An amended law on firearms and explosives has come into force in Poland.

The most important change introduced are more stringent requirements for obtaining a licence to carry firearms.

Persons convicted for criminal offenses or tax related crimes will not be eligible for such permits, as will those with records of involuntary manslaughter, battery, crimes committed under the influence of alcohol or perpetrators of road collisions who fled the scene of the accident.

Another novelty is a more precise definition of the so-called register of positive prerequisites, whereby law enforcement bodies cannot decide arbitrarily on factors for granting firearm permits. Now, the police is obliged to grant a licence if the applicant satisfies all mandatory requirements.

The main requirements for obtaining permission to carry and use firearms have been maintained, for example, passing relevant medical and psychological examinations as well as tests on legal aspects governing the use such weapons.

Additionally, when filing for a permit the candidates must state the purpose of their application and the exact type and number of weapons they intend to use. (ss/jb)

Source: IAR