The following shall be enacted pursuant to the decision of Parliament:

Chapter 1

Section 1

This Act shall be applied to firearms, components of firearms, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles.

The provisions of this Act on firearms shall also apply to guided-missile and rocket-launch systems and gas sprays. Sections 2-10, 12, 15, 31-33, 35, 36, 57-63,68,70-72,74-77, 80-82,110,122,124,125 and 129 shall not be applied to gas sprays. Other exemptions relating to the scope of application shall be provided for in section 17.

Section 2

A firearm shall refer to an object with which bullets, pellets or other projectiles or incapacitating substances can be fired with the help of powder gas pressure, explosion pressure of primer mass or of other explosion pressure so that it may cause danger to people.

The following objects shall not be deemed as firearms unless they, without special knowledge and skills, can be converted into objects with which bullets or pellets can be fired so that it may cause danger to people:

1) nail machines designed and manufactured to be used in construction work;

2) objects designed and manufactured to be used for life-saving or scientific or industrial purposes.

The rendering of a firearm permanently unfit for use shall be provided for by Decree.

Section 3

A firearm component shall refer to a chamber detached from a firearm and a corresponding component, a barrel as well as a breech-closing device.

The permanent deactivation of a firearm component shall be provided for by Decree.

Section 4

Projectile shall refer to a bullet, a pellet or other comparable construct fired with the help of powder gas pressure, explosion pressure of primer mass or other explosion pressure, which can cause danger to people.

Section 5

A cartridge shall refer to a ready-to-use combination of a case, a primer, powder and projectile as well as a combination of a primer, powder and projectile as well as corresponding projectile applicable for the use in a firearm.

In this Act:

1) a shotshell shall refer to a ready-to-fire rimmed cartridge consisting of a case, a base, a bullet or pellets, wadding, powder and a primer placed in the centre of the base of the cartridge as well as to a cartridge of a corresponding structure;

2) a centre-fire cartridge shall refer to a ready-to-fire cartridge consisting of a case, a bullet or pellets, powder and a primer placed in the centre of the base of the cartridge as well as to a cartridge of a corresponding structure;

3) a rim-fire cartridge shall refer to a ready-to-fire cartridge consisting of a case, a bullet or pellets, powder and primer mass placed on inside the rim cavity causing the powder to ignite as well as to a cartridge of a corresponding structure;

4) a gas cartridge shall refer to a ready-to-fire cartridge spreading tear gas or a incapacitating substance comparable thereto in its purpose of use and in its effects, consisting of a case, powder, a primer and a loading turning into a gas when fired as well as to a cartridge of a corresponding structure;

5) a signalling cartridge shall refer to a ready-to-fire rimmed or centre-fire cartridge manufactured to be used for signalling and illumination, consisting of a case, powder, a primer and a part producing light, smoke or sound when fired as well as to a cartridge of a corresponding structure.

The provisions of the Act on Explosive Substances (1953/263) and the provisions issued thereunder on cartridge components which are or which contain explosive substances shall be applied thereto.

Section 6

The types of firearms referred to in this Act are a shotgun, a rifle, a small-calibre rifle, a pistol, a small-calibre pistol, a revolver, a small-calibre revolver, a combination weapon, a gas weapon, a signalling pistol, a black-powder weapon and other firearm.

In this Act:

1) a shotgun shall refer to a firearm with a smooth-bore or rifled barrel designed to be supported against the shoulder with both hands, the overall length of which is at least 840 millimetres and the length of the barrel of which is at least 400 millimetres and which is chambered for a shotshell;

2) a rifle shall refer to a firearm with a rifled barrel designed to be supported against the shoulder with both hands, the overall length of which is at least 840 millimetres and the length of the barrel of which is at least 400 millimetres and which is chambered for a centre-fire or rim-fire cartridge;

3) a small-calibre rifle shall refer to a rifle chambered for a .22 rim-fire cartridges;

4) a pistol shall refer to a firearm, the overall length of which is less than 840 millimetres and the length of the barrel of which is less than 400 millimetres and which is chambered for a centre-fire or rim-fire cartridge;

5) a small-calibre pistol shall refer to a pistol chambered for a .22 rim-fire cartridge;

6) a revolver shall refer to a firearm, the total length of which is less than 840 millimetres and the length of the barrel of which is less than 400 millimetres and which is chambered for a centre-fire or rim-fire cartridge loaded into a revolving cartridge cylinder;

7) a small-calibre revolver shall refer to a revolver chambered for a .22 rim-fire cartridge loaded into a revolving cartridge cylinder;

8) a combination weapon shall refer to a firearm with at least two barrels designed to be supported against the shoulder, the overall length of which is at least 840 millimetres and the length of the barrel of which is at least 400 millimetres and which is chambered for a centre-fire or rim-fire cartridge and a shotgun cartridge;

9) a gas weapon shall refer to a firearm chambered for a gas cartridge and with which no other cartridges can be fired;

10) a signalling pistol shall refer to a firearm chambered for a signalling cartridge and with which no other cartridges can be fired;

11) a black-powder weapon shall refer to a firearm designed and manufactured to be used only with black powder;

12) another firearm shall refer to a firearm which in its structure, dimensions and other characteristics deviates from the firearms defined in this section.

Section 7

The modes of operation of firearms referred to in this Act are single-shot, single-shot with magazine, self-loading single-shot and automatic shot.

In this Act:

1) single-shot shall refer to a mode of operation in which each barrel of a firearm without a magazine is reloaded with a new cartridge after each shot and in which the firing mechanism for each barrel is cocked using outside force after each shot;

2) single-shot with magazine shall refer to a mode of operation in which each barrel of a firearm with a magazine is reloaded with a new cartridge and in which the firing mechanism for each barrel is cocked using outside force after each shot;

3) self-loading single-shot shall refer to a mode of operation in which the firearm reloads and winds up automatically after each shot using the energy generated in the weapon or with the help of an energy source attached thereto and in which only one round from each chamber can be fired by one pull on the trigger;

4) automatic shot shall refer to a mode of operation in which the firearm reloads and winds up automatically after each shot using the energy generated in the weapon or with the help of an energy source attached thereto and in which several rounds can be fired by one pull on the trigger.

Section 8

A pocket gun shall refer to a revolver or a small-calibre revolver which can be fitted into a rectangular box with the inside measuring 140 x 190 millimetres as well as to another firearm referred to in section 6 which can be fitted into a rectangular box with the inside measuring 130 x 180 millimetres so that the barrel and the butt are aligned with the bottom of the box.

When placing the firearm in the box, the magazine shall be detached and the weapon shall be equipped with its ordinary sighting device and grip or with the side plates of the butt as well as with no components increasing the external dimensions of the weapon.

Section 9

A specially dangerous firearm shall refer to:

1) a grenade launcher, a mortar, a breech-loading cannon as well as a firearm corresponding thereto in structure and purpose of use as well as a missile or rocket-launcher system;

2) an automatic firearm;

3) a firearm disguised as another object than a firearm.

Section 10

Specially dangerous cartridges shall refer to:

1) cartridges designed and manufactured to penetrate armour;

2) cartridges equipped with explosive or incendiary projectile;

3) centre-fire cartridges designed and manufactured for use in a pistol or a revolver with a hollow point projectile or with a projectile which expands on impact;

4) cartridges designed and manufactured to fragment on impact;

5) cartridges with a flechette projectile;

6) cartridges with more than one bullet.

Specially dangerous projectiles shall refer to the projectiles of cartridges referred to in subparagraphs 1-3 of paragraph 1.

Section 11

A gas spray shall refer to an object with which tear gas or a incapacitating substance with a corresponding purpose of use and effect can be spread in the air.

Section 12

Conversion of a firearm shall refer to a measure as a result of which the type, mode of operation or calibre of a weapon changes or a weapon other than a pocket gun becomes a pocket gun.

Conversion of a firearm component shall refer to a measure carried out on a component of a weapon with the result that the type of a firearm changes in the manner referred to in paragraph 1 if the said part is attached to the firearm.

Section 13

In this Act, with regard to firearms, components of firearms, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles:

1) carrying shall refer to their use for an approved purpose of use referred to in section 43;

2) transport shall refer to moving them from one place to another;

3) storage shall refer to their possession when they are not carried or transported;

4) possession shall refer to their carrying, transport or storage.

