firearms pass.
(3) If, in accordance with a justification, the residence of a
citizen of a European Union Member State or a citizen of a
European Economic Area State in Latvia with a Category B, C or D
firearm and the ammunition thereof or a high energy pneumatic
weapon is intended for a period of time exceeding three months,
he or she shall submit the rifled barrel firearm and ammunition
to the State Police for making of a control shot, and receive an
authorisation for the possession of a weapon which shall be
issued for the duration of hunting, practice hunting or in
shooting sports competitions, but not longer than a year. The
State Police shall make an entry regarding it in the European
firearms pass and inform the relevant Member State.
(4) A foreign citizen who has received a permanent residence
permit for the Republic of Latvia has the right to bring into and
permanently possess in Latvia his or her firearm or high energy
pneumatic weapon if the State Police has issued an authorisation
thereto for the bringing of a weapon into Latvia and an
authorisation for the possession, carrying or collection of a
weapon.
(5) Other citizens of foreign countries, after receipt of an
authorisation of the State Police, are entitled, for a period of
time, to bring Category B, C and D hunting or sports firearms,
the exchangeable barrels thereof, as well as high energy
pneumatic weapons and the ammunition of these weapons into
Latvia, and to utilise these weapons for hunting, practice
shooting or in shooting sports competitions, as well as to
transport the weapons and ammunition in transit, if they have an
authorisation for the possession of firearms issued by the
competent authority of the country thereof and an authorisation
for the bringing out of firearms of the country in which they are
registered, as well as a justification (an invitation) for
entering Latvia or crossing it in transit.
(6) Foreign citizens are prohibited from selling weapons in
Latvia which are registered in foreign countries.
(7) Foreign citizens are prohibited from selling weapons in
foreign countries, which are registered in Latvia. The
prohibition referred to shall not apply to citizens of European
Union Member States and citizens of European Economic Area States
who have received an authorisation of the State Police and of the
competent authority of the relevant foreign country for the sale
of a weapon registered in Latvia in a European Union Member State
or in a European Economic Area State.
(8) The State Police shall issue the authorisations provided
for in this Section and make the relevant note in the European
firearms pass in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the
Cabinet.
[13 June 2013]
Section 40. Right of Employees of
Diplomatic and Consular Representations, High Foreign Officials
and Employees of the Security Service Thereof to Bring In,
Acquire, Possess, Carry, Utilise and Use Weapons and Ammunition
in Latvia
(1) After co-ordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and receipt of an authorisation of the State Police, foreign
diplomatic and consular representations accredited in Latvia and
employees of foreign diplomatic and consular representations
accredited in Latvia may acquire, possess, carry, utilise and use
Category B semi-automatic, non-automatic or single-shot short
firearms for the performance of service duties, in accordance
with Sections 30 and 31 of this Law.
(2) After receipt of an authorisation for the bringing in
(bringing out) of weapons from the State Police, employees of
foreign diplomatic and consular representations accredited in
Latvia may bring into Latvia and bring out of Latvia firearms and
the ammunition thereof. The firearms which have been brought in
shall be registered with the State Police within five days from
the day of being brought in. A foreign diplomatic or consular
representation accredited in Latvia shall store firearms and
ammunition in its weapons depository at the address indicated in
the authorisation for the possession of weapons, but employees
who have received an authorisation for the carrying of such
weapons - in the referred-to weapons depository or at his or her
place of residence indicated in the authorisation for the
carrying of a service weapon.
(3) During visits of officials of foreign diplomatic and
consular representations, high foreign officials or officials of
international organisations, after co-ordination with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and receipt of an authorisation of
the State Police, the officials and the employees of the security
service thereof are permitted to carry Category B semi-automatic,
non-automatic or single-shot short firearms in Latvia during and
at the place of performance of service duties and to utilise and
use them in accordance with Sections 30 and 31 of this Law.
(4) During visits of high foreign officials or officials of
international organisations the State Police may authorise the
employees of foreign security services to bring into Latvia and
carry automatic firearms and ammunition thereof. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs shall notify the diplomatic representation of the
relevant country or the relevant international organisation
regarding such authorisation.
(5) The State Police shall issue the authorisations provided
for in this Section in accordance with the procedures stipulated
by the Cabinet.
