CHANGE OF DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION NAMES
With effect from 1 June 2025, the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department will be known as the Police Regulatory Department (PRD), and the Arms and Explosives Division will be known as the Guns Explosives and Weapons Division (GEWD).
Please be assured that these are name changes only and our services to the public remain unchanged. No action is required from you.
We look forward to serving you as the Police Regulatory Department
OVERVIEW OF GUNS, EXPLOSIVES AND WEAPONS CONTROL REGIME
The Guns Explosives and Weapons Division (GEWD) of the Police Regulatory Department (PRD) regulates guns, explosives, explosive precursors, weapons and noxious substances (collectively known as GEW) under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA).
Operationalisation of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA)
The Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA) will be operationalised on 1 July 2025, replacing the Arms and Explosives Act 1913 (AEA). This marks a significant update to Singapore's regulatory framework for controlling guns, explosives, and weapons.
Key Changes
- Enhanced punishments and penalties
- Criminalize unauthorized possession of 3D-printed guns blueprint
- Align the regulatory requirements of physical shop dealers and e-commerce platforms
- Inclusion of desensitized explosives currently regulated by SCDF
- Inclusion of additional weapons eg. karambit knives, axes
- New licence types (ie. Bundled licences)
- Longer licence tenure (up to 3 years)
- New Class Licensing framework for low-risk users and items
What This Means For Stakeholders
Current licence holders under the AEA will transition to the new GEWCA framework. Existing licences will remain valid until their expiry dates, after which renewal will be under GEWCA requirements.
Implementation Timeline
- 1 July 2025: GEWCA comes into effect
- AEA will be repealed upon GEWCA implementation
- Transition period provisions will be in place to ensure smooth migration of existing licensees
The Industry Engagement Session presentation materials are available for download.
For more information on Licence Matters under the GEW regulatory regime, please visit the following:
- Information on Gun Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Precursor Licence Matters
- Information on Weapon and Noxious Substance Licence Matters
For request to import toy gun, please use the Controlled Items Request Form which can be downloaded from Useful Links and Downloads to submit your application.
In the submission, please include the following details:
a. Make, Model and colour of Toy Gun
b. Photos of the toy gun
c. Operating Mechanism (battery, spring, air etc)
d. Type of Projectile (if any)
e. Speed of the projectile in Feet per second (FPS)
Please take note that we do not allow the import of toy gun which:
a. Closely resemble a real gun in make and appearance (e.g replica of real firearms);
b. Can easily be modified to look realistic (e.g realistic look models of real firearms in bright colours or are transparent);
c. can shoot hard projectiles (e.g plastic pellets); or
d. are Cap Guns (toy gun which creates loud sound and smoke by hitting on caps which contain minute amount of explosive powder)
Attached are some samples of APPROVED and DISALLOWED/REJECTED toy guns models.
Please click here for the list of controlled and prohibited items and common non-regulated weapons.
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NON-REGULATED WEAPONS |
CONTROLLED ITEM |
PROHIBITED ITEM |
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Import |
Allowed |
Subjected to assessment |
Not allowed |
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Export |
Allowed |
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Possess |
Allowed |
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Manufacture |
Not applicable |
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Requirements |
Do not require licence or approval |
Licence, approval or authorisation is required |
Not applicable |
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Offence |
Unlawful possession of such non-regulated weapons in any public place without any lawful purpose may constitute to an offence of Possession of Offensive Weapon or Scheduled Weapon under the Corrosive and Explosives Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. |
Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such controlled items without any licence, approval or authorisation may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under. |
Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such prohibited items may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under. |
|
Example of Offence |
A person is found in a public place with a knife and is unable to provide a lawful purpose for the possession. He may be liable for an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. |
A person was detected at the checkpoint trying to import an airsoft gun. He does not have a licence to import the airsoft gun which is a controlled item. He may be liable for an offence under the Arms and Explosives Act. |
A person was found with firecrackers which are prohibited under the Dangerous Fireworks Act. He may be liable for an offence under the Dangerous Fireworks Act. |
Criteria for Grant of Licence
To be eligible for a licence, you must meet the following criteria:
|
For applicant |
· Be issued with a SingPass or Company CorpPass · Be at least 21 years old at the time of application |
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For licence applicant and relevant persons (e.g directors/ partners and staff) |
· Be a fit and proper person. · The criteria and requirements for a person to be considered fit and proper to hold a licence are (but not limited to) whether the relevant person has honesty, integrity, a good reputation, competence and capability. For more details on the Fit and Proper Criteria for Arms and Explosives Act, Click Here. · Possess relevant experience and knowledge in handling of GEW. |
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For company |
· Registered with the Registry of Companies and Businesses |
Other requirements related to Licence Application
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Sr No |
Documents |
Remarks |
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1 |
Company letter
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· To state the company's business profile and principal activities. · Reason for the application of Licence. · Explain why the GEW is required and the processes / usage of the GEW. · Confirm if there is any change in mode of operations for Renewal Applications |
|
2 |
GEW information and Safety Datasheet (SDS) |
To provide information of the GEW applied for: · Product specification · Brochures · SDS – for Explosive Precursors / Explosives applications |
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3 |
Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Study (e.g storing of 200MT or more)
or
Risk Assessment Report |
If company do not have QRA Study, must provide own Risk Assessment: · to identify hazards and quantify risks related to the use, storage and transport of Explosive Precursors and Explosives · Determine the hazards / risks due to possible fire and explosion · Recommend measures to address major hazards / risks and to keep remaining hazards and risks to as low a level as reasonably practicable · Hazards and risks stated in the SDS must be addressed · If the applicant is unable to do a proper risk assessment, may engage a risk assessment consultant to help the company do the report.
