If you have inherited firearms and/or ammunition that require a permit, do not have a firearms ownership card, and cannot demonstrate a legitimate need to possess the inherited firearms, you must render the inherited firearms inoperable or have them fitted with a state-of-the-art locking system. Ammunition requiring a permit must be rendered inoperable or transferred to an authorized person.

The blocking system must be installed by a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith. They will also issue you a certificate confirming the installation. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig is responsible for verifying compliance and approving newly developed blocking systems in accordance with the Technical Guideline—Blocking Systems for Inherited Firearms. Further information, including the current status regarding blocking systems available on the market, can be found on the website of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) under “Further Information.”

If there is no state-of-the-art locking system available on the market for one or more heirloom firearms, you may apply for an exemption from the requirement to secure all heirloom firearms with a locking system that meets current safety standards.