What part of a firearm is considered a firearm in Belgium?

[Mags]

Can I poesses AR uppers and complete pistol slides whithout a firearm permit in Belgium? Ammo too?

 

[Zoogster]

I don't know, but I do recall in some parts of Europe it is the part of the firearm that contains the explosive gases or the barrel that are restricted. In Germany for example barrels and bolts are restricted like receivers are in the US. So an AR upper would be the firearm in Germany. The pistol barrel and slide treated like a receiver here etc
So there is places where the lower or what in the US would be a receiver is less restricted than the upper and barrel.


Some places even regulate firearm accessories, like stocks and sights and other things completely unregulated within the US. So its not always as simple as what part is the regulated part like in the US, sometimes multiple separate parts are individually regulated and to different specifications.
ITAR and other US export laws can also regulate such things otherwise unregulated internally within the US if you plan to export them out of the country.
For example the case of the woman 'smuggling' a night vision scope out of the country to Russia not that long ago. A scope completely unregulated in the US that anyone can buy no questions asked and that does not even require ID to purchase is a serious crime to take out of the country.

 

[Sunray]

No. " three-month practical and theoretical procedure coupled with a police screening before they are granted a permit to buy a gun."

 

[Mags]

Sunray, so are you saying upper receivers are considered firearms in Belgium? I already know the licensing requirement, I am exempt from ITAR for my shipment.

Alll I need to know is what is considered a firearm and what is regulated in Belgium?

 

[GRIZ22]

Mags are you in the US military?

 

[berrieberrie]

Belgium here... I'll try to keep it short and simple: most stuff requires a gun permit/license, and even more stuff requires an import license.

You need a permit/license for most firearms and ammo, but also for frames, barrels, slides, cylinders, uppers, lowers and bolts. You don't need a license for scopes, optics, sights and magazines.

An import permit is required for all the above, plus everything that goes on or with a weapons, even the smallest spring or part. This includes scopes, optics, sights and even grip plates. In short, ITAR-exempt in this case only means that you can get your stuff out of the USA without any trouble, but that's about it. The receiving party in Belgium will also need an import license and the proper permit/license to own the part in question. Also, bear in mind that certain things will need Belgian proof marks (extra costs and paperwork) or are prohibited altogether (5.7 ammo, for example).

Any questions, PM me for info. I am fairly knowledgeable on the laws (disclaimer: Belgian gun owner and LEO), or can get you in contact with people who know even better.

 

[Boanerges57]

Many countries in europe are highly restrictive on what you can own. Britain requires you to register how much ammunition you purchase and every casing must be accounted for at any time.
Switzerland and the nordic nations all seem to have the best firearms laws.
Mostly the ownership of any part of a firearm will cause you trouble if the policia find out. Even de-activated souvinier firearms are required to be accompanied by a certificate of deactivation and have their barrels welded and key components cut or welded.
I was once placed in a holding cell for over an hour without any information being given to me when i simply asked a question about the law regarding air rifle power limits.
Your best bet is to actually ask either a lawyer or a customs officer, generally the ordinary police do not know those details off hand since the come across firearms issues so rarely.

 

[lykoris]

I was once placed in a holding cell for over an hour without any information being given to me when i simply asked a question about the law regarding air rifle power limits.

what country in Europe did this happen in?

berrieberrie,

can you pm me the relevant authority I need to call for purchasing firearms in Belgium? I don't like relying upon the armory entirely and like to double check all the requirements to make sure everything is in order.

Cheers!