Section 14

Firearms trade shall refer to commercial:

1) selling and manufacture of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles;

2) repair and conversion of firearms and firearm components.

Section 15

A weapons collector shall refer to a natural person whom the Provincial state office has approved as a weapons collector.

Section 16

In this Act:

1) the country of departure shall refer to the country from where the inter-State transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles starts;

2) the country of destination shall refer to the country where the inter-State transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles ends;

3) the country of transit shall refer to the country through which firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles are transported from one country to another;

4) prior consent shall refer to a certificate to be presented to the authorities of a Member State of the European Union indicating that there are no obstacles for the transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles to another Member State;

5) end-user certificate shall refer to a certificate issued by an authority of the country of destination or other reliable certificate on the end user of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

6) a transfer license shall refer to a permit issued for the transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles from one Member State to another;

7) a European firearms pass shall refer to a certificate issued by an authority of a European Union Member State referred to in article 1, section 4 of the Council Directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (91/477/EEC) indicating that the person named in the certificate is in that State entitled to the possession of the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles entered on the pass.

In this Act, with regard to firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles:

1) import shall refer to their transport into Finland from a country other than a European Union Member State;

2) export shall refer to their transport from Finland to a country other than a European Union Member State;

3) transfer shall refer to their transport from one European Union Member State to another;

4) transit shall refer to their transport from a country other than a European Union Member State via Finland to another country other than a European Union Member State.

Section 17

This Act shall not apply to:

1) transfers to or from Finland, import, export, acquisition or conveyance to State purposes of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles by the State;

2) possession of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles owned by the State if the basis for the possession is the carrying out of tasks by persons employed by the State, studying in State educational institutions or completing their military service based on conscription or their voluntary military service;

3) acquisition of cartridges for firearms referred to in subparagraph 2 if the cartridges are acquired by persons employed by the State or studying in State educational institutions;

4) exercises or competitions relating to voluntary defence work arranged by the Defence Forces and under the leadership of a person employed by them;

5) transport and storage of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles owned by the State;

6) manufacture of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles in State establishments;

7) repair and conversion of firearms and firearm components in State establishments;

8) conveyance of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles removed from its use by the State;

9) firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles which have come to the possession of State authorities on the basis of tasks within their competence;

10) transfers to or from Finland, import, export, manufacture, repair, conversion and possession of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles if the operations are based on an agreement between the States parties to the North Atlantic Treaty and other States participating in the partnership for peace regarding the status of their forces (Treaty Series of Finland 1997/65);

Chapter 2

Section 18

Unless otherwise provided for in this Act, the following shall be subject to an authorisation:

1) transfer and import to Finland, transfer and export from Finland, transit transfer for commercial purposes, trade, acquisition, possession and manufacture of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles;

2) repair and conversion of firearms and firearm components.

An authorisation for operations referred to in paragraph 1 may be issued if an acceptable justification exists for the granting of the authorisation and if there is no reason to suspect that the authorisation or the objects acquired or possessed thereunder are misused.

Section 19

In accordance with this Act, the following shall not be subject to an authorisation:

1) the export of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles for a private purpose;

2) acquisition and possession of firearm components when the person acquiring or possessing them has the right to possess a firearm compiled of firearm components corresponding to the components in question;

3) acquisition and possession of firearm components if the person acquiring or possessing them is a firearm collector keeping the file provided for;

4) transport for commercial purposes and storage necessary for the performance of the transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles if the transporter is engaged in professional transport of goods;

5) manufacture of other cartridges than specially dangerous cartridges for a private purpose if the manufacturer has a certificate authorising him to the possession of the said cartridges;

6) the repair of a firearm or a firearm component for a private purpose possessed under an appropriate certificate.

The transport and storage of black-powder guns manufactured prior to 1890 shall not be subject to an authorisation. Nor shall the keeping of such black-powder guns in museums or collections be subject to an authorisation if the guns are not used for firing. The ministry handling firearm issues may issue provisions on the exemption from the requirements of an authorisation of also other weapon-historically valuable old firearms under the conditions referred to in this paragraph.

The firearm components that shall be considered to be corresponding firearm components in the manner referred to in paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 shall be governed by Decree.

Chapter 3

Section 20

The Provincial state office within the territory of which the trade of dealing is carried on shall grant and revoke a trade permit for carrying on the trade of dealing (trade permit for dealing).

The trade permit may be granted for:

1) trading in firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles;

2) manufacture for commercial purposes of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles; as well as for

3) the repair and conversion of firearms and firearm components for commercial purposes.

The permit may be granted to an applicant, eligible to carry on a trade, who notifies the person in charge referred to in section 26 and who, with a view to his financial status, has adequate preconditions for carrying on the trade of dealing in an appropriate manner. If the applicant is a natural person, he shall also have a firearm license referred to in section 27, paragraph 1. The permit shall not be granted if the police department of the place of the location of the storage premises has not approved the storage facilities of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles.

Section 21

The trade permit for dealing shall state the operations which the permit covers as well as the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles that the permit covers. The permit shall entitle its holder to carry on the trade of dealing only in the business facility, factory or workshop stated in the permit. However, the trade may temporarily be carried on also elsewhere.

The permit shall be issued until further notice unless it, for a special reason, is to be issued for a set period of time.

Section 22

The person carrying on the trade of dealing in firearms (dealer) shall notify the permit authorities of the termination of the trade of dealing he has carried on, a change in the corporate form of the dealer as well as of changes in the location of the business facility, factory or workshop within 30 days from the termination of the trade of dealing, change in the corporate form or in the location of the business facility, factory or workshop.

The dealer shall, without delay, notify the police department of the place of the location of the storage facilities of changes relating to the storage facilities of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles.

Section 23

A trade permit for dealing shall expire if the operations referred to in the permit have not been started within one year from the date on which the permit was granted.

The permit shall be revoked if:

1) requested by the permit holder; or if

2) the permit holder no longer meets the requirements provided for in section 20, paragraph 3.

The permit may be revoked for a set period of time or entirely if:

1) the operations referred to in the permit have been interrupted for a period of at least three months; or if

2) the permit holder or the person in charge referred to in section 26 has violated this Act, the provisions issued thereunder or the terms of the permit or if he has otherwise proved unsuitable to carry on the operations referred to in the permit.

Section 24

The bankruptcy estate or the decedent’s estate of a dealer may continue to carry on the trade of dealing under the permit issued to the dealer for a period of one year from the beginning of the bankruptcy or the date of death. The trustee of the bankruptcy estate or the decedent’s estate shall notify the permit authorities of the bankruptcy or death of the dealer within 30 days from the beginning of the bankruptcy or the date of death.

The provisions of paragraph 1 on the bankruptcy and death of a dealer shall also be applied, where applicable, when an organisation or a foundation has ceased to exist in accordance with the provisions thereon.

Section 25

A firearms dealer shall keep a register of firearms, firearms components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles in the manner further provided for by Decree.

A dealer shall, in the manner further provided for by Decree, on request present the register to the police as well as convey it to the permit authority when the trade permit for dealing expires or if it is revoked.

The register shall be conserved for at least ten years after the last entry made therein.

Section 26

A dealer shall have in his employment a person in charge of the trade carried on in firearms dealing (person in charge), who shall be responsible for the fact that the operations are carried out in accordance with this Act and the provisions issued thereunder as well as with the permit terms. The person in charge shall be responsible for the fact that only those persons employed by the dealer who have a firearm license referred to in section 27, paragraph 1, while being employed by the dealer, transport, store or otherwise handle firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles referred to in section 27, paragraph 1.

The person in charge shall be approved or the approval shall be revoked by the Provincial state office which issues the trade permit for dealing. If necessary due to the extent of the operations of the dealer, the authority granting the approval may demand that there be more than one person in charge.

A person can approved as the person in charge if he is reliable and deemed suitable to carry on the trade of dealing and if he has:

1) the familiarity with firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles required by the appropriate carrying on of the trade of dealing; as well as

2) a firearm license referred to in section 27, paragraph 1.

Section 27

A person employed by a firearms dealer who transports, stores or otherwise handles firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles shall have a license thereto (firearm license). The license shall entitle the license holder to transport, store and otherwise to handle firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles in the custody of the dealer to be transported or stored under a permit issued in accordance with this Act in the manner appropriate for trade in firearms dealing. The license shall also entitle its holder to fire the firearms referred to above for presentation or trial purposes if this is deemed necessary for the operations carried on in the firearms trade.