[13 June 2013]
Chapter XIV
Commercial Handling of Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means
Section 41. Provisions for the
Commercial Handling of Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means
(1) In order to be engaged in the manufacture, retail trade or
wholesale trade, export or import of weapons, ammunition and
special means, the essential components of firearms or parts of
firearm ammunition, as well as the repair of weapons or special
means, a natural person or legal person shall need a special
authorisation (licence).
(2) A merchant shall receive the duplicate of a special
authorisation (licence), if the special authorisation (licence)
has been damaged, lost or stolen, or a repeat special
authorisation (licence) if the particulars contained therein
regarding the merchant have changed or if a different place of
manufacture, repair, possession or sale of weapons, ammunition,
the parts thereof or special means has been established.
(3) A State fee shall be paid for the issuance of a special
authorisation (licence), a duplicate thereof or a repeat special
authorisation (licence).
(4) The Cabinet shall determine the requirements for the
receipt of a special authorisation (licence), the requirements
which shall be observed by the merchant during the period of
operation of a special authorisation (licence), the procedures by
which a special authorisation (licence), the duplicate thereof or
a repeat special authorisation (licence) shall be issued to a
merchant, a special authorisation (licence) shall be revoked, the
operation of a special authorisation (licence) shall be
suspended, as well as the amount and procedures for payment of
the State fee to be paid for the issuance of a special
authorisation (licence), the duplicate thereof and a repeat
special authorisation (licence).
(5) The particulars regarding special authorisations
(licences), the commercial companies and individual merchants who
have received them, the persons who are entitled to represent a
commercial company, the employees thereof, as well as the
employees subject to restrictions prescribed by this Law, shall
be registered by the State Police in the Register of Licences and
Certificates. The Information Centre of the Ministry of the
Interior shall be the holder and manager of the Register.
(6) The Cabinet shall determine the extent of the particulars
to be included in the Register of Licences and Certificates, the
procedures for the inclusion, utilisation and cancellation, as
well as the authorities to which access to the particulars
contained in this Register shall be granted.
Section 42. Special Authorisations
(Licences)
(1) The State Police shall issue special authorisations
(licences) giving the following rights:
1) to manufacture, sell, export and display in exhibitions
Category A firearms (except military firearms and special means),
Category B, C and D firearms, pneumatic weapons, gas pistols
(revolvers), the ammunition of the weapons referred to,
non-firearm weapons or special means;
2) to repair Category A firearms (except military firearms and
special means), Category B, C and D firearms, high energy
pneumatic weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) or special means;
3) to acquire, import and sell in retail trade Category A, B,
C and D firearms classified for service use and the ammunition
thereof, gas pistols (revolvers), special means intended for
protecting public order and safety, for fulfilling service or
work duties, the needs of such legal persons who have the right,
in accordance with this Law, to acquire such weapons, ammunition
or special means and to export these weapons, ammunition and
special means;
4) to acquire, import, export and sell:
a) Category B, C and D hunting, sport and self-defence
firearms and the ammunition thereof,
b) pneumatic weapons and the ammunition thereof,
c) gas pistols (revolvers) and the ammunition thereof intended
for self-defence,
d) special means intended for self-defence,
e) non-firearm weapons.
(2) The manufacture, repair and import of military firearms
and special means for the needs of the State authorities which
are allowed military weapons, ammunition and special means, and
the export and transit of these objects is permitted to merchants
who have received the special authorisation (licence) of the
Ministry of Defence for commercial activities with the goods
referred to in the Common Military List of the European Union.
The special authorisation (licence) referred to shall be issued
in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and
regulations governing the handling of goods of strategic
significance.
(3) The issuance of special authorisations (licences) for the
manufacture of gunpowder, as well as the procedures for the
manufacture of gunpowder, shall be determined by the laws and
regulations governing the handling of explosive substances and
explosive devices for civil uses.
(4) A special authorisation (licence) for the manufacture of
weapons, ammunition or special means shall also give the right to
manufacture the weapons and ammunition of the relevant category,
except gunpowder, or the parts of special means, to possess,
sell, export and display these objects at exhibitions, as well as
to acquire and possess the weapons and ammunition of the relevant
category or the parts and semi-finished parts of weapons
necessary for the manufacture of special means.
