Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Switzerland. 1997 ‘General Provisions - Subject-Matter, Scope and Definitions.’ Federal Law on Arms, Arms Accessories and Ammunitions of 20 June 1997 (Status as on 12 December 2008); Chapter 1 (Section 1). Geneva: Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation / Translation for the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. 20 June
Relevant contents
General Provisions: Subject-Matter, Scope and Definitions
Art. 1 Objective and Subject-Matter
1 The objective of this law is to combat the wrongful use of arms, essential components of arms, specially designed components of arms, accessories of arms, ammunitions and components of ammunitions.
2 It governs the acquisition, introduction into Swiss territory, export, storage, possession, carrying, transport, brokerage, manufacture and trade of:
a. arms, essential components of arms, specially designed components of arms and
accessories of arms;
b. ammunitions and components of ammunitions.
3 Its objective is also to prevent the wrongful carrying of dangerous objects.
Art. 2 Scope
1 This law does not apply to the army, the military administrations or the Customs and police authorities.
2 Antique arms are governed solely by art. 27 and 28, and by the pertinent criminal provisions of this law. Antique arms are understood to mean firearms manufactured before 1870 and knives or other arms manufactured before 1900.
3 Federal legislation on hunting and federal military legislation are reserved.
Art. 3 Right to acquire, possess and carry arms
The right to acquire, possess and carry arms is guaranteed in the framework of this law.
[Editor's Note: After reviewing available legislation and other source documents, GunPolicy.org found no evidence of a provision in law to regulate this aspect of firearm policy. As some authorities enforce restrictions only in practice, the mere absence of a published legal provision should be treated with caution]
Last accessed at:
http://www.poa-iss.org/CASACountryProfile/NationalLegislation/1@Swiss-Weapons-Act-.fr.pdf