The secure storage of weapons is legally regulated in Germany and is mandatory for gun owners. Violations can result in heavy fines or the loss of the firearms ownership card. Here are the key points:
- Legal Basis: § 36 Weapons Act (WaffG) and §§ 13-14 of the General Weapons Act Ordinance (AWaffV).
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Required Security Standards:
- Gun cabinets must be certified according to EN 1143-1.
- Handguns: Security level 0 or higher.
- Long guns: Separate storage of ammunition and weapons is required (except for safes with security level 1 or higher).
-
Owner's Responsibilities:
- Regular checks of the storage.
- Documentation of access and maintenance.
- Safekeeping of keys and access codes.
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Consequences of Violations:
- Fines of up to €10,000.
- Revocation of the firearms license for repeated violations.
Compliance with these regulations not only protects against legal consequences but also against security risks such as theft or misuse. In the article, you will learn how to act legally and safely.
Gun Cabinets and Storage of Weapons and Ammunition - What You Need to Pay Attention To!
Understanding the Legal Foundations of Weapon Storage
The regulations for weapon storage are based on the WaffG and the AWaffV. In 2017, these regulations were updated to meet international standards [2].
Central Regulations and Laws
According to § 36 WaffG, weapons and ammunition must be stored separately unless a secure container with a higher protection level is used [1]. Since the amendment in 2017, only containers with EN 1143-1 certification are permitted – older VDMA 24992 certificates are no longer valid [2][3].
Important requirements:
- Handguns: Must be stored in containers with security level 0 or higher [2].
- Gun cabinets: Must either be securely anchored or have a minimum weight of 200 kg.
- Access Control: Documentation of access is mandatory [1].
The yellow firearms ownership card allows for the possession of up to ten firearms [2]. This illustrates how important secure and legal storage is.
The next section will present specific storage solutions that comply with current laws.
Storage Options According to Legal Standards
Certified Safes and Gun Cabinets
Manufacturers offer safes that are specifically designed for legal storage. These safes, certified according to EN 1143-1, must either have a high self-weight or be securely anchored in the ground. They feature electronic access systems and provide separate compartments for weapons and ammunition [2].
Gun cabinets are a more compact option as long as they meet the following requirements [3]:
- Security level 0 or higher for handguns
- Secure anchoring or a minimum weight of 200 kg
- Two independent locking systems
Rules for the Storage of Weapons and Ammunition
Legally, the separate storage of weapons and ammunition is required. An exception is made for safes with security level 1 or higher, which can securely store both together [1][2]. These solutions enable gun owners to comply with legal requirements safely and efficiently.
A tip: Choose a safe that provides enough space for possible future expansions [3].
Furthermore, it should be regularly checked whether the storage still complies with legal standards. Good access management is also important to act legally in the long term [1].
How to Stay Compliant and Safe
Regular Check of Your Storage
The storage of your weapons should be regularly checked to ensure that all regulations are being followed [1]. Pay particular attention to the following points:
- Lock Mechanisms: Do locks and security devices function properly?
- Anchoring: Is the safe properly secured?
- Separation of Weapons and Ammunition: Are they stored separately?
In addition to physical security, access also plays an important role.
Ensuring Access Control
To secure access to your weapons, biometric safes can be a good solution [2]. Additionally, you should consider the following measures:
- Safekeeping of Keys: Store keys in a separate, hard-to-access location.
- Change Access Codes: Update codes regularly to prevent misuse.
- Only Authorized Persons: Allow access only to authorized individuals.
- Keep the Location of the Safe Secret: Avoid making the location publicly known.
Careful documentation complements these security measures and assists you during official inspections.
Documentation of Compliance
Good documentation is important not only for your own overview but also for proof to authorities. Always keep the following documents ready:
- Purchase Receipts for Safes: Keep these permanently.
- Maintenance Logs: Maintain these for at least five years.
- Certification Proofs: These should also be permanently archived.
- Current Inspection Reports: Regular checks should be documented.