(5) A special authorisation (licence) for the repair of
weapons shall also give the right to acquire and possess the
weapon parts necessary for the repair of weapons.
(6) A special authorisation (licence) for the sale of Category
B, C and D hunting, sport and self-defence firearms shall also
give the right to acquire, possess, import, export, sell and
display at exhibitions the exchangeable barrels of long hunting
and sport firearms.
(7) A special authorisation (licence) for the sale of Category
B, C and D hunting, sport and self-defence firearms shall also
give the right to acquire, possess, import, export, sell and
display at exhibitions industrially manufactured cartridge parts
and devices for loading cartridges of the relevant firearms.
(8) A special authorisation (licence) for the sale of weapons,
ammunition and special means shall also give the right to display
them at exhibitions, as well as to carry out intermediary
transactions with weapons, ammunition and special means.
(9) A special authorisation (licence) for the sale of firearms
and high energy pneumatic weapons shall give the right to accept
personal firearms, high energy pneumatic weapons, gas pistols
(revolvers) and ammunition of the corresponding category and type
of natural persons for storage after co-ordination with the State
Police for a time period not exceeding 36 months, but not longer
than the period of validity indicated in the authorisation for
the carrying of a weapon.
[13 June 2013]
Section 43. Restrictions for the
Issuance of Special Authorisations (Licences)
(1) A special authorisation (licence) for commercial
activities with weapons, ammunition and special means, as well as
the essential parts of firearms and parts of firearm ammunition
shall be issued to individual merchants and commercial companies,
if the individual merchant, participants of a commercial company
or managers and employees having access to weapons, ammunition,
the parts thereof or special means in accordance with work
duties, are citizens of Latvia, citizens of a European Union
Member State or citizens of a European Economic Area State having
reached the age of at least 21 years, and the restrictions
specified in Paragraph two of this Section do not apply to the
merchant.
(2) It is prohibited to issue a special authorisation
(licence):
1) if an individual merchant, participant of a commercial
company or manager, or an employee having access to weapons,
ammunition, the parts thereof or special means in accordance with
work duties:
a) has been punished for committing a criminal offence -
before the conviction has been extinguished or set aside;
b) is a person who has been applied the status of an accused
person during criminal proceedings;
c) has been released from criminal liability in accordance
with Section 58 of the Criminal Law - until a year has passed
after entering into effect of the relevant decision;
d) has been conditionally released from criminal liability in
accordance with Section 58.1 of the Criminal Law - prior to the
end of the probationary period;
e) has been released from punishment in accordance with
Section 59 of the Criminal Law - until a year has passed after
entering into effect of the decision to release from
punishment;
f) is being held in suspicion of committing a crime;
g) has been administratively punished for violations committed
under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotic,
psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances, refusal to
submit to a medical test for determining alcohol concentration,
or a test for narcotic or other intoxicating substances, for
petty hooliganism, for intentional infliction of insignificant
bodily harm or for malicious non-compliance with the lawful
orders or requests of a police officer, a border guard, a
national guard or a soldier - until a year has passed after
fulfilment of the administrative punishment;
2) if regarding an individual merchant, participant of a
commercial company or manager, or an employee having access to
weapons, ammunition, the parts thereof or special means in
accordance with work duties:
a) the State Police has justified information that he or she
may utilise the weapon or special means maliciously, endangering
himself or herself, public order or safety;
b) the State Police, the Office of the Prosecutor or State
security institutions have information confirming that the
natural person belongs to a prohibited militarised or armed unit,
a public organisation (party) or an association of public
organisations (parties);
3) if an individual merchant, participant of a commercial
company or manager, or an employee having access to weapons,
ammunition, the parts thereof or special means in accordance with
work duties:
a) has been diagnosed with medical contraindications for work
involving weapons;
b) [13 June 2013];
c) has had his or her right to acquire, possess or carry
weapons or right to be engaged in commercial activities in the
field of handling weapons restricted (removed for a period of
time) - prior to the expiry of the restriction of rights;
4) a merchant whose special authorisation (licence) for
commercial activities with weapons, ammunition, special means,
explosive substances, explosive devices or pyrotechnic articles
has been revoked - until a year has passed after revocation
thereof;
5) a merchant whose participant is a legal person whose
special authorisation (licence) for commercial activities with
weapons, ammunition, special means, explosive substances,
explosive devices or pyrotechnic articles has been revoked within
the last year;
6) a merchant whose participant or manager is a natural person
who has been an individual merchant or participant of a merchant
whose special authorisation (licence) for commercial activities
with weapons, ammunition, special means, explosive substances,
explosive devices or pyrotechnic articles has been revoked within
the last year, or who has been the manager of such merchant;
7) a merchant, regarding which the State security institutions
have information that the activities thereof are directed against
the security of the Republic of Latvia or it violates the
restrictions included in the international agreements or
specified by the international organisations;
8) a merchant who has not established a place conforming to
the specified requirements for the manufacture, repair,
possession or sale of weapons, ammunition or special means.
