UK implements stricter firearms licensing safeguards

The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2026 came into force on 29 September, introducing stricter licensing requirements for firearm and shotgun certificate holders in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Under the new regulations, applicants must declare all members of their household and any second homes where firearms may be stored. This allows police to conduct security checks at additional addresses and assess wider safety risks, such as domestic abuse or mental wellbeing.

Medical reporting requirements have also been expanded. Certificate holders are now required to notify police if they are diagnosed with or treated for a relevant medical condition—such as depression or dementia—during the five-year life of their certificate, or if an existing condition worsens. Crucially, holders must now report consultations with doctors outside of their regular GP practice, including private and online medical services, to prevent information gaps.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones stated that these changes aim to close loopholes and ensure firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. While police forces will continue to accept old application forms for one month, revised forms will become mandatory starting 29 October.