The firearm license may be granted to a person employed by the dealer who is 18 years old and who, on the basis of his state of health and his behaviour, can be deemed suitable to handle firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles.

A firearm license is granted and revoked by the police department of the place of residence of the applicant.

Section 28

A firearm license shall be issued for a maximum period of five years at a time.

Section 29

A firearm license shall expire upon the death of the license holder.

The license shall be revoked upon request of the license holder.

The license may be revoked if:

1) the license holder has made himself guilty of a crime indicating violent behaviour, a crime referred to in chapter 50, sections 1 - 4 of the Penal Code (1889/39) or of another crime which proves him to be unsuitable for the transport, storage or other handling of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

2) the license holder has made himself guilty of a firearms crime, a gross firearms crime or a firearms offence or of another punishable act committed by using a firearm;

3) the license holder has violated the permit terms or otherwise shown disregard regarding compliance with the provisions on firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles; or if

4) the license holder is, due to his state of health or his way of life or his behaviour endangering his own safety or that of others, to be deemed unsuitable to transport, store or otherwise to handle firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles.

Section 30

In cases referred to in section 23, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2 instead of revoking the permit, the permit authority may issue the dealer a reprimand if the permit holder has corrected the faults found in the trade carried on in firearms dealing and if the revocation of the permit were unreasonable in the light of the circumstances. If the person in charge has acted in the manner referred to in section 23, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2, the permit authority may order the dealer to notify a new person in charge.

Instead of revoking the license, the license authority may issue the license holder a reprimand if the revocation of the license were unreasonable in the light of the circumstances.

Section 31

The provisions of the Act on Explosive Substances and the provisions issued thereunder shall, in addition to the provisions of this chapter, be complied with in the manufacture of cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles containing explosives for commercial purposes.

Chapter 4

Section 32

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a prior consent for the transfer of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles to Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial prior consent).

The prior consent may be granted to a dealer who has the right to carry on the trade of firearm dealing with firearms subject to transfer, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. A precondition for the granting of prior authorisation is that the transfer is not likely to cause danger to the maintenance of public order or safety.

The authority granting the prior consent may require that an end-user certificate be presented. An end-user certificate shall always be presented for a specially dangerous firearm.

Section 33

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a permit for the import of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles to Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial import permit).

The provisions of section 32, paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be applied to the granting of the permit.

The holder of a commercial import permit shall submit to the National Board of Customs an account on whether the firearms and cartridges have been subjected to an examination for the ascertainment of their safety in use as referred to in section 110, paragraph 1.

Section 34

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a permit for the transfer and import of gas sprays to Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial import permit for gas sprays).

The provisions of section 32, paragraph 2 shall be applied to the granting of the permit.

Section 35

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a license for the transfer of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles from Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial transfer license).

The license may be granted to a dealer who has the right to carry on the trade of firearm dealing with firearms subject to transfer, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. The preconditions for the granting of the license shall be that, in accordance with a notification of the authority of the country of destination, there are no obstacles for the transfer and that the transfer conditions are safe.

The permit document relating to the commercial transfer license shall be carried along when moving the objects.

Section 36

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a permit for the export of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles from Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial export permit) as well as a permit for their transit for a commercial purpose ( commercial transit permit).

A commercial export permit may be granted to a dealer who has the right to carry on the trade of firearm dealing with firearms subject to export, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. The authority granting the commercial export permit may require that an end-user certificate or other reliable account is presented stating that there are no obstacles for the granting of the permit.

A commercial transit permit may be granted to an applicant who presents an end-user certificate or other account stating that there are no obstacles for the granting of the permit.

The permit authority shall, if so required by the handling of the permit issue, ascertain from the ministry handling foreign-policy issues that there are no foreign or security-policy obstacles for the granting of the permit.

Section 37

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a permit for the transfer and export of gas sprays from Finland for a commercial purpose (commercial export permit for a gas spray) as well as a permit for their transit for a commercial purpose (commercial transit permit for a gas spray). A commercial transit permit for a gas spray may be granted also for transit where both the country of departure and destination or either of them is a Member State of the European Union.

A commercial export permit for a gas spray may be granted to a dealer who has the right to carry on the trade of firearm dealing with gas sprays subject to export. The authority granting the commercial export permit for gas sprays may require that the applicant present an end-user certificate or other reliable account stating that there are no obstacles for the granting of the permit.

A commercial transit permit for gas sprays may be granted to an applicant who presents an end-user certificate or other account stating that there are no obstacles for the granting of the permit.

The permit authority shall, if so required by the handling of the permit issue, ascertain from the ministry handling foreign-policy issues that there are no foreign or security-policy obstacles for the granting of the permit.

Section 38

A commercial prior consent and the permits referred to in this chapter other than a commercial transfer permit shall be issued for the validity of the trade permit. They shall, however, be issued for a maximum period of three years.

Section 39

A commercial prior consent, a commercial import permit, a commercial import permit for gas sprays, a commercial transfer license, a commercial export permit and a commercial export permit for a gas spray shall expire if the trade permit for firearm dealing expires or is revoked.

The permit authority shall revoke the transfer license, the commercial export permit, the commercial transit permit, the commercial export permit for gas sprays and the commercial transit permit for gas sprays if an obstacle exists for the transfer, export or transit in accordance with a notification of the authority of the country of destination. A commercial transfer license shall also be revoked if the transfer conditions no longer are safe.

The permit authority and the authority granting a commercial prior consent may revoke a commercial prior consent, a commercial import permit and a commercial import permit for gas sprays if the transfer or import may cause danger to the maintenance of public order and safety.

Section 40

The National Board of Customs shall be under an obligation to notify the ministry handling issues relating to firearms of the import of objects referred to in a commercial import permit and a commercial import permit for gas sprays to Finland as further provided for by Decree.

Section 41

The provisions of the Act on the Export and Transit of Defence Material (1990/242) and the provisions issued thereunder shall be complied with in the transfer, export and transit of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles regarded as defence material.

Chapter 5

Section 42

The police department of the place of residence of the applicant shall grant and revoke a permit for the acquisition of a firearm and a firearm component (acquisition permit). However, a permit for the acquisition of a specially dangerous firearm and its component shall be granted and revoked by the Provincial state office of the place of residence of the applicant. An acquisition permit shall also entitle to the temporary possession of a firearm and a firearm component. A possession permit shall be provided for in section 52.

If the applicant does not have a place of residence in Finland, he has to present a prior agreement issued by the authority of his country of residence for the acquisition of the firearm and firearm component referred to in the application. He shall also issue a written account of his intent to possess a firearm and a firearm component in Finland.

The permit application shall be submitted in person to the police department of the place of residence. For a special reason, it may also be submitted to another police department or to the representation of Finland abroad.

Section 43

An acquisition permit may be granted for the following purposes of use:

1) shooting of animals permitted by hunting legislation;

2) target shooting or practice;

3) work where a weapon is necessary;

4) a show, presentation or a corresponding performance;

5) keeping in a museum or in a collection;

6) keeping as a souvenir;

7) signalling;

8) protection of personal integrity or property.

The permit may be granted in an individual case for the acquisition of other than a specially dangerous firearm or its component for its keeping as a souvenir if the applicant shows that the firearm or its component is of a special historic or other souvenir value to him.

For the protection of personal integrity or property, the permit may be granted only for the acquisition of a gas spray.

Section 44

An acquisition permit may be issued only for a firearm or firearm component which is, on the basis of the number of cartridges in the magazine, the calibre or other properties and with a view to the purpose of use notified by the applicant, not unnecessarily powerful and efficient as well as which is suitable for the purpose of use notified by the applicant. If the purpose of use notified by the applicant is the shooting of animals permitted by hunting legislation, the provisions of the Hunting Act (1993/615) and the provisions issued thereunder shall also be complied with in assessing the suitability of the firearm.

A permit for a pocket gun or its component may be granted for its keeping in a museum or collection, as a souvenir as well as for work where a weapon is necessary.

A permit for an automatic gun, a grenade launcher, a mortar, a breech-loading cannon or a firearm corresponding thereto in structure or purpose of use as well as for a missile or rocket-launcher system or for a component of these weapons may be granted only if the purpose of use notified by the applicant is a show, presentation, or another corresponding performance or its keeping in a museum or collection. A permit for the firearms or their components referred to above may, for a special reason, be issued also for work where a weapon is necessary.