(3) The restrictions referred to in Paragraphs one and two of
this Section shall also apply to the authorised persons of the
merchant.
[13 June 2013]
Section 44. Procedures for the
Manufacture, Repair, Acquisition, Sale, Export, Import, Transit,
Transportation and Possession of Weapons, Ammunition and Special
Means
(1) Merchants have the right to manufacture, possess and sell
weapons, ammunition and special means, as well as to repair
weapons and special means only in the specially equipped
premises, of immovable properties, the address of which is
indicated in the special authorisation (licence).
(2) Merchants shall establish a register in which information
shall be entered regarding all manufactured, acquired and sold
firearms, the ammunition and essential components thereof, also
the essential components exchanged during repair, high energy
pneumatic weapons and gas pistols (revolvers), as well as the
weapons and ammunition accepted for storage.
(3) A merchant shall, within five working days, inform the
Information Centre of the Ministry of the Interior regarding the
acquisition and sale of each firearm, the exchangeable barrel
thereof, high energy pneumatic weapon and gas pistol (revolver)
in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.
(4) Merchants shall be permitted to sell only such rifled
barrel firearms with which control shots have been made at the
State Police.
(5) In order to transport and convey firearms, the ammunition
and essential components thereof, as well as high energy
pneumatic weapons between the European Union Member States, a
merchant shall require a document (authorisation) of prior
consent, which shall be issued by the State Police in accordance
with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations
governing the handling of goods of strategic significance.
(6) A merchant shall perform export, import or transit
transactions with the weapons, ammunition, the parts thereof and
special means listed in the Common Military List of the European
Union, as well as transport and convey these objects between
European Union Member States, including for temporary display at
exhibitions, for demonstration or repair, in accordance with the
procedures laid down in the laws and regulations governing the
handling of goods of strategic significance.
(7) It is prohibited to acquire and sell firearms, the
ammunition thereof and essential components, as well as high
energy pneumatic weapons, by entering into distance
contracts.
(8) When advertising and offering firearms, the exchangeable
barrels and ammunition thereof, as well as high energy pneumatic
weapons and gas pistols (revolvers) on the Internet, it is
prohibited to deliver and sell them outside the trading location
(shop or warehouse) indicated in the special authorisation
(licence).
(9) Merchants shall ensure the presence of armed employees for
the transportation of firearms, ammunition and high energy
pneumatic weapons in the territory of Latvia, if the total number
of firearms and high energy pneumatic weapons to be transported
exceeds 10 or if the number of firearm cartridges exceeds 100
000.
(10) The procedures by which merchants shall manufacture,
acquire, register, possess, transport, convey, import, export and
sell weapons, ammunition and special means, parts of firearms and
parts of firearm ammunition, displays weapons, ammunition and
special means in exhibitions, as well as repair weapons and
special means shall be determined by the Cabinet.
[13 June 2013]
Section 45. Suspension of the
Operation of Special Authorisations (Licences) and the Revocation
of Special Authorisations (Licences)
(1) The State administrative institution which has issued the
special authorisation (licence) is entitled to suspend the
operation thereof for up to 60 days if:
1) there is reason to believe that the activities of the
merchant endanger State security, stability, the fulfilment of
international liabilities, public safety or order, the
environment, human life, health or property - in order to perform
an inspection and receive the opinions of competent
authorities;
2) the merchant has violated the provisions for the
manufacture, repair, possession, transportation or sale or other
provisions for handling weapons - in order to suspend and rectify
the violation.
