Inherited weapons; notification of the installation of a blocking system

If you have inherited weapons and/or ammunition that require a permit, do not have a gun ownership card and cannot prove a need to possess the inherited weapons, you must render the inherited weapons unusable or have them fitted with a state-of-the-art blocking system. Ammunition requiring a permit must be rendered inoperable or handed over to an authorized person (for further information, see "Related topics" "Green gun ownership card for heirs; application").

The blocking system must be installed by a recognized gun dealer or gunsmith. They will also issue you with proof of installation. The Physikalisch-technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig tests the conformity and approves newly developed blocking systems in accordance with the Technical Directive - Blocking Systems for Inherited Weapons. Further information, including the current status of the blocking systems available on the market, can be found at the Physikalisch-technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) under "Further links".

If there is no state-of-the-art blocking system on the market for one or more inherited firearms, you can apply for an exemption from the obligation to secure all inherited firearms with a state-of-the-art blocking system.

• You have inherited weapons.
• You have had a state-of-the-art blocking system installed in your inherited firearm(s) or can prove that there is no such blocking system on the market for all inherited firearms.

You must notify the competent firearms authority of the installation of the blocking system or apply for approval of an exemption from the obligation to install the blocking system. Submit the notification or application together with the required documents.

You can use the NWR identification numbers (NWR ID) to complete the notification or application more quickly:

• your personal NWR ID (P or F NWR ID) for your personal details
• the permit NWR ID for the firearms permit (E-NWR ID)
• the weapon or weapon part NWR ID (W or T NWR ID).

You can obtain the NWR IDs on application to the relevant weapons authority.

• Identity card or passport (copy)
• Proof of installation of a blocking system or proof that there is no blocking system on the market