Why do I need to obtain a B709 Import Certificate?

Department of Home Affairs will not allow certain items to be released on arrival in NSW unless they have confirmation from the New South Wales Police Force that the person is authorised to possess the firearm or article in NSW.

What if I am uncertain of whether or not I need to get a B709 Certificate when importing an item?

You can contact the Department of Home Affairs to confirm whether the item needs police certification - www.border.gov.au

Telephone Number: 1300 363 263 or when outside Australia: +6106275 6666.

Enquiries: www.border.gov.au/about/contact/make-enquiry

Department of Home Affairs fact sheets relating to the importation of firearms and weapons can be accessed at http://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Impo/Proh/Firearms-and-weapons

Do I have to nominate a NSW licensed firearms dealer?

If the firearms you are importing are unregistered, you must nominate a NSW licensed firearms dealer to pick the firearm up on your behalf from Customs. In this case the B709 Certificate will be posted to the firearms dealer

If I am importing an unregistered firearm, do I have to lodge a Permit to Acquire a Firearm (PTA) Application?

Yes, if you are importing unregistered firearms, your B709 Certification will not be approved until you have lodged the PTA with the Firearms Registry for the firearm you are importing.

Can I import firearm parts?

Yes, you can, but you must indicate on the form whether the part is a replacement part, or an additional part for a firearm already in your possession.

Why do I need to provide information on the reason for importation of firearm parts?

Because the only firearms licence which authorises a person to manufacture or repair firearms is a firearms dealer licence. If you are an individual importing parts, NSW Police must be confident that you are importing them as replacements or additional items to a firearm already registered to you.

What if I am a competitor and I am returning to NSW after an international competition?

If you are a competitor and you are returning to Australia with firearms already registered to you in NSW, a B709 may not be required.

Travellers returning to Australia with firearms and related goods used in a lawful shooting competition or hunting activity overseas are not required to apply for import permission where all the following requirements are met:

  • the firearms and their parts, magazines, and ammunition are category A, B or H firearms or paintball markers
  • the importer is an individual and an Australian resident
  • the importer departed Australia with the goods and is returning from an overseas voyage with the same goods
  • the importer presents to the ABF a valid firearms licence issued by the police authority where they reside
  • the importer presents to the ABF the export permit (Defence Export Permit or Restricted Goods Permit) used to export the goods. If the item is not controlled on export (e.g. paintball markers) they need to demonstrate that they lawfully possessed the article prior to departing Australia
  • the importer used, or had intended to use, the goods while overseas to take part in a lawful competition organised by a shooting association, or in a lawful hunting activity
  • the goods have not been modified (except for repair) since they were last exported from Australia.

In any other case, and for any additional controlled items, police certification or written permission to import from the Department of Home Affairs is required prior to importation. Further information is available on the Australian Border Force (ABF) website at https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/categories/firearms