EU Reviews Firearms Rules as a Digital Gun Passport Gains Momentum

The European Commission has opened a new practical review phase of the EU Firearms Directive, bringing civilian firearms stakeholders together in Brussels on 24 and 25 June to examine how the rules work on the ground.

The meeting, organised by the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, DG HOME, brought together representatives of the private firearms sector in this format for the first time, including manufacturers, dealers, sport shooters, collectors and hunters.

According to the Commission’s official note, the aim of the so-called Reality Check was to gather real-world experience of the daily application of EU firearms rules. Brussels frames the consultation as part of the Directive’s periodic evaluation, intended to assess whether its provisions remain fit for purpose and function properly within the internal market.

The European Firearms Pass matters for hunters

For the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, FACE, one of the central issues is the status of the European Firearms Pass. The document allows lawful users, including hunters and sport shooters, to travel between EU Member States with registered firearms, subject to the conditions set by EU rules and the relevant national authorisations.

FACE says the Directive has generally provided a useful framework for hunter mobility within the European Union. However, it warns that many practical problems arise less from the EU text itself than from the way individual Member States interpret or transpose it.

Those differences can lead to additional requirements, inconsistent procedures and uncertainty for people travelling legally to hunt or take part in sporting activities.

Digitalisation without reopening the whole Directive

One priority highlighted by FACE and other sector representatives is the digitalisation of the European Firearms Pass. The organisation argues that moving from a paper-based system to a digital format could simplify procedures, reduce administrative burdens and strengthen the security of the system without requiring a broad reopening of the Directive.

The Commission also lists this issue among the topics discussed during the technical sessions, alongside obstacles linked to stricter national transpositions and rules on trade, cross-border transfers and the lawful use of firearms by authorised private individuals.

Brussels says its approach is to preserve a balance between administrative simplification and internal security in the acquisition, possession and trade of firearms.