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The Saudi Gazette reported this week that 12 government entities have jointly approved a comprehensive guide outlining conditions for importing individual and air rifles intended for recreational use along with fireworks. The framework developed with input from the ministries of commerce interior environment energy and industry plus several specialised authorities sets mandatory steps for licensing storage transport and approvals. It aims to standardise procedures across agencies while addressing safety and security concerns tied to these categories of goods. Applications must now pass through multiple layers of review before any import permit is granted.
Under the new rules businesses importing recreational or air rifles require a valid licence from the Ministry of Sports and an active commercial registration. Submissions to the sports ministry must detail exact quantities product catalogues the entry port and approved storage sites before referral to the Public Security Directorate’s weapons and explosives unit. The process ensures coordinated oversight from all participating bodies before clearance. This structured approach replaces previous fragmented requirements with a single reference document.
Importers seeking permits for air rifles must meet personal criteria including a minimum age of 25 years and a clean record free of criminal or security restrictions. They are required to secure storage facilities vetted by public security officials and obtain civil defence sign-off on safety standards. An unconditional bank guarantee of 500000 Saudi riyals must accompany each application together with installation of an electronic inventory system that tracks all stock movements in real time. These conditions apply uniformly to commercial operators in the sector.
Separate provisions govern antique firearms under the approved guide. Applicants must be at least 22 years old and supply verifiable documentation proving the weapons were manufactured before 1900. The rules explicitly state that a simple antique label is insufficient for customs clearance without supporting historical evidence. Public security authorities will conduct final reviews of all such requests to confirm compliance with the new standards.
Fireworks imports face equally rigorous conditions according to the Saudi Gazette summary of the guide. Importers must be Saudi nationals with no security flags hold a current commercial registration and provide insurance or guarantees covering staff and third parties against potential harm. Dedicated transport trucks and warehouses are compulsory along with an electronic monitoring system for all inventory. Sales or use in public displays require additional approval from the weapons and explosives department before any event can proceed.
The latest regulatory update builds on earlier measures that have progressively tightened controls over firearms and explosives in the kingdom. Gulf News has previously reported that a 2024 ministerial decree made toxicology tests mandatory for all new gun licence applicants while penalties for smuggling fireworks include up to six months imprisonment and fines reaching 100000 riyals. World Bank trade data indicate that European Union countries exported fireworks worth more than one million dollars to Saudi Arabia in 2024 underscoring the volume of regulated commerce. These steps reflect a consistent policy direction aimed at reducing unauthorised access and enhancing public safety across related categories.
Processing of import applications now follows a fixed sequence that begins at the Ministry of Sports before security vetting and final approvals from civil defence and other listed entities. The guide specifies that all participating bodies must align on documentation standards to avoid delays or rejections at the border. Importers are expected to complete technical preparations including the electronic tracking systems within set timeframes after initial approval. The consolidated framework is designed to provide clarity for legitimate commercial activity while maintaining strict oversight.