More information on Risk Management can be obtained from WSH website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/safety-and-health-management-systems/risk-management#conducting-risk-assessments |
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4 |
Layout plan
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To provide a layout plan for Storage and/or Premises where GEW activities are to be carried out, including: · the location where the controlled item is stored · what is being stored together with the controlled item · type of activities being carried out. |
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5 |
Safety and Security Plans |
A safety management plan is a set of documents in English that outlines how licence applicants or holders will manage safety risks. The plan must include: 1. Risk Management · Detailed procedures for managing hazards and safety risks related to licensed GEW activities · Clear steps for risk identification, assessment and control measures 2. Safety Policies and Procedures · Comprehensive measures to protect people from harm, injury or distress · Protocols to prevent unlawful damage to property · Procedures to maintain public safety during licensed activities 3. Record Keeping · Systems for maintaining detailed safety records · Documentation that enables licensing officers to verify compliance with the safety management plan
A security plan is a set of documents in English that outlines security measures for GEW-related activities. The plan must cover: 1. Risk Assessment · Identification of all potential security risks related to licensed GEW activities · Comprehensive evaluation of security vulnerabilities 2. Security Measures and Procedures · Detailed systems and procedures to address identified security risks · Protocols for secure handling and possession of GEW, GEW parts, and accessories · Procedures to maintain clear chain of possession records between authorised handlers · May include: o Armed auxiliary police officer deployment o Entry and exit screening of individuals at relevant premises 3. Record Keeping · Systems for maintaining detailed security records · Documentation that enables licensing officers to verify compliance
Special Requirements for Transport If the plan involves transporting GEW: · A specific transport security plan is required · Details of policies and procedures for secure transportation
The Video Surveillance System (VSS) Standard for Buildings, which includes CCTV requirements, provides a set of recommendations in the specifications, installation and operation of VSS for buildings in Singapore can be downloaded from Singapore Police Force Website for reference. |
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6 |
Emergency Response Plan |
To provide the Emergency Response Plan to deal with emergency events, such as fire, explosion or other safety / security incidents |
|
7 |
Hazmat Vehicle, Driver details and Transport Emergency Response Plan |
For transportation of Explosives or Explosive Precursors which are classified as hazardous materials (hazmat), applicant must submit: · Hazmat vehicle information · HazMat Transport Driver Permit (HTDP) · Applicant / Licensee to submit the Hazmat vehicle · Transport Emergency Response Plan |
|
8 |
Staff Training Record |
· Provide details of how the staff who will be physically handling the GEW are trained (e.g External training courses or trained inhouse) · To provide training records / certification / briefing / attendance of training etc. · For Employees directly handling or have direct access to Guns or Explosives, applicant will need to submit their particulars for clearance through the GoBusiness Website (after licence is issued), under “Security Clearance for Special Worker (Add New Employee)” |
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10 |
Letter of Agreement – For Third Party Storage (where applicable) |
If the applicant does not operate their own storage and is storing GEW at a Third Party Licensed Storage Provider, applicant must submit: · The agreement with the Third Party Licensed Storage Provider that they are agreeable to store the applicant’s GEW · The agreement must indicate the Type of GEW and Quantity to be stored |
Cessation of Individually-Owned Guns
Options
Licensees who wish to cease their individual guns ownership have 3 options:-
- Destroy the gun;
- Permanently export the gun, or
- Transfer the gun ownership to a gun club.
