Exporting firearms from Australia

[R eight]

Find below the reply from DFAT to my querry re temporary export of a firearm to Zimbabwe by an Australian hunter:

Thank you for your email.



The Zimbabwe sanctions regime imposes an arms embargo. It is prohibited to directly or indirectly supply, sell or transfer arms or related matériel to Zimbabwe. Hence, travelling to Zimbabwe in possession of a firearm is prohibited.



You can find further information regarding Australian sanctions prohibitions on our website: Sanctions regimes | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au).



Permit applications under regulation 18

Regulation 18 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) provides that the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Minister) may grant a sanctions permit authorising an activity that would otherwise contravene Australian sanctions laws, if she is satisfied it would be ‘in the national interest’ to do so, and she is satisfied about any circumstance or matter required by Part 4 of the regulations to be considered for a particular kind of permit.

If you would like to apply for a sanctions permit authorising a particular activity, you will need to submit an application through PAX (Pax Home (dfat.gov.au)) and provide any information you believe may be relevant to satisfying the Minister that the activities covered by the permit would be ‘in the national interest’ and meet the requirements in Part 4 of the Regulations.

Please note, the ‘in the national interest’ test is a relatively high threshold to satisfy. Generally, the ‘in the national interest’ test requires the Minister to be satisfied that the grant of a permit is beneficial, or advantageous, to the national interest. ‘In the national interest’ requires a consideration of whether something is advantageous to the nation as a whole, as opposed to a particular company, group or section within the nation, or to a particular region or locality.

Please note, timeframes for processing applications vary depending on their complexity. On average, matters take at least 3 months to process once you have provided all the necessary information. However, where external consultation is required, assessments may take longer to complete.

Important information

Breaching Australian sanctions law can be a serious criminal offence. You should be aware that Australian sanctions laws may be amended regularly. Further information in relation to Australian sanctions laws can be found on our website: Australia and sanctions | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au).

We hope this information is of assistance.



Sincerely

Australian Sanctions Office

Interesting email. However, ABF not DFAT issue the permits.

 

[R eight]

I’d suggest that if you want to take a firearm to Zimbabwee then apply through the usual channel…. ABF.
They are the experts

When I see an actual application that is rejected by Border Force then I’ll be worried.

Until then….don’t unnecessarily rattle the cage ….the dog may bite.

 

[geoff rath]

The only option I can see is to seek a PH/Guide/Outfitter who will supply/hire you a suitable firearm. I'd hate be be a "southpaw" wanting to hunt in Zim...

 

[Rule 303]

If Australia has sanctions in place then we are screwed when it comes to hunting with our own rifles. To export one there permanently would I presume-don't know for sure - require more paper work than just taking one out and back.

I would put these questions via email to ABF email listed for your state. I would also check with your firearm registry as this may equate to them, of selling the rifle.