Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
European Parliament. 2021 ‘Article 10.’ Directive (EU) 2021/555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (codification); Chapter 2. Brussels: European Union. 24 March
Relevant contents
Article 10
1. No one may acquire a firearm classified in category B within the territory of a Member State unless that Member State has authorised him or her to do so. No such authorisation may be given to a resident of another Member State without that Member State's prior agreement.
2. No one may be in possession of a firearm classified in category B within the territory of a Member State unless that Member State has so authorised him or her. If the person is a resident of another Member State, that other Member State shall be informed accordingly.
3. An authorisation to acquire, and an authorisation to possess, a firearm classified in category B may take the form of a single administrative decision.
4. Member States may consider granting persons who satisfy the conditions for the granting of an authorisation for a firearm a multiannual licence for the acquisition and possession of all firearms subject to authorisation, without prejudice to:
(a) the obligation to notify the competent authorities of transfers;
(b) the periodic verification that those persons continue to satisfy the conditions; and
(c) the maximum limits for possession laid down in national law.
Authorisations for possession of firearms shall be reviewed periodically, at intervals not exceeding five years. An authorisation may be renewed or prolonged if the conditions on the basis of which it was granted are still fulfilled.
5. Member States may decide to confirm, renew or prolong authorisations for semi-automatic firearms classified in point 6, 7 or 8 of category A in respect of a firearm which was classified in category B, and lawfully acquired and registered, before 13 June 2017, subject to the other conditions laid down in this Directive. Furthermore, Member States may allow such firearms to be acquired by other persons authorised by Member States in accordance with this Directive.
6. Member States shall lay down rules to ensure that persons holding authorisations for firearms of category B in force under national law on 28 July 2008 do not need to apply for a licence or permit regarding firearms they held in categories C or D before that date. However, any transfer of firearms of categories C or D shall be subject to the transferee obtaining or having a licence or being specifically permitted to possess those firearms in accordance with national law