A permit for a firearm or its component disguised as another object may be granted only for a special reason.

Section 45

An acquisition permit may be granted to a person who is 18 years old or older and who, on the basis of his state of health and his behaviour, is to be deemed suitable to possess firearms and firearm components. By consent of the guardians, a permit may, however, also be granted for shooting animals permitted by hunting legislation or for target shooting or practice to a person who is 15 but not 18 years old and who otherwise fulfils the preconditions laid down for the applicant of an acquisition permit.

When applying for a permit for:

1) hunting of animals permitted by hunting legislation or for target shooting or practice, the applicant shall produce a reliable account of his hobby; 2) work, the applicant shall produce an account of the fact that, during his training or otherwise, he has become sufficiently familiar with the safe handling of a firearm and that he has an appropriate reason for carrying a firearm in his work.

A permit for keeping a firearm other than a gas spray as well as a firearm component in a museum or collection may be issued only for a weapons collector who has the approval of the Provincial state office for the collection of firearms or firearm components and the storage facilities of the firearms and firearm components of whom the police department of the location of the storage premises has approved.

Section 46

An acquisition permit shall be granted for a maximum period of six months. A permit for a weapons collector shall, however, be granted for a maximum period of one year.

The permit authority may include in the permit a term under which it shall not be permitted to shoot with a firearm belonging to a collection.

Section 47

An acquisition permit for the acquisition of a firearm, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles for a person residing abroad (acquisition permit for person residing abroad) may be granted and revoked by the police department of the place of residence of the applicant or by the police department of the place of acquisition of the objects. The permit shall entitle its holder to acquire the firearm or firearm component as well as the cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles indicated in the permit. The permit shall not entitle to their possession and they cannot in Finland be conveyed to the permit holder but they shall, without delay, be delivered to the address referred to in the permit in the country of residence of the permit holder.

Section 48

An acquisition permit for a person residing abroad may be granted to an applicant who presents a consent issued by the authorities of his country of residence for the acquisition of the firearm or firearm component or for the cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles referred to in the application or another account according to which no obstacles exist for the granting of the permit.

A person residing in another Member State of the European Union and applying for a permit for other than a gas spray shall also have a private transfer permit granted in Finland for the transfer of the object to his country of residence.

Section 49

An acquisition permit for a person residing abroad shall be granted for a maximum period of 30 days.

Section 50

A permit for the manufacture and conversion of a firearm and a firearm component for a private purpose (private manufacturing permit) shall be granted and revoked by the authority referred to in section 42, paragraph 1. The permit shall entitle its holder temporarily to possess a firearm and a firearm component as well as to acquire and possess firearm components necessary for the manufacture and conversion of a firearm and a firearm component. A possession permit shall be governed by the provisions of section 52.

The permit may be granted in accordance with the preconditions provided for in section 45 complying, where necessary, with the provisions of section 42, paragraphs 2 and 3 as well as of sections 43 and 44.

Section 51

A private manufacturing permit shall be granted for a maximum period of one year.

The permit authority may include in the permit a term under which it shall not be permitted to shoot with a firearm belonging to a collection.

Section 52

Anyone, who has, on the basis of an acquisition permit, acquired or, on the basis of a private manufacturing permit, manufactured or converted a firearm or a firearm component, shall, during the period of validity of the permit, apply for a permit for the possession of a firearm or a firearm component (possession permit). The permit shall, however, be applied at the latest within 30 days from the acquisition or manufacture or conversion. The permit shall be granted and revoked by the police department of the place of residence.

The firearm and firearm component shall always be presented to the police when applying for a possession permit. In addition, the permit document relating to the acquisition permit or the private manufacturing permit shall be presented as well as surrendered to the police upon request. Anyone who has not, acquired under an acquisition permit he has obtained or manufactured or converted under a private manufacturing permit, a firearm or firearm component shall, within 30 days from the expiration of the period of validity of the permit, surrender the permit document to the police department of his place of residence or to another police department.

Section 53

A possession permit shall be granted until further notice unless, for a special reason, it should be granted for a set period of time. A permit shall, however, be granted for a gas spray as well as for work where a firearm is necessary for a maximum period of five years at a time.

The permit authority may include in the permit a term under which it shall not be permitted to shoot with a firearm belonging to a collection. A permit granted for work where a gun is necessary shall include a term under which the permit shall be valid only as long as the permit holder is doing that particular work.

Section 54

A parallel right to possess a firearm or firearm component to which another person has a possession permit may be granted upon the consent of the permit holder (parallel permit). By permission of the State, a parallel permit may also be granted for a firearm or firearm component owned by the State. A parallel permit for a firearm or firearm component belonging to a collection may be granted only to a weapons collector. The authority referred to in section 42, paragraph 1 shall grant and revoke the permit.

The permit may be granted under the preconditions provided for in section 45 complying, where necessary, with the provisions of section 42, paragraphs 2 and 3 as well as of sections 43 and 44.

When applying for the permit, either the permit document relating to the possession permit and the consent of the permit holder or the consent of the State for granting a parallel permit shall be presented. The permit authority may also demand that the firearm or firearm component be presented to the police.

Section 55

A parallel permit shall be for the period of validity of the possession permit unless, for a special reason, it should be granted for a shorter time. The permit shall, however, be granted for a maximum period of ten years.

The permit authority may include in the permit a term under which it shall not be permitted to shoot with a firearm belonging to a collection.

Section 56

A permit granted for the possession of a firearm for work entitles its holder to carry in the work in question a firearm for the possession of which the permit has been granted or a weapon corresponding thereto in its properties.

Section 57

The Provincial state office of the place of residence shall approve and revoke the approval as a weapons collector.

A natural person who fulfils the preconditions provided for in section 45, paragraph 1 and who, in order to keep firearms or firearm components in a museum or collection, presents an appropriate plan for systematic weapon collection as well as who, for the carrying on of the activity, has sufficient weapon-historic and weapon-technical expertise, may be approved as a weapons collector.

The application shall be submitted in person to the police department of the place of residence. For a special reason, it may be submitted also to another police department.

Section 58

The approval issued for a weapons collector shall state firearms and firearm components to which the approval applies. The authority issuing the approval may place restrictions for the approval on the basis of the weapon-historic and weapon-technical expertise of the weapons collector, the collection field as well as of the total evaluation made of the hobby.

The approval shall be issued until further notice unless, for a special reason, it shall be issued for a set period of time.

Section 59

A weapons collector shall, without delay, notify the police department of the place of location of the storage facilities of changes relating to the storage facilities of firearms and firearm components.

Section 60

A weapons collector shall keep a file on the firearm components he has acquired and which are in his possession as provided further by Decree or acquire a permit for the acquisition and possession of the firearm component. The file need, however, not be kept or a permit acquired if the weapons collector has the right to possess a firearm compiled of corresponding components as referred to in section 19, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2.

A weapons collector shall, as further provided for by Decree, on request present the file to the police as well as surrender it when the approval issued to him expires or if the approval is revoked.

Section 61

An acquisition permit, a private manufacturing permit, a possession permit and a parallel permit entitle to acquire and possess cartridges other than specially dangerous cartridges for a firearm referred to in the permit. The permit authority may, however, include in the permit a term according to which the permit does not entitle to acquire and possess cartridges suitable for a weapon belonging to a collection.

Section 62

A permit for the acquisition, manufacture and possession of cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles (ammunition permit) shall be granted and revoked by the police department of the place of residence.

The permit may be granted in accordance with the preconditions provided for in section 45 complying, where necessary, with the provisions of section 42, paragraphs 2 and 3 as well as of sections 43 and 44.

The permit for the acquisition, manufacture and possession of specially dangerous cartridges and projectiles may be granted only for a special reason.

Section 63

An ammunition permit shall be issued until further notice unless, for a special reason, it shall be granted for a set period of time.

Section 64

The ministry handling firearm issues shall grant and revoke a permit for the possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles for the arrangement of security measures during international State visits.

The permit may be granted if it is necessary in order to protect the personal integrity or property of persons enjoying special protection.

The permit shall be granted for a set period of time.

Section 65

Anyone who has a municipality of residence in Finland shall, upon request, be issued a certificate of consent to be presented to a foreign authority (certificate of consent) indicating that he may be granted a permit abroad to acquire a firearm, a firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles. The certificate of consent shall be issued by the police department of the municipality of residence.

