Information for museums possessing and displaying arms items

Guidance on the obligations of museums possessing and displaying arms items.

What’s in the guide?

The guide includes detailed information to help you meet your obligations.

All museum curators or directors responsible for firearms must comply with the laws relating to the possession, secure storage, and display of firearms and ammunition.

Download the guide

Guide to the obligations of museums possessing and displaying arms items

Museums and the Arms Act (the legislative framework)

Legislative framework, criteria for bona fide museums, licensing requirements, and operating across multiple premises.

Licensing as a curator of firearms

Requirements for holding a dealer's licence, including when firearms are stored but not displayed. Also covers endorsement requirements based on the types of firearms held.

Obligations of the dealer's licence holder

Responsibilities under the Arms Act 1983 and Arms Regulations 1992.

Museum staff

Obligations for staff assisting the curator or director, including those under a dealer's licence.

Record keeping requirements

Simplified guide to maintaining records in perpetuity, aligned with legislative requirements.

Security provisions

Secure storage and display requirements, including safes, strongrooms, layered security, and use of CCTV.

Firearms definitions

Overview of antique and replica firearms, and guidance on rendering firearms inoperable by removing vital parts.

Transactions involving arms items

Information on acquisition and disposal of arms items by sale or loan.

Definitions

Glossary of terms commonly used in firearms legislation.