Firearms, ammunition, accessories and parts and components thereof, including airsoft guns and airguns

Member: 
Philippines
Legislations
Product Category

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

All importations of firearms, ammunition, accessories and parts and components thereof, including airsoft guns and airguns require an Import Permit issued by the Philippine National Police through the Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) pursuant to Republic Act No. 10591 its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) and other applicable regulations. The importation must also be compliant with Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)” dated 30 May 2016.

Under the non-automatic licensing system, only persons, firms and institutions with valid license to deal/manufacture firearms and ammunition are qualified to apply for Import Permit. However, in case of foreign donation or military grants to the Philippine Government, the Department who is the final recipient of the goods may directly apply for an Import Permit without passing through licensed dealers of firearms and ammunition.

2

Product coverage

All importations of firearms, ammunition, accessories and parts and components thereof, including airsoft guns and airguns require an Import Permit.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

Non-Automatic licensing to pursue obligations under the UN Charter and other international treaties; and to regulate imports of arms, ammunition or fissionable materials and safeguard national security

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

The purpose of issuance of an Import Permit is to protect national security interest, public safety and pursue obligations under the UN Charter and other international commitments/agreement (i.e. UNSC Resolutions, UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) etc.)

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The requirement applies to goods originating from any country except those that are included in the UN Arms Embargo List.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Ongoing

Legal requirements

9

Is the licensing statutorily required?

Republic Act No. 10591 its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR); PNP Circular No. 1 "Rules and regulations covering the sale/importation, manufacture, possession of bullet proof vest/vestments"; PNP Circular No. 11 "Revised Rules and regulations governing the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, possession, carrying of airsoft rifles/pistols and operation of airsoft game sites and airsoft teams"; Executive Order No. 712 "Regulating the manufacture, sale and possession of air rifles/pistols which are considered as firearms"; Letter of Instruction No. 1264 series 1982 and Philippine National Police Commission Committee Resolution No. 01-2014 govern the importation regulations. The importation must also be compliant with Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)” dated 30 May 2016.

10

Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?

11

Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

a) Under the non-automatic licensing system, only persons, firms and institutions duly registered as licensed dealers of firearms and ammunition are qualified to apply for Import Permit. However, in case of foreign donation or military grants to the Philippine Government, the Department who is the final recipient of the goods may directly apply for an Import Permit without passing through licensed dealers of firearms and ammunition.

b) Under the automatic system, all persons, firms and institutions, are eligible to apply for license as long as they meet the basic requirements/criteria laid down by the administering agencies and bureaus.

14

Is there a registration fee?

c) Pursuant to National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Committee Resolution No. 01-2014 “New Fees/Rates and Charges Relative to the Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition” the Import Permit fee is being paid at authorized Bank in the amount of Php 100.00 per permit plus the following fees imposed to each commodity upon arrival:

a.

Firearm

 

P 15.00/firearm

b.

Ammunition

 

P 0.10/piece

c.

Components           

Shells  

P 0.02/piece

 

 

Primers

P 0.01/piece

 

 

Gunpowder     

P 1.00/kilo

d.

Major Parts

Slide    

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Barrel

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Frame

P 6.00/piece

e.

Bullet-Proof Vest/Vestments

P 200.00/piece

f.

Firearm Accessories    

P 1.00/piece

g.

Electronic Devices       

P 50.00/piece

h.

Crowd Control Equipment

P 50.00/piece

i.

Munition and Air Munition Products

P .01/piece

j

Reloading Machine and other equipment/instruments/implements used or intended to be used in manufacturing

P 500.00

k.

Manufacturer intended for use in their Export production

P 100.00/Certificate of Balance
15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

Permits and Other Licenses Section, Firearms Licensing Division, FEO

17

Address

Col. Briones St. Cor. Alagar St. Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City 1111, Philippines

18

Telephone

(02) 723 04 01 local 4478

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

polsection.fldfeo@gmail.com

21

Website

https://www.feo.net

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Ministry/authority and Department: Firearms and Explosives Office, Philippine National Police (FEO-PNP)
Address: Col. Briones St. Cor. Alagar St. Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City 1111, Philippines
Website: https://www.feo.net
Telephone: (02) 723 04 01 local 4558
E-Mail: polsection.fldfeo@gmail.com

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

The information usually required in applications includes name and address of importer, name of owner/company official representing the company, contact details, name and contact details of authorized liaison, country of origin, name of foreign supplier and address, purpose of importation, items and quantity to be imported.

25

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

The usual documentary requirements are the following:

I. Importation by Licensed dealers for commercial sale/distribution and by Licensed Manufacturers:

a) Duly filled-out notarized application form with attachment indicating the specific items to be imported and quantity; and
b) Copy of License to Deal/Manufacture.

II. For government procurement:

a) Duly filled-out notarized application form with attachment indicating the specific items to be imported and quantity;
b) Copy of License to Deal;
c) Letter of Intent by purchasing agency;
d) End-User Certificate;
e) Purchase Order;
f) Contract Agreement;
g) Certificate of Availability of Funds; and
h) Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.

Additional requirements for Local Government Units

a) Inventory of Firearms certified by Authorized Bonded Firearm Custodian;
b) List of Regular Plantilla position authorized to use firearm; and
c) Board Resolution from Sanggunian Panlalawigan/Panglunsod/Bayan/Barangay Lupon

III. For Donations

a) Duly filled-out notarized application form with attached list of items and quantity to be imported;
b) Letter of Intent from requesting agency;
c) End-User Certificate;
d) List/Inventory of items to be donated and quantity; and
e) Duly notarized Deed of Donation.