A certificate of consent shall be issued to a person who has an acquisition permit or a private manufacturing permit relating to the firearm or firearm component in question or the right to acquire and possess the cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles in question. The permit document for an acquisition permit, a private manufacturing permit or a permit entitling to the acquisition and possession of cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles shall be presented to the police when applying for the certificate of consent.

The certificate of consent shall be issued for the period of validity of the permits referred to in paragraph 2. It shall, however, be issued for a maximum period of one year.

Section 66

A permit entitling to the possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles shall expire:

1) if the permit holder permanently conveys a firearm or a firearm component to a third party;

2) if the firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles have, by a court decision, been declared forfeit to the State;

3) if the firearm has been rendered permanently unfit for use or if a firearm component has been permanently deactivated;

4) upon the death of the permit holder.

A parallel permit shall expire when the possession permit expires or is revoked.

A consent shall expire when the acquisition permit or the permit issued for the acquisition of cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles expires or is revoked.

Section 67

A permit for the acquisition or possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles has to be revoked:

1) upon request of the permit holder;

2) if the guardians revoke their consent referred to in section 45, paragraph 1;

3) if the holder of an acquisition permit or the State revokes the consent referred to in section 54, paragraph 1.

A permit for the acquisition or possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles may be revoked if:

1) the permit holder has made himself guilty of a crime indicating violent behaviour, a crime referred to in chapter 50, sections 1 - 4 of the Penal Code or of another crime which proves him to be unsuitable for the acquisition or possession firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

2) the permit holder has made himself guilty to a gross firearm crime, a firearm crime or a firearm offence or of another punishable act committed by using a firearm;

3) the permit holder has violated the permit terms or otherwise shown disregard regarding compliance with the provisions on firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

4) the permit holder is, due to his state of health or his way of life or his behaviour endangering his own safety or that of others, to be deemed unsuitable to acquire or possess firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

5) the possession of a firearm is no longer necessary for work; or if

6) the firearm or the firearm component is lost or stolen.

Section 68

An approval issued for a weapons collector shall expire upon the death of the weapons collector.

An approval issued for a weapons collector shall be revoked upon request of the weapons collector.

An approval issued for a weapons collector may be revoked in cases referred to in section 67, paragraph 2, subparagraphs 1-4.

Section 69

The permit authority or the authority who has issued the approval for the weapons collector may, instead of revoking the permit or approval for the acquisition or possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles, issue a reprimand if the revocation of the permit or an approval were unreasonable in the light of the circumstances.

Section 70

If the right to acquire and possess a firearm component is based on the fact that a person is entitled to the possession of a firearm compiled of components referred to in section 19, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2, he shall within 30 days from the acquisition of a firearm component submit a notification to the police department of his place of residence in the manner further provided for by Decree. The firearm component shall be simultaneously presented.

Section 71

A resident of another Member State of the European Union who has been granted a permit for the acquisition or possession of a firearm or firearm component shall, without delay, notify the competent authority of his state of residence thereof.

Section 72

In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the provisions of the Act on Explosive Substances and the provisions issued thereunder shall be complied with in the manufacture of cartridges for a private purpose.

Chapter 6

Section 73

An acquisition permit, a private manufacturing permit, a possession permit and a parallel permit entitle its holder to transfer and import to Finland for a private purpose the firearm and the firearm component indicated in the permit as well as the cartridges other than specially dangerous projectiles suitable for the firearm indicated in the permit.

An ammunition permit entitles to transfer and import to Finland the cartridges and projectiles indicated in the permit.

A permit granted for the possession of a firearm or firearm component in Norway, Sweden or Denmark entitles to transfer and import to Finland the firearm and the firearm component indicated in the permit as well as a sufficient amount of cartridges other than specially dangerous projectiles suitable for the firearm indicated in the permit as well as to possess them a maximum period of three months from their transfer or import to Finland. The precondition for this shall be that the purpose of the transfer or import is participation in a shooting or hunting event arranged in Denmark, Finland, Norway or Sweden. The permit shall also entitle its holder to transfer objects back to Denmark or Sweden.

Section 74

The police department of the municipality of residence shall grant a European firearms pass to a person who, under a possession permit or a parallel permit, has the right to possess a firearm or firearm component. The possession or parallel permit document shall be presented to the police upon the application of the firearms pass.

The holder of a European firearms pass shall present and, upon request, surrender the firearms pass to the police department of his municipality of residence for the making of the necessary entries concerning:

1) a change in the personal data on the holder of the firearms pass;

2) a change in the period of validity or the terms of the possession or parallel permit;

3) the conversion of the firearm of firearm component;

4) the conveyance, loss, theft of the firearm or firearm component as well as the permanent conversion of a firearm unfit for use or the permanent deactivation of a firearm component.

In the cases referred to in paragraph 2, the European firearms pass shall be presented and, upon request, surrendered within 30 days from the events referred to in subparagraphs 1 to 4.

The European firearms pass shall be valid for the period of validity of the possession permits of the firearms or firearm components entered thereon. It shall, however, be valid for a maximum period of five years from the date on which it has been granted. The validity of the firearms pass may be extended.

Section 75

The holder of a European firearms pass may transfer and import to Finland a firearm and firearm component entered in the firearms pass and suitable for use in shooting competitions, belonging to category B, C, or D referred to in the Firearms Directive and one suitable for use in hunting and belonging to category C or D referred to in the Firearms Directive as well as the necessary number of other than specially dangerous cartridges meant to be used in the weapon. In addition, the holder of the firearms pass shall have a written invitation or other reliable account substantiating that the transfer or import is necessary in order for him to participate in the shooting competition or hunting event. The holder of the firearms pass may also be in possession of the firearm, firearm component and cartridges as long as this is necessary in order for him to participate in the shooting competition or hunting event.

The European firearms pass shall accompany the firearm, firearm component or cartridges when these are carried or transported.

Section 76

A prior consent for the transfer into Finland of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles for a private purpose (private prior consent) shall be granted and revoked by the police department of the municipality of residence or location of the applicant.

A private prior consent may be granted to a person who has the right to possess the firearm or firearm component or the cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles in question. It shall be a precondition for the granting of the prior consent that the transfer shall not cause danger to the maintenance of public order or safety.

Section 77

Validity of a private prior consent

A private prior consent shall be granted for the period of validity of the possession permit for the objects referred to in section 76, paragraph 2. It shall, however, be granted for a maximum period of one year.

Section 78

A permit for the transfer or import into Finland of a firearm, firearm component and other than specially dangerous cartridges for a private purpose (private import permit) shall be granted and revoked by the police department of the municipality of residence or location of the applicant. The permit shall entitle its holder to the possession of the firearm, firearm component and the necessary number of other than specially dangerous cartridges referred to above.

The permit may be granted under the condition provided for in section 45, paragraph 1 applying, where appropriate, the provisions of sections 43 and 44. A person who does not have a municipality of residence in Finland shall, in addition, present a certificate issued by an authority of his country of residence, indicating that in his country of residence he has a permit for the possession of the firearm or firearm component in question.

Section 79

Validity of a private import permit

A private import permit shall be granted for a maximum period of three months.

Section 80

Unless otherwise provided for in paragraph 2 or 3, the transfer of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles from Finland for a private purpose shall require that the transferor is in Finland in possession of a private transfer license for their transfer.

However, the holder of a European firearms pass may transfer from Finland a firearm and firearm component entered in the firearms pass and suitable for use in shooting competitions, belonging to category B, C, or D referred to in the Firearms Directive and one suitable for use in hunting and belonging to category C or D referred to in the Firearms Directive as well as the necessary number of other than specially dangerous cartridges meant to be used in the weapon. In addition, the transferor shall have a written invitation or other reliable account substantiating that the transfer is necessary in order for him to participate in the shooting competition or hunting event.

The transfer of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles from Finland for a private purpose shall not require a special permit if the transferor has a possession permit therefor granted by each transit Member State and the member state of destination belonging to the European Union.

Section 81

A permit for the transfer from Finland of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles for a private purpose (private transfer license) shall be granted and revoked by the police department of the municipality of residence or location of the applicant.

The license may be granted if, according to a notification of the authority of the country of destination, no obstacles exist for the transfer and the transfer circumstances are safe.