Destroy
- To apply to destroy the licensed guns, the Licensee shall email to Police Regulatory Department (PRD) at SPF_PLRD_AED@spf.gov.sg with the following information:
- State Title/Subject: Application to Destroy Licensed Guns
- State gun Licence Number, e.g. <L/GEW/2023/12345>
- State reason for the application; and
- Attach documents by the armoury operator to confirm the licensed guns’ storage location.
- PRD will issue an approval letter to the Licensee to engage at least 2 armed Auxiliary Police Officer from Certis CISCO Auxiliary Police Force (Certis) to send the licensed guns to NatSteel Recycling Pte Ltd (NatSteel) at 22 Tanjong Kling Road to destroy.
- The Licensee will pay for the conveyance, destruction and related fees imposed by Certis.
- After the gun is destroyed, NatSteel Recycling Pte Ltd will issue a receipt.
- The Licensee shall email this receipt to PRD at SPF_PLRD_AED@spf.gov.sg within 7 working days of the destruction using the same email thread.
- The Licensee shall terminate his licence through GoBusiness (www.gobusiness.gov.sg) using SingPass within 7 working days of the destruction.
- GoBusiness will inform the Licensee when the termination is completed.
Permanently Export
- To apply for permanent export of the licensed guns, the Licensee shall submit an application for a Licence to Export Arms (Gun) through GoBusiness (www.gobusiness.gov.sg) with the following supporting documents:
- Reason for the application;
- Attach documents by the armoury operator to confirm the licensed guns’ storage location
- Attach the ‘Licence to Import Firearms’ issued by the country where the licensed gun is to be exported to.
- GoBusiness will inform the Licensee when the application is approved.
- The Licensee shall pay for the export licence fee online through GoBusiness and also download a copy of the export licence which has a validity of 30 days.
- The Licensee will pay for the conveyance and related fees.
- The Licensee shall engage at least 2 armed Auxiliary Police Officers from any Auxiliary Police Force to convey the licensed guns from the place of storage to the point of export within the validity period. [Please note that if both licensed guns and ammunitions are to be exported, the Licensee shall separate the guns and ammunition into 2 separate trips.]
- Once the licensed gun is exported, the Licensee shall terminate his Licence through GoBusiness
- GoBusiness will inform the Licensee when the termination is completed.
Transfer Ownership to Gun Club
- Before applying to transfer ownership of gun, the Licensee shall obtain a written consent (email or letter) from the Gun Club to take over the gun.
- The Licensee shall provide a letter of confirmation to the Gun Club on the details of the licensed guns to be transferred and their Licence Numbers.
- After receiving the Licensee’s letter of confirmation, the Gun Club shall apply through GoBusiness to ‘Possess-Own the Gun’ for the transfer of ownership. Under the “Method of Gun Possession” field, the Gun Club shall select “Transfer From” and indicate the ‘Existing Licence Number of the Licensed Gun’ of the licensed gun owner that the Gun Club is taking over.
- The Gun Club shall provide the ‘Application Number for the Licence to Possess-Own Gun’ to the Licensee for him to submit termination application of his existing licence.
- The Licensee shall apply through GoBusiness to terminate his licence to Possess Arms (Gun). Under the ‘Remarks’ fields for the Termination Application, the Licensee should indicate “The Gun is to be transferred to the Gun Club” and the “Gun Club’s Application Number”. The Licensee shall upload gun club’s letter of consent as a supporting document.
- GoBusiness will inform the Gun Club when the application is approved.
- The Gun Club may proceed to pay for the licence fee online through GoBusiness and download of licence.
- The Gun Club shall update the armoury record for the transfer of gun ownership.
- After issuance of the licence to the Gun Club, PRD will process the termination of licence by the Licensee.
- GoBusiness will inform the Licensee when the termination is completed.
<Updated on 8 March 2024>
Cessation of Individually Owned Ammunition
Options
From 1 January 2025 onwards, Licensees shall not be allowed to individually own ammunition for sport shooting. Licensees who currently own ammunition may either:
- Expend;
- Destroy;
- Transfer ownership to a gun club; or
- Permanently export their ammunition.
From 1 January 2025 onwards, Licensees are allowed to use club-owned ammunition only.
Expend
- Licensees may plan their sport shooting sessions such that they utilise the remaining ammunition in their possession.
- Licensees shall not be in possession of any ammunition from 1 January 2025 onwards. Otherwise, they may be investigated for unlawful possession of ammunition and/or a breach of licence conditions.
Destroy
- To apply to destroy ammunition, the Licensee shall email to Police Regulatory Department (PRD) at SPF_PLRD_AED@spf.gov.sg with the following information:
- State Title/Subject: Application to Destroy Ammunition
- State Gun Licence Number eg <L/GEW/2023/12345>
- State reasons for the application;
- Attach documents from the armoury operator to confirm the ammunition’s storage location; and
- Attach documents from the Licensed Explosives Disposal Company stating that it is agreeable to provide the services to destroy the ammunition.
