On November 25, a law coming into force in Ukraine that introduces voluntary declaration of firearms
On November 25, Law No. 9538, which introduces the voluntary declaration of firearms, enters into force in Ukraine. About the benefits of this initiative for citizens and law enforcement officers told Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Bohdan Drapyaty.
According to him, the new law enables Ukrainians to legalize unregistered weapons. During the period of martial law and for another 90 days after its end, citizens can declare their weapons without the risk of criminal liability for their illegal possession. At the end of this period, the weapon will have to be surrendered.
“Actually, that is why the law enforcement officers themselves are primarily interested in this legislative change, but citizens who have unregistered weapons in their hands. However, on the other hand, these changes will allow law enforcement agencies, in particular the National Police, to strengthen control over the situation with the circulation of weapons and actually understand how many weapons are in the hands of our citizens, know what kind of weapons they are and, if necessary, identify them.”, the official added.
Previously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that the licensing authorities have already received a large number of applications for the legalization or purchase of weapons that have reached people in war zones or in de-occupied territories. According to the Unified Register of Weapons, almost 476,000 applications for permits were submitted. Of these, law enforcement officers have already made more than 461,000 decisions.
Voluntary declaration should simplify the process of legalization of weapons, reduce their illegal storage and ensure sufficient control in the field of firearms ownership.