The private transfer license document shall accompany the objects during their transfer.

Section 82

The validity of a European firearms pass shall expire upon the expiry of all the rights to possess the firearms and firearm components entered therein.

A private prior consent shall expire upon the expiry of all the rights to possess the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles entered therein.

Section 83

A prior private consent may be revoked if the transfer may cause danger to the maintenance of public order or safety.

The revocation of a private import permit shall, where applicable, be governed by the provisions of section 67.

A private transfer permit shall be revoked if, according to a notification of the authority of the country of destination, an obstacle exists for the transfer and if the transfer circumstances are no longer safe.

Chapter 7

Section 84

A firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles may not be conveyed to another unless otherwise provided for in this Act.

The objects referred to in paragraph 1 may, however, be conveyed to the police and to another authority that is competent to handle issues relating to firearms.

Section 85

A firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles may be conveyed for a commercial purpose only by a dealer authorised thereto under a trade permit for dealing.

Unless otherwise provided for in this Act, a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles may be permanently conveyed for a private purpose only by the holder of a possession permit and cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles also by the holder of a parallel permit or an projectiles permit.

Section 86

A firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles may be conveyed:

1) permanently only to someone entitled to the acquisition of the object;

2) for transportation only to someone authorised to transport the object;

3) for storage only to someone authorised to store the object.

A dealer authorised to manufacture firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles may convey the objects he has manufactured permanently only to a dealer authorised to carry on trade in the dealing of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles.

Section 87

A firearm may be lent to another as follows:

1) a shotgun may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a shotgun, a rifle or a combination weapon;

2) a rifle or combination weapon may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a rifle or a combination weapon;

3) a small-calibre rifle or black-powder weapon may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a shotgun, a rifle, a small-calibre rifle, a pistol, a revolver or a combination weapon;

4) a pistol or a revolver may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a pistol or a revolver;

5) a small-calibre pistol or a small-calibre revolver may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a pistol, a small-calibre pistol, a revolver or a small-calibre revolver;

6) a gas weapon may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of gas weapon;

7) a signalling weapon may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of signalling weapon;

8) another firearm referred to in section 6, paragraph 2, subparagraph 12 may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a corresponding firearm;

9) a pocket gun may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a pocket gun;

10) a specially dangerous firearm may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of firearm with a corresponding mode of operation or an otherwise corresponding firearm;

11) a gas spray may be lent only to someone entitled to the possession of a gas spray.

The person to whom a firearm is lent may, at the same time, also be conveyed a sufficient number of other than specially dangerous cartridges suitable to be used in the weapon.

If the permit entitling to the possession of a firearm contains a term under which the firearm may not be fired, the lender shall inform the borrower thereof. The borrower shall comply with the term.

Firearm components may be lent to another if the borrower, under paragraph 1, could be lent a firearm in which the component has been designed and manufactured to be used. A firearm component may also be lent to someone otherwise entitled to the possession of the firearm in question.

Section 88

A person who is 18 years old and who is entitled to the possession of a firearm may allow the use of the firearm under his immediate supervision provided that he is able efficiently to supervise and guide the use of the firearm so that its use does not cause any danger.

Section 89

Anyone who permanently conveys a firearm or firearm component to another shall, within 30 days from the conveyance, submit a notification of the conveyance (conveyance notification) to the police department that has granted the permit for the acquisition of the firearm or firearm component or to another police department. The duty of notification shall not apply to conveyances between dealers. The notification shall contain the information further to be provided for by Decree.

Section 90

The holder of a possession permit shall, within 30 days from the permanent conveyance of a firearm or firearm component, present as well as, upon request, surrender the possession permit document to the police department of his place of residence.

Chapter 8

Section 91

When a trade permit for dealing or a permit entitling to possession for private use expires or is revoked, the police shall make a decision to take possession of the firearms, firearms components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles unless they have already been conveyed to a holder of an appropriate permit.

Section 92

If there is justified reason to suspect the misuse of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles or if procedure to revoke a permit relating thereto has been initiated, the police shall, without delay, make a decision to take temporary possession of the objects.

A policeman shall take a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles away from their holder if their misuse is apparent. The policeman shall, without delay, notify the police department of the place in whose territory the objects have been taken away or the police department of the holder’s place of residence of their taking away. Within 14 days from the taking away of the objects, the police shall undertake measures to make a decision on the temporary taking of possession of the objects or return the objects taken away to their holder.

Section 93

The validity of a trade permit for dealing or a possession permit granted for private use and relating to a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles that has been taken temporary possession of by the police shall cease.

If the police has taken temporary possession of a firearm or firearm component possessed under a parallel permit, the possession permit and other parallel permits relating to the firearm or firearm component shall remain valid.

Section 94

A decision under which a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles have been temporarily taken possession of by the police shall be valid for a maximum period of three months. For special reason, the police may extend the validity of the decision by a maximum period of six months at a time. During the validity of the decision:

1) the permit relating to the firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles shall be revoked;

2) the police shall make a decision on the taking of possession of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles belonging to a decedent’s estate;

3) the holder of the permit shall be issued a reprimand and the objects taken possession of shall be returned to him; or

4) the objects taken possession of shall be returned to the holder of the permit or to the person in possession of the decedent’s estate.

If the objects taken possession of are returned to the holder of the permit, the validity of the permit shall be renewed.

If the police has taken temporary possession of a firearm or firearm component possessed under a parallel permit, the firearm or firearm component may, notwithstanding paragraph 1, be returned to the holder of the possession permit unless this causes danger to the maintenance of public order or safety.

Section 95

The police shall, without delay, notify the holder of the permit or the person in possession of the decedent’s estate of the taking of possession, temporary taking of possession and the decision to extend the period of validity of the temporary taking of possession. If the police has taken possession of a firearm or firearm component possessed under a parallel permit, the holder of the possession permit shall also, without delay, be notified of the decision. The notification on the taking of possession or temporary taking of possession shall state the reason for the taking of possession and, in the case of a temporary taking of possession, also its effect on the validity of the permit.

The police shall prepare a record of the taking of possession, temporary taking of possession and the extension of the temporary taking of possession or record it in another document.

Section 96

When the validity of a trade permit for dealing or a permit or consent for acquisition or possession granted for private use ceases, the permit document or consent shall, without delay, be surrendered to the police. The police shall be entitled to take possession of the permit document or consent.

If the validity of the permit referred to in paragraph 1 is renewed, the permit document shall, without delay, be returned to the holder of the permit.

Section 97

The right to gain access to a place protected by the privacy of one’s home to take possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles because of a suspected crime or to prevent a dangerous act or event shall be governed by the Coercive Means Act (1987/450) and the Police Act (1995/493).

Section 98

An investigation relating to the revocation of an authorisation or permit granted under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 4 of the Police Act.

Section 99

A firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles in the possession of the police under a decision made on the taking of possession can, within three months from the making of the decision, be transferred to a holder of an appropriate authorisation or permit indicated or approved by the owner. For a special reason, the police may extend the period by a maximum of three months.

Section 100

The police shall, by public auction and for the account of the owner, sell a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles that are in the possession of the police under a decision made on the taking of possession and which have not been conveyed to a person with an appropriate authorisation or permit under section 99. Costs necessary for arranging the auction may be deducted from the sales price.

A firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles that have not been bought in an auction under paragraph 1 shall transfer to State ownership without redemption.

Chapter 9

Section 101

Anyone who in violation of this Act

1) transfers or imports into Finland, transfers from Finland, transports, transits or manufactures for a commercial purpose or markets, acquires, possesses or conveys a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles;

2) repairs or converts a firearm or firearm component for a commercial purpose;

3) lends a firearm or firearm component to anyone not entitled to possess it;

4) in full or in part neglects the duty imposed on a dealer in section 25, paragraph 1 to maintain a register; or

5) neglects the duty imposed in section 110, paragraph 1 to have firearms or cartridges manufactured, repaired, transferred or imported to Finland for sales purposes examined,

shall be sentenced for a firearms crime to a fine or to imprisonment not exceeding two years.

An attempt shall be punishable.

Section 102

If, in the case of a firearms crime,

1) the object of the crime is a specially dangerous firearm or a large number of firearms or firearm components;

2) considerable financial gain is sought with the crime; or

3) the crime is committed with special advance preparation

and if the crime, also in an overall evaluation, is gross, the offender shall be sentenced for a gross firearms crime to imprisonment not under four months and not exceeding four years.

