Delay of the Implementation of the Law on Firearms Regulation Until July 1

In Armenia, the enforcement of the law on the regulation of firearms will be postponed from April 28 until July 1. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan reminded during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly that the draft bill was discussed in October and signed on October 27, 2022, contingent upon it coming into force in six months, meaning from April 28.

For this to happen, the government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs were required to adopt a series of subordinate legislative acts, which have not yet been fully approved.

According to the draft law, the use of smoothbore weapons is prohibited in areas less than 500 meters away from residential areas and roads, while for rifled weapons, this distance is set at 5000 meters. Anyone purchasing civilian firearms for the first time must pass theoretical and practical examinations regarding their handling skills. This examination must be undertaken at one of the military-sports organizations accredited by the government. The list of these organizations, as well as the procedure for the examination, must be approved by the government.

Citizens suffering from ailments that impede the use of firearms are prohibited from possessing weapons, as well as those convicted of crimes involving the use of firearms (regardless of the age of the conviction), and individuals registered for violence against family members.

Requirements for civilian shooting ranges are also established; a license is required to open and operate them.