With these documents, you can demonstrate your diligence in weapon storage [1][2]. Keep in mind: Violations of storage regulations can result in fines or even the revocation of your firearms license [1][2].
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What Happens in Case of Non-Compliance with Regulations
Complying with the regulations for secure weapon storage is not only legally required but also protects against serious risks and penalties.
Legal Consequences
Violations of § 36 WaffG can have serious consequences [1]:
| Violation | Possible Consequence |
|---|---|
| Improper Storage | Fines between €500 and €10,000 |
| Repeated Violations | Revocation of the firearms license |
| Negligent Handling | Criminal proceedings in case of misuse by third parties |
It becomes particularly critical when weapons or ammunition fall into the wrong hands. In such cases, the owner faces both civil claims and criminal consequences [1][2].
Security Risks
Improper storage poses significant dangers: theft, unauthorized access (e.g., by children), and accidents from accidental discharge of a shot.
The Weapons Act stipulates that weapons must be stored in such a way that they cannot be stolen or misused [1][2]. The owner is responsible and must be able to demonstrate through documented maintenance that they are fulfilling their duty [1][4].
The separate storage of weapons and ammunition is also mandatory to prevent misuse. Violations of this can have serious consequences [1][4].
Numerous resources and suitable storage solutions are available to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Helpful Resources and Tools
To comply with legal requirements, gun owners can rely on proven resources and tools.
Important Legal Texts and Regulations
The central legal foundations for weapon storage include:
| Legal Document | Relevant Sections | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons Act (WaffG) | § 36 | Basic rules for secure storage |
| AWaffV | §§ 13 and 14 | Technical requirements for security solutions |
The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) provides current legal texts, including § 36 WaffG and §§ 13-14 AWaffV. These regulate, among other things, the security levels for gun cabinets and the documentation requirements [1] [2].
Gun Cabinets and Accessories on Gunfinder.de
On Gunfinder.de, gun owners can find certified gun cabinets, ammunition storage solutions, and security systems that comply with legal standards [2]. The platform allows for product comparisons and offers only legally compliant items.
With these tools, gun owners can ensure that they meet all legal requirements and responsibly fulfill their obligations.
Conclusion: Comply with Rules and Ensure Safety
The proper and legal storage of weapons is a fundamental responsibility for every gun owner. Gun cabinets certified according to EN 1143-1 meet the legal requirements [2].
According to the law, long guns must be stored in gun cabinets with at least resistance grade 0 (§ 36 WaffG). Additionally, the separate storage of ammunition and weapons is required (§§ 13-14 AWaffV). Access to these cabinets must only be granted to authorized individuals [1] [2].
Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure both safety and the firearms license. With certified storage systems, regular checks, and clear access restrictions, gun owners can fulfill their responsibilities [1].
Gun owners should take the following measures:
- Regular checks of storage systems
- Ensuring compliance with current safety standards
- Strict limitation of access [1] [2]
By using reliable security systems and adhering to legal requirements, legal gun ownership remains protected. In the next section, you will find further information on legal requirements and possible solutions.
FAQs
What are the Weapons Laws in Germany 2024?
In Germany, the weapons law stipulates that weapons must be securely stored in EN 1143-1 certified gun cabinets (§ 36 WaffG). More detailed information on the requirements and technical details can be found in the previous sections [1] [2].
What Consequences Does a Violation of the Storage Regulations Have?
A violation of the storage regulations can have serious consequences, including fines, revocation of the firearms license, and criminal sanctions. More information can be found in the section "Legal Consequences" [1] [2].
How Often Must the Storage Be Checked?
The storage must be regularly checked to ensure that all legal provisions are being followed. Details on the inspection requirements can be found in the section "Regular Check of Your Storage" [1].
Where Can I Find Approved Storage Systems?
Certified gun cabinets can be purchased from specialized retailers. Pay attention to:
- Certification according to EN 1143-1
- A suitable resistance grade
- Enough space for your weapons
Further details on the legal requirements and suitable storage solutions can be found in the relevant sections of this article [2].
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