(2) The State administrative institution which has issued the
special authorisation (licence) is entitled to revoke it, if:
1) the restrictions for the issuance of the special
authorisation (licence) referred to in Section 43 of this Law
have been determined;
2) the merchant violates the requirements of this Law;
3) the merchant has not rectified the violation referred to in
Paragraph one, Clause 2 of this Section;
4) evidence that activities of the merchant endanger State
security, stability, the fulfilment of international liabilities,
public safety or order, the environment, human life, health or
property have come to light;
5) the merchant has deliberately provided false information
for the receipt of the special authorisation (licence);
6) the merchant is liquidated or the activities thereof are
suspended for a period of time exceeding 60 days;
7) it is determined by another law or a court
adjudication.
(3) A decision on the refusal to issue a special authorisation
(licence), regarding the suspension of the operation of a special
authorisation (licence) or regarding the revocation of a special
authorisation (licence) may be contested and appealed in
accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative
Procedure Law. The contesting or appeal of a decision shall not
suspend the operation thereof.
Chapter XV
Marking and Unified Recording of Weapons and Ammunition
Section 46. Marking of Weapons and
Ammunition
(1) Firearms and the ammunition thereof, high energy pneumatic
weapons and gas pistols (revolvers) shall be marked during the
manufacture thereof. All the essential components of firearms
which are sold separately, without assembly of the firearm, shall
be marked.
(2) It is prohibited to sell in Latvia unmarked firearms, the
essential components and ammunition thereof, high energy
pneumatic weapons and gas pistols (revolvers), which have been
manufactured in foreign countries, until the marking thereof has
been performed.
(3) The procedures for the marking of firearms, the essential
components and ammunition thereof, high energy pneumatic weapons
and gas pistols (revolvers) shall be determined by the
Cabinet.
Section 47. Unified Recording of
Firearms, High Energy Pneumatic Weapons and Gas Pistols
(Revolvers)
(1) All firearms, exchangeable barrels and high energy
pneumatic weapons of natural persons and legal persons of Latvia
(except the National Armed Forces and the Constitution Protection
Bureau) and persons to which weapons authorisations have been
issued, as well as gas pistols (revolvers) and the persons who
have been issued weapons authorisations, as well as gas pistols
(revolvers), and the persons who have acquired them shall be
registered in the Weapons Register. The Information Centre of the
Ministry of the Interior shall be the holder and manager of the
Weapons Register.
(2) The Cabinet shall determine the extent of the particulars
to be included in the Weapons Register, the procedures for the
inclusion, utilisation and cancellation, as well as the
authorities to which access to the particulars contained in this
Register shall be granted.
Section 48. Control Collection of
Bullets and Shells
(1) Control shots shall be made at the State Police for all
Category A, B and C rifled firearms (except firearms and
traumatic firearms of the National Armed Forces) in circulation
in Latvia, in which the bullet is in direct contact with the
barrel at the moment of shooting. Control shots shall be made at
the State Police with a Category A rifled firearm and Category B
semi-automatic, non-automatic or single-shot short self-defence
firearm (except an award firearm) once every five years. The
State Police shall keep the control collection of bullets and
shells in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the
Cabinet.
(2) A natural person and legal person shall submit a rifled
firearm (also its exchangeable barrel) and the ammunition
provided therefor (three cartridges) to the State Police for
making control shots not later than within five working days
after bringing of the firearm or its exchangeable barrel in the
Republic of Latvia (except foreign citizens whose stay in the
Republic of Latvia with rifled firearms does not exceed three
months). The exchangeable barrel and lock set of a rifled firearm
shall be submitted for making control shots with such firearm for
which it is provided for. The procedures for making control shots
shall be determined by the Cabinet.
(3) If repair of a rifled firearm has been performed and as a
result of that the traces on the shot bullets and shells have
changed, the person performing the repair shall deliver the
firearm to the State Police within five working days after repair
for making of control shots.