An attempt shall be punishable.

Section 103

If a firearms crime, taking into consideration the nature or number of the objects subject to the crime or the other facts relating to the crime, in an overall evaluation is minor, the offender shall be sentenced for a firearms offence to a fine.

Anyone who, in violation of this Act,

1) neglects the duty of notification imposed in section 22, paragraph 1, section 24, paragraph 1, section 89 or section 111, paragraph 1;

2) neglects the duty to notify of changes in storage facilities imposed in section 22, paragraph 2 or section 59;

3) neglects to apply for a possession permit within the period provided for in section 52, paragraph 1;

4) neglects in full or in part the duty imposed in section 60, paragraph 1 on a weapons collector to keep files;

5) neglects the duty imposed in section 52, paragraph 2, section 90 or section 112 to present or surrender a permit document to the police, the duty imposed in section 74, paragraph 3 to present or surrender a European firearms pass to the police, the duty imposed in section 96, paragraph 1 to surrender the permit document or consent to the police or the duty imposed in section 114 to present the permit document to the police;

6) neglects the duty imposed in section 70 to notify the police of the acquisition of a firearm component and to present the firearm component to the police;

7) neglects his duty of supervision after allowing another to use a firearm under section 88;

8) stores a firearm or firearm component or carries or transports a firearm;

9) neglects the duty imposed in section 108, paragraph 1, subparagraph 3 or section 112 to present a firearm that has been rendered permanently unfit for use or a firearm component permanently deactivated to the police;

10) neglects the duty to have a firearm examined in accordance with a term attached under section 110, paragraph 2 to a private manufacturing permit; or

11) neglects the duty imposed in section 117 to present a permit document or a European firearms pass or firearms, firearms components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles possessed under a permit document or under permits entered in a European firearms pass,

shall also be sentenced for a firearms offence.

Section 104

Anyone guilty of a firearms crime, gross firearms crime or firearms offence shall be sentenced to forfeit to the State the object with regard to which he has violated the provisions of this Act or its value. If a firearm is ordered to be forfeited, also the components of the firearm in question and cartridges and projectiles suitable to be used in the weapon shall be ordered to be forfeited.

An object belonging in full or in part to a person other than the offender, a person party to the crime or to a person other than the person on whose behalf or with whose consent the crime has been committed may not be ordered to be forfeited. However, an object may be ordered to be forfeited by the person to whom it has been transferred after the crime if he knew of the crime when receiving the object.

If the sanction of forfeiture, considering the circumstances surrounding the case, were unreasonable, the sanction or the claim relating to it may be waived. In lieu of the sanction of forfeiture and with the consent of the owner, it may be ordered that the firearm be rendered permanently unfit for use or the firearm component be permanently deactivated.

Chapter 10

Section 105

The holder of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles shall be under a duty to take such care of the firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles that there is no danger of them falling into the hands of unauthorised people.

Section 106

A firearm shall be stored in a locked place or otherwise locked or so that a component belonging to the firearm is stored separate from the weapon. Even when stored like this, a firearm or firearm components may not be stored in a place where they can easily be stolen.

In a public place as well as in premises accessible to the public a firearm may be carried only unloaded in a container as well as carried and transported only when justifiable reason therefor exists. In a motor vehicle, a firearm may be carried only unloaded in a container or placed in a protected place as well as carried only when justifiable reason therefor exists. The transport of a hunting weapon shall, in addition, be governed by the provisions of the Hunting Act and by provisions issued thereunder.

The storage and transportation of cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles containing explosive or incendiary material shall, in addition, be governed by the provisions of the Act on Explosive Substances and the Act on the Transport of Hazardous Substances (1994/719) as well as of provisions issued thereunder.

Section 107

The police may impose terms necessary for the maintenance of public order and safety on the storage and transport of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles.

The permit authority and the authority granting prior authorisation or consent may attach terms necessary for the maintenance of public order and safety on permits, prior authorisations and consents granted under this Act.

Section 108

After the death of the holder of a permit entitling to possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles, the firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles shall, without delay, be taken into the possession of the person having possession of the decedent’s estate. He shall be entitled to store and, for a justifiable reason, also to transport the objects referred to above for six months after the death of the holder of the authorisation or permit. During this period, he shall:

1) acquire a permit entitling to the possession of the firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles,

2) convey the firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles to someone entitled to acquire them;

3) attend to rendering the firearm permanently unfit for use or the firearm component permanently deactivated as well as to present them to the police; or

4) surrender the firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles to the police.

Any firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles discovered in the decedent’s estate after the period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be surrendered to the police without delay.

In the cases referred to in paragraph 1, subparagraph 4 and paragraph 2, the police shall make a decision to take possession of the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. The police shall prepare a record of the taking of possession or record it in another document.

Section 109

Firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles belonging to a decedent’s estate and in possession of the police under a decision made on the taking of possession shall be governed by the provisions of sections 99 and 100.

Section 110

Firearms and cartridges manufactured, repaired, transferred and imported into Finland for sales purposes shall before their marketing or other conveyance be examined in order to ascertain their safety of use in accordance with further provisions to be issued by Decree.

A term may be attached to a private manufacturing permit according to which also a firearm manufactured for one’s own use shall have to be examined in order to ascertain its safety of use.

A firearm or cartridge not approved in the examination may not be marketed or otherwise conveyed.

Section 111

Anyone who has lost a firearm or firearm component that he has had in his possession or had it stolen shall be liable to notify the police thereof without delay. In connection with the notification, the permit document or other account of his entitlement to the possession of the firearm or firearm component shall be presented.

A permit holder who has lost his permit document or European firearms pass or had its stolen and who has obtained a new permit document or firearms pass as a replacement of the one lost or stolen shall, without delay, surrender the permit document or firearms pass found later on to the police.

Section 112

The holder of a possession permit of a firearm or firearm component shall, within 30 days from the permanent rendering of the firearm unfit for use or the firearm component deactivated, present the firearm or firearm component to the police department of his place of residence. The permit document entitling to possession shall, at the same time, be presented and, upon request, surrendered to the police.

Section 113

The police shall maintain files necessary for attending to its duties relating to permit administration and supervision on firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. The files may also contain entries on the acquisition, possession, transfer, import and export of the objects referred to above and necessary for the making of the notifications referred to in the Firearms Directive, in Council Directive on the harmonisation of the provisions on the marketing and control of explosives meant for civil use (93/15/EEC) and in the convention concluded in Schengen on 19 June 1990 on the application of the convention on the gradual elimination of checks on the common borders concluded in Schengen on 14 June 1985 to the authorities of other countries.

The files referred to in paragraph 1 shall be confidential. Likewise, confidential shall be an application relating to a firearm, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles and an application for prior authorisation, consent or an approval granted to a weapons collector as well as decision made in the matter. The maintenance and use of the files and the conveyance of data therefrom shall otherwise be governed by the provisions of the Act on Personal Data Files of the Police (1995/509) and by provisions issued thereunder. The deletion of data in the files shall, however, be governed by the provisions of paragraph 3.

Data on a permit decision, prior authorisation decision, consent and approval granted to a weapons collector shall be deleted from the files referred to in paragraph 1 10 years after the end of the period of validity of the permit, prior authorisation, consent or approval. Data on a revoked or expired permit decision, prior authorisation decision, consent and approval granted to a weapons collector shall be deleted from the files 10 years after the end of the decision on the revocation or from the expiry. Data on an application that has not been approved shall be deleted from the files 10 years after the denial of the application. An entry on an obstacle or a reprimand and other data entered in the files shall be deleted 10 years after the entry of the data.

Section 114

The holder of a possession permit of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles who moves to live in the territory of another state local district shall, within three months from the change in his place of residence, present his permit document to the police department of his new place of residence in order for the necessary entries to be made in the files referred to in section 113.

Section 115

The general supervision of this Act and of provisions issued thereunder shall belong to the ministry handling firearms issues. Compliance with the Act and with provisions issued thereunder shall belong to the police. The frontier Guard and the Customs shall supervise compliance with the Act and with provisions issued thereunder in their respective areas of competence.