- PRD will issue an approval letter for the Licensee to engage at least 2 Armed Axillary Police Officer to send the ammunition to the Licensed Explosives Disposal Company to destroy.
- The Licensee will pay for the conveyance, destruction and any related fees.
- After the ammunition is destroyed, the Licensed Explosives Disposal Company will issue a receipt.
- The Licensee shall email this receipt to PRD at SPF_PLRD_AED@spf.gov.sg within 7 working days of the destruction using the same email thread.
- Below are the licensed Explosives Disposal Companies which Licensees may engage to destroy the ammunition. The companies are licensed (as on 2 June 2025) and closer to the date of destruction, licensees should do a due diligence check to ensure the company is still licensed.
Company Name (dated 1 March 2024)
BLASTWORK SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
CIMELIA RESOURCE RECOVERY PTE. LTD.
ESUN INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
EXPLOMO CORPORATION PTE. LTD.
KNIGHTS SYNERGY (S) PTE. LTD.
L J MAX PTE. LTD.
ST ENGINEERING ADVANCED MATERIAL ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.
- After the ammunition is destroyed, the Licensee shall ask the gun club for an acknowledgement document by the armoury operator to confirm that the ammunition is no longer stored in the gun club premises.
- For Licensee’s information only: the gun club armoury operator shall update the inventory record.
Transfer of Ownership to a Gun Club
- Before applying to transfer ownership of ammunition, the Licensee shall seek and obtain written consent (email or hard copy) from their gun club to take over the ammunition.
- After receiving the gun club’s letter of consent, the Licensee shall email PRD at SPF_PLRD_AED@spf.gov.sg with the following information:
- State Title/Subject: Application for Transfer of Personal Ammunition to Gun Club;
- State reason for the application; and
- Attach document from the gun club indicating agreement to take over the ammunition from Licensee.
- After receiving PRD’s approval, the Licensee shall forward it to the Gun Club and ask that the ownership of ammunition to be transferred.
- The Licensee shall ask the Gun Club to confirm that it has completed the transfer of ownership.
- The Licensee shall forward the Gun Club’s confirmation to PRD.
Permanently Export
- To apply for approval to permanently export the ammunition, the Licensee shall submit an application for a Licence to Export Explosives through GoBusiness (www.gobusiness.gov.sg) and upload the following supporting documents:
- Reason for the application;
- Confirmation of acknowledgement document by the armoury operator where the ammunition is stored; and
- Attach ‘Licence to Import Explosives’ issued by the country where the ammunition is to be exported to.
- GoBusiness will notify the Licensee when the application is approved.
- The Licensee may proceed to pay for the export licence fee online through GoBusiness and also download a copy of the export licence which has a validity for 30 days.
- The Licensee shall pay for the conveyance and related fees.
- The Licensee shall engage at least 2 armed Auxiliary Police Officers from any Auxiliary Police Force to convey the ammunition from place of storage to point of export within the validity period. [Please note that if both licensed guns and ammunitions are to be exported, the Licensee shall separate the guns and ammunition into 2 separate trips.]
- After the ammunition is exported, the Licensee shall ask the Gun Club for a written an acknowledgement (email or hard copy) by the armoury operator to confirm that the ammunition is no longer stored in the gun club’s premises.
- For Licensee’s information only: the Gun Club shall update the inventory record after the export is completed.
<Updated on 8 March 2024>
For more information on Licence Matters under the GEW regulatory regime, please visit the following:
- Information on Gun Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Precursor Licence Matters
- Information on Weapon and Noxious Substance Licence Matters
Dear Customers
Since 1 August 2021, all over-the-counter services at the Police Regulatory Department at the Police Cantonment Complex (391 New Bridge Road), would be only through pre-approved appointments (including making payments at the counter)
2. To make an appointment, please use the following link at www.picktime.com/policelicensing .
3. We will attend to cases of persons who turn up without an appointment on a case by case basis, only if they have a valid reason(s).
4. For enquiries, please use our online services at www.police.gov.sg/licence or you can reach us using FormSG at https://www.go.gov.sg/spf-prd .
5. Thank you.
Submission of TradeNet Permit Application for Import, Export or Transhipment of Items Regulated by Guns Explosives and Weapons Division (GEWD) of the Police Regulatory Department (PRD)
When declaring TradeNet Permit via the TradeNet portal, the declarant is required to upload the following documents (where applicable) to GEWD to support the application:
- For import - Bill of Lading/ Air Waybill, invoice, packing list, End-User Certificate
- For export - Bill of Lading/ Air Waybill, invoice, End-User Certificate and Import Licence from the authorities of the final destination.
- For transhipment - Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, invoice, Import Licence or End-User Certificate from the Authorities of final destination.
- Valid Dealer Licence in arms, explosives and explosives precursors issued by GEWD.
In addition to the GEWD product codes, you are also required to declare the Dealer Licence Number issued by GEWD in the “Licence Number” field of your permit application.
The submissions of supporting documents via fax or email is not accepted.
The Product Code for HS codes controlled by GEWD have to be declared with the Product Code Quantity and Unit which are to be in accordance to the declared HS Unit of Quantity.
The list of GEWD regulated Harmonised System Codes and Product Codes can be found here.
When you are importing, exporting or transhipping non-controlled goods which are classified under GEWD’s controlled HS codes, you shall declare the product code as “MISC” for these HS codes.
The permit application submitted for GEWD controlled items may be combined with the following types of HS codes:
- Non-controlled HS codes;
- GEWD controlled HS code declared with Product code “MISC”; and
- Other CA controlled HS codes declared with Product code “MISC”.
In addition to the GEWD product codes, you are also required to declare the Licence Number issued by GEWD in the “Licence Number” field of your permit application.
If the Licence is for your company, you are required to specify the “Arms Dealer Licence” and/or “Explosive Dealer Licence” in the “Licence Number” field.
If you do not require a Dealer Licence, please specify “N.A.” in the “Licence Number” field and the “Name” and “NRIC/Passport Number” of the individual or name of company in the “General/Traders’ Remarks” field of your permit application.
On-line processing of Permit Applications
All permit applications containing GEWD controlled items will be routed to GEWD for online processing. To facilitate the processing of your permit applications, you are required to upload the relevant abovementioned documents via the TradeNet portal to GEWD
All declarations received will be processed according to the sequence which they are received in TradeNet and we are unable to fast track them by request. Traders are encouraged to submit their declarations early (at least 5 working days before the import, export or transhipment) to avoid delay in the permit approval.
After declaring the permits, the declarant shall track and check the status of his/her permit application on TradeNet. Please do not email us for the status of application.
If an individual receives queries from GEWD, the declarant shall answer the queries promptly to avoid delay in the permit approval. Generally, GEWD will process all declarations within 5 working days.
For the export of arms, explosives or explosive precursors, a customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods depart from Singapore. GEWD will not approve the permit application of any controlled goods that have departed Singapore. Investigation will be carried out against the exporter for all exportation cases of GEWD’s controlled goods that were conducted without prior approval and export licence.
Approval Messages
Once the import, export or transhipment permit application is approved, the importer or exporter is required to comply with all the requirements and conditions stated in the approval message(s).
Enquiries
For more information, please visit GEWD’s website.
For further enquiries, you may submit to us using PRD Enquiry Form (https://www.go.gov.sg/spf-prd) or contact us at 6835 0000.
The information on this page shows additional information related to GEW licence.
To Apply for a GEW Licence, please proceed to GoBusiness Website. An individual SingPass or a Company Corppass is required for login.
Guide on how to Conduct Active Staff Check on GoBusiness:
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Advisories: |
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Information on Controlled and Prohibited Items
Please click here for the list of controlled and prohibited items and common non-regulated weapons.
|
NON-REGULATED WEAPONS |
CONTROLLED ITEM |
PROHIBITED ITEM |
|
|
Import |
Allowed |
Subjected to assessment |
Not allowed |
|
Export |
Allowed |
||
|
Possess |
Allowed |
||
|
Manufacture |
Not applicable |
||
|
Requirements |
Do not require licence or approval |
Licence, approval or authorisation is required |
Not applicable |
|
Offence |
Unlawful possession of such non-regulated weapons in any public place without any lawful purpose may constitute to an offence of Possession of Offensive Weapon or Scheduled Weapon under the Corrosive and Explosives Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. |
Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such controlled items without any licence, approval or authorisation may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under. |
Anyone who import, export or is found in possession of such prohibited items may be liable for offences under the respective legislations which the items are regulated under. |
|
Example of Offence |
A person is found in a public place with a knife and is unable to provide a lawful purpose for the possession. He may be liable for an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. |
A person was detected at the checkpoint trying to import an airsoft gun. He does not have a licence to import the airsoft gun which is a controlled item. He may be liable for an offence under the Arms and Explosives Act. |
A person was found with firecrackers which are prohibited under the Dangerous Fireworks Act. He may be liable for an offence under the Dangerous Fireworks Act. |