(4) The Cabinet shall determine the types of firearm repairs
due to which the traces on the shot bullets and shells
change.
(5) The State Police shall make control shots for a fee in
accordance with the approved price list of paid services.
(6) The State Police shall make control shots free-of-charge
with firearms owned by the institutions of the system of the
Ministry of the Interior, State security institutions, the State
Revenue Service, the Latvian Prison Administration, the
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, local government
police and port police and sports firearms of State or local
government educational institutions.
[13 June 2013]
Chapter XVI
Monitoring of the Handling of Weapons, Ammunition and Special
Means
Section 49. Control of the Handling
of Weapons, Ammunition, the Parts Thereof and Special Means
(1) The State Police shall control how the natural persons and
legal persons to whom the State Police have issued the
authorisations and special authorisations (licences) referred to
in this Law for commercial activities with weapons, ammunition
and special means, comply with the provisions for the handling of
weapons, ammunition, the parts thereof and special means.
(2) The transportation or conveyance of weapons, ammunition,
special means and the parts thereof across the State border of
the Republic of Latvia shall be controlled by the State Border
Guard and customs authorities according to the competence
thereof.
(3) Upon request of a police officer or an official of such
authority, the competence of which includes the control of the
handling of weapons, a natural person and legal person shall
present the weapon, ammunition, special means and the parts
thereof and the relevant weapons authorisation.
(4) An officer of the State Police has the right, without
prior warning, to inspect the conditions of the possession of
firearms, ammunition, the parts thereof and high energy pneumatic
weapons at the address indicated in the weapons authorisation or
in the special authorisation (licence) and to remove the weapons,
ammunition and the parts thereof, if the procedures for the
possession thereof have been violated.
(5) If a firearm, an essential component thereof, a high
energy pneumatic weapon or a gas pistol (revolver) has been lost
or stolen, the owner thereof shall immediately notify the nearest
State Police institution.
[13 June 2013]
Section 50. Control of the Handling of Weapons, Ammunition
and Special Means Owned by Individual State Authorities and
Local Governments
[13 June 2013]
(1) The Ministry of Defence shall perform the civil control of
the handling of weapons, ammunition and special means owned by
the National Armed Forces and the Military Intelligence and
Security Service, as well as the civil control of the handling of
weapons, ammunition and special means of foreign armed forces and
the officials thereof staying in Latvia.
(2) The control of the handling of weapons, ammunition and
special means owned by the institutions of the system of the
Ministry of the Interior, the Latvian Prison Administration and
the State Revenue Service shall be performed by the Ministry of
the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance
accordingly.
(3) The handling of the weapons, ammunition and special means
owned by the Constitution Protection Bureau, the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau and the Security Department of
the Bank of Latvia shall be controlled by officials determined by
the Director of the Constitution Protection Bureau, the Director
of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau and the
President of the Bank of Latvia accordingly, the handling of
local government police weapons, ammunition and special means -
by the relevant local government, but the handling of port police
weapons, ammunition and special means - by the relevant port
authority.
[13 June 2013]
Section 51. Classification of
Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means
(1) An officer of the State Police or an official of another
State administrative institution is entitled to withdraw weapons,
ammunition, the parts thereof and special means of natural
persons and legal persons according to the competence thereof,
if:
1) the procedures for the handling of weapons, ammunition, the
parts thereof or special means have been violated;
2) it is necessary in administrative or criminal
proceedings;
3) the natural person or the legal person whose period of
validity of the authorisation for the possession, carrying or
collecting of weapons has expired or whose weapons authorisation
has been revoked, does not hand over a firearm, the parts and
ammunition thereof or a high energy pneumatic weapon to the State
Police in the time period specified in Section 21, Paragraph one
of this Law;
4) the period of validity of the special authorisation
(licence) has expired or the special authorisation (licence) has
been revoked;
5) the owner of the firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon,
or gas pistol (revolver) has died or the whereabouts thereof are
not known;
6) the legal person, to which weapons have been registered, is
being liquidated or the operations thereof are being
suspended;
7) weapons, ammunition or special means do not conform to the
technical regulations and are not suitable for further
utilisation;
8) it is determined by a court adjudication.