Section 116

Supervision of dealers and weapons collectors

In the case of an applicant for a trade permit for dealing, the police shall examine his facilities for the storage of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles. The examination shall be repeated if changes take place in the storage facilities. In addition, the police shall, at least once a year, examine the registers kept under section 25, paragraph 1 by well as the books, storages and storage facilities of dealers operating in their territory. When performing the examination, the police shall be entitled to access to the bookkeeping of the dealer as well as to the facilities in which the objects referred to above are stored.

Before granting a permit for the acquisition of the first firearm or firearm component belonging to a collection, the police shall examine the facilities in which the firearms and firearm components are stored. The examination shall be repeated if changes take place in the storage facilities. Where necessary, the police may also examine the file maintained by the weapons collector under section 60, paragraph 1.

The police shall prepare a record of the examinations it has performed or record them in another document.

Section 117

The permit document and European firearms pass as well as the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles held in possession under permits entered in the European firearms pass shall, upon request, be presented to the police as well as to a frontier Guard and Customs officer.

Section 118

Appeal against a decision made under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Act on Appeal in Administrative Matters (1996/586).

A decision referred to in this Act on the revocation of an authorisation or a permit or an approval or the taking of possession, temporary taking of possession or the extension of the validity of a temporary taking of possession shall be implemented irrespective of appeal unless forbidden by the appeal authority.

When handling an appellate issue relating to the acquisition or possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles in the Provincial Administrative Court, the State shall be represented by a civil servant belonging to the Provincial Police Executive and appointed for the task by the Provincial state office.

The State representative may appeal a decision of the Provincial Administrative Court.

Section 119

Further provisions may be issued by Decree on:

1) the measurement of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

2) the fact as to what are specially dangerous cartridges and projectiles;

3) the procedure to be applied in the application for authorisations and permits, prior authorisations, consents, the approval granted to a weapons collector and the European firearms pass, the contents of the application as well as on account necessary to decide the matters;

4) the contents of permit documents, prior authorisations, consent, the approval granted to a weapons collector and the European firearms pass;

5) the procedure to be applied when firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles have been ordered forfeited to the State or when they have, under this Act, come into the ownership of the State;

6) the transport and storage of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

7) the marking of firearms and firearm components with serial numbers or another marking suitable for the identification of the object.

The ministry handling firearms issues may issue further provision on:

1) the forms to be used in the procedures referred to in this Act;

2) the destroying or use for State purposes of firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles that have been ordered forfeited to the State or which have, under this Act, come into the ownership of the State or on their conveyance to be kept in a museum or a collection;

3) the technical safety structures required in the transport and storage of firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles as well as on the procedure for evaluating the structures;

4) the acceptable purposes of use of firearms referred to in this Act and on the firearms, firearm components, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles suitable to be used for these purposes;

5) the procedure relating to the evaluation of the preconditions laid down for the approval of a weapons collector;

6) the terms necessary for the maintenance of public order and safety to be issued under this Act.

Where necessary, the ministry handling firearms issues shall issue further instructions on the technical aspects relating to the rendering of firearms permanently unfit for use and the firearm components permanently deactivated.

Chapter 11

Section 120

This Act shall enter into force on 1.3.1988.

this Act shall repeal the Act on Firearms and Projectiles of 27 January 1933 (1933/33) with later amendments. However, the Decree on the Inspection of Firearms and Projectiles of 27 August 1982 (1982/656) issued under the Act shall remain in force.

Measures necessary for the implementation of this Act may be undertaken prior to its entry into force.

Section 121

Authorisations and permits relating to firearms, firearm components and cartridges granted under the previous Act shall remain in force.

Section 122

Anyone who upon the entry into force of this Act manufactures cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles shall acquire a trade permit for dealing entitling to the activity within six months from the entry into force of the Act.

Section 123

Anyone who upon the entry into force of this Act is employed by a dealer to transport, store or otherwise to handle firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles in possession of the dealer shall acquire a firearms license within one year from the entry into force of the Act.

Section 124

Anyone who, prior to the entry into force of this Act, has acquired a firearm the possession of which has not required a permit under provisions in force upon the entry into force of the Act shall acquire a permit for the possession of the weapon within one year from the entry into force of the Act.

Anyone who, prior to the entry into force of this Act, has acquired a firearm component referred to in paragraph 1 shall acquire a permit for the possession of the firearm component within one year from the entry into force of the Act. Instead of the acquisition of the permit:

1) a weapons collector may draft a file referred to in section 60 of the firearm components in his possession; and

2) anyone entitled to possession of a firearm complied of corresponding components referred to in section 19, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 may make the notification referred to in section 70 to the police department of his place of residence.

The firearm or firearm component shall be presented when applying for the permit unless this is considered unnecessary by the permit authority.

Section 125

Anyone who, prior to the entry into force of this Act, has acquired a specially dangerous cartridge that he is entitled to possess or specially dangerous projectiles shall acquire an projectiles permit within six months from the entry into force of the Act.

The cartridge or projectiles shall be presented when applying for the permit unless this is considered unnecessary by the permit authority.

Section 126

Anyone who, under the Decree on the Firearms and Firearm Supplies of Persons Employed by the Defence Forces or Belonging to the Civil Guards (1933/128), has been granted the right to the acquisition or possession of a firearm shall acquire a permit complying with this Act within one year from the entry into force of the Act.

The firearm shall be presented when applying for the permit unless this is considered unnecessary by the permit authority.

Section 127

Anyone who, prior to the entry into force of this Act, has acquired a firearm, firearm component, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles for the possession of which he should acquire a permit under sections 124 to 126, may, instead of the acquisition of the permit, within the period laid down in the relevant section, convey the object to someone who, under this Act, is entitled to acquire the object. The objects may also be surrendered to the police, in which case they will transfer to the ownership of the State without redemption.

Section 128

A permit that is applied for:

1) under section 122, shall be granted to an applicant entitled to carry on the trade who notifies the person in charge referred to in section 26, who, in the cases referred to in section 20, paragraph 3, has a firearm license and the location of whose storage facilities for cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles have been approved by the police department of the place of their location;

2) under section 123 shall be granted without the evaluation of the conditions for the granting the permit referred to in section 27;

3) under sections 124 to 126 shall be granted without the evaluation of the conditions for the granting of the permit referred to in section 45.

The permits referred to in paragraph 1 shall be granted without a permit fee.

Section 129

A permit for the acquisition and possession of a firearm or firearm component for storage in a weapons collection may be granted for six months from the entry into force of this Act even if the applicant does not have the approval referred to in section 57, paragraph 1.

Section 130

If firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles belong to a decedent’s estate that has not been distributed upon the entry into force of this Act, the provisions of section 108 shall be applied. The period referred to in paragraph 1 of the section shall start to run on the date of the entry into force of the Act.

Section 131

A permit or appeal issue relating to firearms, firearm components or cartridges that has been initiated prior to the entry into force of this Act shall be governed by the provisions in force upon the entry into force of the Act.

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In accordance with the decision of Parliament,

section 23 of the Police Act of 7 April 1995 (1995/493) is amended as follows:

Section 23

In addition to the provisions of this Act or in another Act, a policeman shall have the right temporarily to take possession of explosives and other dangerous objects or substances from anyone who, on the basis of his age, intoxication, state of mind or other circumstances can, with justifiable reason, be suspected of causing immediate danger to public order and safety.

Instead of the whole object, the taking of possession may be limited to a component belonging or relating to the object whose removal can prevent the causing of the danger referred to in paragraph 1.

A record shall be drafted of the taking of possession of the property or an entry thereof shall be made in another document.

The taking of possession of a firearm, firearm component, cartridges and specially dangerous projectiles shall be governed by the provisions of the Firearms Act ( 1 /1988).

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This Act shall enter into force on 1.3.1998.

In accordance with the decision of Parliament,

section 19, subparagraph 4 of the Act on the Personal Data File of the Police of 7 April 1995 (1995/509) is amended and

a new subparagraph 4 is added to section 20, so that the present subparagraph 4 becomes subparagraph 5, as follows:

Section 19

By means of a technical user interface, the police may convey, from the personal data file of the police, information that is necessary:

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4) for the courts and prosecution authorities for the handling of issues relating to firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles;

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Section 20

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The police shall have the right to convey information regarding the acquisition, possession, transfer, import and export of to firearms, firearm components, cartridges or specially dangerous projectiles from the personal data file of the police to the authority of another country responsible for the supervision of weapons if the conveyance of the information is necessary for the supervision of weapons.

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This Act shall enter into force on 1.3.1998.