Weapons Dealer License

Businesses that commercially manufacture, repair, modify, or trade firearms or ammunition require a weapons dealer license (Waffenhandelserlaubnis) under the Weapons Act (Waffengesetz). This applies to gun shops, gunsmiths, ammunition retailers, and firearms importers.

You apply at the weapons authority (Waffenbehörde) of your district. The authority first checks your personal reliability and suitability, then registers you for the specialist knowledge examination (Waffenfachkundeprüfung) at the IHK. The exam covers weapons law, ballistics, handling safety, and relevant regulations. Registered master gunsmiths (Büchsenmacher) with a craft roll entry are exempt from the exam. Your business premises must meet security requirements for weapons storage, and you must maintain detailed records of all transactions in a weapons register.