Saudi Arabia Tightens Regulations on Import of Toy Weapons, Air Rifles, and Fireworks

RIYADH — Twelve government entities have tightened the regulatory framework for importing toy weapons and air rifles for recreational use. They have also set out mandatory requirements for import, storage and transportation, as well as the approvals and documents required to bring them into the Kingdom.

The entities include the Ministry of Commerce; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ministry of Energy; Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources; Supreme Authority for Industrial Security; the Saudi Food and Drug Authority; the Communications and Space Technology Commission; the General Authority for Media Regulation; the National Center for Environmental Compliance; and the National Center for Wildlife Development.

The guide stipulates that the import of individual and air rifles requires a valid business license from the Ministry of Sports, a valid commercial registration, and a statement specifying the quantities to be released, accompanied by their catalogs and details of the port of entry and storage location. The application must be submitted to the relevant department within the Ministry of Sports and subsequently referred to the Public Security Directorate, specifically the Weapons and Explosives Department, for review and issuance of the import permit.

For air rifles, the guidelines stipulate that the applicant must be at least 25 years old, have no criminal record or security restrictions, provide a storage facility approved by Public Security, obtain Civil Defense approval for safety requirements, provide an unconditional bank guarantee of SR500,000, and maintain an electronic system for inventory monitoring and tracking resources and expenditures.

For antique firearms, the guidelines stipulate that the applicant must be at least 22 years old and that the firearms must have been manufactured before 1900 AD, with documentary proof provided to establish this.

Regarding fireworks, the guidelines stipulate that the importer must be a Saudi national, have no security restrictions, possess a valid commercial registration, provide a guarantee or insurance covering employees and third parties, provide dedicated trucks and warehouses, and maintain an inventory monitoring system. Fireworks may not be sold or used for display purposes without approval from the General Directorate of Weapons and Explosives.

Security expert Maj. Gen. Misfer Al-Juaid told Okaz that the guidelines set specific conditions for importing weapons, including personal firearms and hunting weapons. He emphasized that the sale of weapons and ammunition is restricted to temporary events.

He added that the regulations require weapons and ammunition to be stored at locations approved by Public Security and prohibit the sale of fireworks without approval from the General Directorate of Weapons and Explosives. The regulations also require insurance from a Saudi insurance company covering employees and third parties, the provision of dedicated trucks for transporting fireworks, the establishment of permanent warehouses for storing fireworks, and the implementation of an electronic system for inventory monitoring.