(2) If a person is being held in suspicion of committing a
criminal offence or is being held administratively liable for
violations committed under the influence of alcoholic beverages,
narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances,
for refusal to submit to a medical test for determining alcohol
concentration, or a test for narcotic or other intoxicating
substances, for petty hooliganism or for malicious non-compliance
with the lawful orders or requests of a police officer, a border
guard, a national guard or a soldier, the State Police are
entitled to withdraw temporarily the weapon, the parts and
ammunition thereof, as well as the weapons authorisation and keep
it until a decision on the revocation of the authorisation or an
adjudication of acquittal of the person has been taken.
(3) The State Police has the right to withdraw and store
temporarily a weapon and ammunition, if a person has suffered a
road traffic accident and is not capable of ensuring subsequent
transportation or carrying thereof or there are justified
suspicions that the person is having medical contraindications,
as well as in other situations, in order to prevent the
possibility of losing, stealing or utilising the weapon or
ammunition maliciously.
(4) The relatives of a deceased weapon owner or persons living
at the address indicated in the relevant weapons authorisation
and at the address of the gas pistol (revolver), shall ensure
that the State Police may withdraw the weapons and
ammunition.
[13 June 2013]
Section 52. Possession and
Alienation of Withdrawn Weapons, Ammunition and Special Means
(1) If a decision has been taken on removal of right for the
acquisition, possession and carrying of weapons, or on the
revocation or not extending the period of validity of the
authorisation, and this decision has entered into effect, the
State Police shall keep the handed over or withdrawn firearm,
high energy pneumatic weapon, ammunition and the parts thereof
for not longer than 60 days.
(2) If a person has had an authorisation for the possession or
carrying of a personal award weapon revoked, the State Police may
store the personal award firearm, high energy pneumatic weapon
and ammunition handed over thereby or withdrawn therefrom on the
grounds of a submission from the weapons owner until the expiry
of the restriction of the right for the acquisition, possession
or carrying of weapons, but not longer than one year from the day
of the entering into effect of the decision.
(3) In case of death or unknown whereabouts of the owner of a
firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon, or gas pistol
(revolver), the State Police may keep the handed over or
withdrawn weapon, ammunition and the parts thereof until an heir
has been identified or until the person whose whereabouts are
unknown has been located, but not longer than 18 months from the
day of the handing over or withdrawal of the weapon.
(4) In the case referred to in Section 51, Paragraph three of
this Law, the State Police shall keep the withdrawn weapon and
ammunition temporarily, until it is received by the weapon owner,
but not longer than 90 days from the day of withdrawal.
(5) After expiry of the time period referred to in Paragraphs
one, two, three and four of this Section, the State Police shall
hand over weapons, ammunition and the parts thereof for selling
to a merchant who has received a special authorisation (licence)
for the selling of firearms or transfer the registration on the
basis of a submission to another person indicated in the
submission who has received an authorisation for the acquisition
of a weapon or hand it over to a merchant who has received a
special authorisation (licence) for the repair of weapons, for
deactivating, or shall possess them in accordance with the price
list of paid services provided by the State Police, or take a
decision to destroy them.
(6) A merchant who has received a special authorisation
(licence) for the sale of the relevant weapons and ammunition,
has a duty to accept for sale withdrawn firearms, the parts and
ammunition thereof or high energy pneumatic weapons from the
State Police, and after sale to pay compensation to the owner
thereof.
(7) If a weapon or ammunition handed over for sale cannot be
sold within 12 months after markdown, the merchant shall hand it
over to the State Police for taking a decision to destroy or
include in the collection of weapons and munitions of national
significance or hand it over to a merchant who has received a
special authorisation (licence) for the repair of weapons, for
deactivating.
(8) [19 January 2012]
[19 January 2012; 13 June 2013]
Section 53. Destruction of Weapons,
Ammunition and Special Means
[19 January 2012]
(1) The State Police shall take a decision to destroy such
firearms, the parts thereof, high energy pneumatic weapons handed
over or withdrawn, as well as confiscated, which have not been
sold or are not in good working order or have not been labelled,
whose technical classification has been altered or which have
been modified for shooting in bursts or for conceal carry, and to
destroy ammunition or special means which have not been marked,
if it is not useful to include them in the collection of weapons
and munitions of national significance.