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

The application for an Import Permit is submitted at the Permits and Other Licenses (POL) Section, Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, 1111 Quezon City.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

Applications may be filed on any working day of the year.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Under normal circumstances, an application for an Import Permit if requirements are complete, valid, authentic and provides consistent information in all respects can be granted within 24 working days or even sooner.

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The approving authority is the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with a validity of three years if the importation is intended for commercial distribution, one year if government procurement, and six months for those items temporarily imported to the Philippines for purposes of test and evaluation, trade exhibits. For imported items to be used as test and evaluation, and trade exhibits the approving authority is the Chief of the FEO provided it will not exceed five per type of firearm or 10,000 rounds of ammunition per firearm.

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

Only one administrative body considers the application for license.

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

Import permit/clearance/authority may be issued upon compliance with the requirements above and conditions imposed by the FEO.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

The licensing fees or administrative charges imposed are as follows:

A) Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories and Parts and Components thereof, including airsoft guns and airguns

 

Authority to Import/Export Firearms, Ammunitions, Spare Parts, Accessories and Components

P 100.00/permit

Permit to Import Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD)

P 5,000.00/permit

Permit to Export Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD)

No fee

Permit to Import Explosives/Explosive Ingredients

P 6,000.00/permit

Permit to Export Explosives/Explosive Ingredients

No fee

Permit to Import Controlled Chemicals

P 6,000.00/permit

Permit to Unload Explosive/Explosives Ingredients/Controlled Chemicals

P 0.10/ liter/kg

Other Fees, (to be paid upon arrival of firearms, parts of firearm, accessories, ammunition and ammunition components)

a.

Firearm

 

P 15.00/firearm

b.

Ammunition

 

P 0.10/piece

c.

Components           

Shells  

P 0.02/piece

 

 

Primers

P 0.01/piece

 

 

Gunpowder     

P 1.00/kilo

d.

Major Parts

Slide    

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Barrel

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Frame

P 6.00/piece

e.

Bullet-Proof Vest/Vestments

P 200.00/piece

f.

Firearm Accessories    

P 1.00/piece

g.

Electronic Devices       

P 50.00/piece

h.

Crowd Control Equipment

P 50.00/piece

i.

Munition and Air Munition Products

P .01/piece

j

Reloading Machine and other equipment/instruments/implements used or intended to be used in manufacturing

P 500.00

k.

Manufacturer intended for use in their Export production

P 100.00/Certificate of Balance

 

B) For Explosives, Explosives Ingredients and Controlled Chemicals

 

Authority to Import/Export Firearms, Ammunitions, Spare Parts, Accessories and Components

P 100.00/permit

Permit to Import Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD)

P 5,000.00/permit

Permit to Export Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices (FCPD)

No fee

Permit to Import Explosives/Explosive Ingredients

P 6,000.00/permit

Permit to Export Explosives/Explosive Ingredients

No fee

Permit to Import Controlled Chemicals

P 6,000.00/permit

Permit to Unload Explosive/Explosives Ingredients/Controlled Chemicals

P 0.10/ liter/kg

 

Other Fees, (to be paid upon the arrival of firearms, parts of firearm, accessories, ammunition and ammunition components)

a.

Firearm

 

P 15.00/firearm

b.

Ammunition

 

P 0.10/piece

c.

Components           

Shells  

P 0.02/piece

 

 

Primers

P 0.01/piece

 

 

Gunpowder     

P 1.00/kilo

d.

Major Parts

Slide    

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Barrel

P 6.00/piece

 

 

Frame

P 6.00/piece

e.

Bullet-Proof Vest/Vestments

P 200.00/piece

f.

Firearm Accessories    

P 1.00/piece

g.

Electronic Devices       

P 50.00/piece

h.

Crowd Control Equipment

P 50.00/piece

i.

Munition and Air Munition Products

P .01/piece

j

Reloading Machine and other equipment/instruments/implements used or intended to be used in manufacturing

P 500.00

k.

Manufacturer intended for use in their Export production

P 100.00/Certificate of Balance
35

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of licenses.

Please refer to https://www.feo-system.com for further information.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

During an election period, applicants must first secure an Exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to authorize the domestic movement of imported goods from the port of entry to its final destination.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

Upon importation, the applicant needs to apply for a Certificate of Balance and Permit to Transport (PTT) to be presented at the Bureau of Customs with the following requirements:

a) Duly filled-out application form;
b) Copy of valid Import Permit;
c) Commercial invoice;
d) Bill of lading/Airway Bill; and
e) Packing List

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

Not applicable.

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

The following are the usual conditions imposed in an Import Permit being issued:

1. That upon arrival from abroad, the items shall be transferred from the Bureau of Customs to the Firearms and Explosives Office for inspection and documentation;
2. That the consignee shall furnish the FEO (Attn: Chief, FEO) a document attesting to the receipt and disposition of the items;
3. That importation of defense articles from countries where there is an existing arms embargo is prohibited; and
4. That importer/dealer shall furnish a copy of the approved Export Permit from the country of origin to the FEO upon embarkation of items. Failure to comply shall be a violation of reportorial requirements and shall be a ground for revocation of License;
5. That the importer/dealer shall religiously comply with the conditions set forth in its license to deal lest revocation and forfeiture of the bond shall be imposed; and
6. That the Permit shall be deemed null and void if the arrival of shipment in the Philippine Port is prior to the issuance of this Permit.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a license subject to quota or a portion of it.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licenses are made in the name of the applicant-importer only and are non-transferable.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

Not applicable.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

Not applicable.

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

Not applicable.

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

Not applicable.