Temporarily import or export weapons military equipment

Businesses with a head office in Wallonia.

To import or export weapons and ammunition, a gunsmith's accreditation or advance licence is required. 

• The temporary import and export of weapons, spare parts, accessories, ammunition and military equipment is permitted for three main purposes:
• Prospecting: This purpose includes research and development activities, and commercial demonstrations. For example, a business may temporarily import weapons to present them at trade fairs or test them as part of their research projects.
• Repairs: This may include maintenance operations, upgrading or replacement of defective parts. 
• Engraving: This purpose covers any operations to personalise or mark the weapons. For example, a weapon may be exported to add specific engravings, such as serial numbers, logos or personalised decoration.
• Regarding military equipment, only equipment listed in the Common military list of the European Union can be imported or exported.
• To transfer weapons and ammunition, you must have a gunsmith's accreditation. 

The documents required depend on your situation: whether or not the equipment will remain within the EU, and whether or not you are a gunsmith. Please refer to the section that relates to your situation.

Temporarily transferring a weapon or military equipment within the EU

If you are a gunsmith - temporary transfer permit and prior agreement

As a gunsmith, to import or transfer a weapon, spare parts, accessories, ammunition or military equipment to or from a country in the European Union, you must request a temporary transfer permit and a prior agreement, which are valid for 12 months. 

If you are not a gunsmith - transfer licence and temporary transfer commitment

To import or transfer a weapon, spare parts, accessories, ammunition or military equipment to or from a country in the European Union, if you are not a gunsmith, you must request a transfer licence, which is valid for 18 months. Furthermore, you must keep an import register and provide a temporary transfer commitment. 

Temporarily exporting or importing a weapon or military equipment outside the EU (gunsmith or business) - temporary import or export licence

To import or export a weapon, spare parts, accessories, ammunition or military equipment to or from a country outside the European Union, you must obtain an import and export licence and a temporary export commitment. 

Import and export licences are valid for 18 months.

Create your application

Complete the necessary form(s) and attach the requested documents (see supporting documents). 

• For a temporary transfer within the EU
• If you are a gunsmith:
• Transfer permit application
• Prior agreement application for the transfer of firearms and ammunition
• If you are a business:
• Application for weapons export or transfer licence
• and temporary transfer commitment

• For temporary export outside the EU:
• Application for an import licence or Application for a weapons export or transfer licence
• Temporary export commitment

Send your application

Your completed application should be sent to the Directorate for Weapons Licenses: 

• By mail: 

SPW EER
Directorate for Weapons Licences
Boulevard Cauchy 43
B-5000 NAMUR

• By email: licences.dgo6@spw.wallonie.be 

Processing your application

We will assess your application. If it is approved, we will send you the signed documents by mail or email.

The processing time is not fixed and may vary; it may take a few weeks in some cases.

In addition to the completed and signed forms, if you are importing/exporting weapons and ammunition, you must attach your gunsmith's accreditation (for gunsmiths) or your advance licence to your application.

• Directive (EU) 2021/555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (codification)
• 8 JUIN 2006. - Loi réglant des activités économiques et individuelles avec des armes. (aussi appelée "Loi sur les armes")
• 21 juin 2012 - Décret relatif à l'importation, à l'exportation, au transit et au transfert d'armes civiles et de produits liés à la défense
• 22 septembre 2005 - Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon réglementant l'emploi des armes à feu et de leurs munitions en vue de l'exercice de la chasse, ainsi que certains procédés ou techniques de chasse

Option to initiate actions for annulment before the Supreme Administrative Court of Belgium.

The actions must be lodged within 60 days of notification of the decision.