(2) The firearms, ammunition and the parts thereof, high
energy pneumatic weapons, gas pistols (revolvers) and special
means which have been handed over or withdrawn, as well as
confiscated shall be destroyed by the State Insurance Agency.
(3) The procedures for the destroying of weapons, ammunition
and the parts thereof shall be determined by the Cabinet.
[19 January 2012]
Section 54. Liability for the
Violation of Provisions for the Handling of Weapons, Ammunition,
the Parts Thereof and Special Means
A person shall be held liable in accordance with the
procedures laid down by the law for violation of the provisions
specified in this Law and other laws and regulations regarding
the handling of weapons, ammunition, the parts thereof or special
means.
Transitional Provisions
1. With the coming into force of this Law the Law On the
Handling of Weapons (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru
Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2002, No. 14; 2003, No. 14; 2004, No. 10,
13; 2005, No. 24, 2006, No. 14; 2008, No. 3; 2009, No. 2, 10, 14;
Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2010, No. 74, 162) is repealed.
2. By 31 December 2011, the Cabinet shall issue the
regulations referred to in this Law.
[8 July 2011]
3. Until the coming into force of the new Cabinet regulations,
but not longer than until 31 December 2011 the following Cabinet
regulations shall be applicable insofar as they are not in
contradiction with this Law:
1) Cabinet Regulation No. 167 of 15 April 2003, Procedures for
the Unified Recording of Firearms and High Energy Pneumatic
Weapons;
2) Cabinet Regulation No. 565 of 14 October 2003, Procedures
for the Issuance of an Authorisation for the Establishment and
Operation of a Shooting Gallery (Shooting Stand), and the
Procedures for the Utilisation of a Shooting Gallery (Shooting
Stand);
3) Cabinet Regulation No. 631 of 4 November 2003, Regulations
Regarding the Building up of Collections of Weapons and
Ammunition of National Significance and the Classification of
Weapons and Ammunition;
4) Cabinet Regulation No. 159 of 1 March 2005, Procedures for
the Acquisition, Registration, Record Keeping, Possession,
Transportation, Forwarding, Carrying, Realisation of Firearms,
Ammunition and Gas Pistols (Revolvers) and Building up of
Collections thereof;
5) Cabinet Regulation No. 488 of 2 September 2003, Regulations
Regarding the State Fee for the Issuance of Authorisations and
Special Authorisations (Licences) of All Types of Weapons,
Ammunition, Special Means, Explosives, Explosive Devices and
Pyrotechnic Articles, as well as Extending Their Term of
Validity;
6) Cabinet Regulation No. 538 of 23 September 2003,
Regulations Regarding the Commercial Handling of Weapons,
Ammunition, Special Means, Explosives, Explosive Devices and
Pyrotechnic Articles and the Classification and Use of
Pyrotechnic Articles.
[8 July 2011]
4. Persons having acquired gas pistols (revolvers) until the
coming into force of this Law, shall register them until 31
December 2014, submitting a relevant submission to the State
Police, in which the personal information thereof and the type,
mark, model, batch and number of the gas pistol (revolver) shall
be indicated, or by using the electronic service provided by the
Information Centre of the Ministry of the Interior. Gas pistols
(revolvers) which have not been marked according to the
requirements of this Law, prior to the registration thereof,
shall be submitted to such merchant for marking who has received
a special authorisation (licence) for the repair of weapons, and
after marking shall be registered with the State Police.
5. The period of validity of authorisations for the carrying
of a weapon issued for an indefinite period of time shall be
until 30 September 2023.
[13 June 2013]
6. Section 18.1, Paragraph five of this Law shall
come into force from 1 July 2014.
[13 June 2013]
Informative Reference to European
Union Directives
This Law contains legal norms arising from:
1) Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of
the acquisition and possession of weapons; and
2) Directive 2008/51/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 21 May 2008 amending Council Directive 91/47/EEC on
control of the acquisition and possession of weapons.
This Law shall come into force on 1 January 2011.
This Law was adopted by the Saeima on 28 October
2010
President V. Zatlers
Riga, 17 November 2010
1 The Parliament of the Republic of
Latvia
Translation © 2014 Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre)