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Arms Bill

Miscellaneous provisions - Identification marking of arms items

327: Marking status of permanently deactivated firearm

You could also call this:

"Marking a firearm that cannot be used"

If you make a firearm that cannot be used, you must add a special mark to show its status. You must follow the rules for adding this mark. If you get a firearm that cannot be used and it does not have this mark, you must arrange for it to be added. If you do not add this mark or arrange for it to be added when you should, you can get in trouble. You might even go to prison for up to 3 years if you do not have a good reason for not following the rules. This will happen if you break the proposed rules about marking a firearm that cannot be used. You will be expected to follow these rules if you have a firearm that cannot be used. You must make sure it has the right mark to show its status. This is part of a proposed change to the law about firearms in New Zealand.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1534076.

This page was last updated on 8 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safety

326: Identification markings by business licence holders, or

"Adding ID markings to business items within 30 days"

328: Possessing arms item lacking identification marking, or

"Having a gun or arms item without a special identification mark"

Part 8Miscellaneous provisions
Identification marking of arms items

327Marking status of permanently deactivated firearm

A person who manufactures or modifies a standard firearm, restricted firearm, pistol, or restricted weapon so that it is a permanently deactivated firearm must include an additional identification marking made in accordance with the requirements of any regulations that shows the status of the standard firearm, restricted firearm, pistol, or restricted weapon.
A person who receives a permanently deactivated firearm that does not have an identification marking showing its status must arrange for the permanently deactivated firearm to be marked accordingly.
A person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years if the person, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) or (2).