National weapons amnesty 2023


The government is introducing a weapons amnesty from 1 January to 1 June 2023. In Svalbard, weapons and ammunition can be delivered to the Governor on Mondays and Tuesdays until 1 June.

Published 1/2/2023

The weapons amnesty guarantees impunity for non-compliance with the requirements for a license and registration pursuant to §§ 5, 6 or 7 of the Weapons Act when the matter is reported to the police during the amnesty period. During the amnesty period, the individual shall be given the opportunity to:

  • Submission of all types of weapons, firearms, and weapon parts for destruction.
  • Registration of unregistered firearms subject to registration. Ordinary requirements of age, personal characteristics and needs will apply. Requirements for firearms proficiency must be met and documented.
  • Possibility of disabling firearms.

It is specified that deactivation can only be carried out by a person or company with a license in accordance with Section 23 of the Weapons Act and Chapter 9 of the Weapons Regulations. The weapon must be sent to a gunsmith on the mainland by post. Expenses related to the deactivation must be covered by the owner as well as the fee requirement from Kripos in connection with approval of the deactivation.

Implementation
Handing in weapons, ammunition or other claims relating to the amnesty can be made at the Governor's office at Skjæringa on Mondays and Tuesdays between 10:00 and 15:00 in the period 1 January - 1 June 2023.

Questions regarding the amnesty can be sent to firmapost@sysselmesteren.no

Firearms controls continue in Longyearbyen
The Governor continues checks on the storage of firearms, weapon parts and ammunition. Everyone who owns a firearm is required to store the weapon or a vital part in an FG-approved weapon cabinet. Weapons and weapon cards as well as the storage of ammunition are checked.