Proof of specialist knowledge for the arms trade by examination

As part of the licensing procedure for the commercial arms trade, you must provide evidence of the relevant specialist knowledge. To do this, you take a specialist knowledge test at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

The check is usually carried out by order of the authority to which you have applied for the firearms permit and cannot be applied for separately.

Depending on the scope of the trading permit you have applied for, the test covers certain categories of weapons.

In the theoretical part of the test, you must demonstrate knowledge of the regulations governing the trade in firearms and ammunition, the acquisition and carrying of firearms and the main features of other firearms regulations.

In the practical part of the examination, you must demonstrate safe handling of the tested categories of firearms. This includes, among other things, disassembling and assembling, naming essential parts anddescription of the mode of operation.

In order to successfully pass the specialist examination for the trade in weapons and ammunition, you need not only theoretical but also practical knowledge. Extensive preparation is therefore recommended.

If you have applied for a permit to trade in ammunition, you will be tested on the handling of common ammunition and its use in the associated firearm.

If you are registered as a master gunsmith, you already have this expertise and do not have to prove it again by taking an examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

• Forms: as a rule, you will receive all the necessary forms from the authority that issues the firearms trading license, in some cases also directly from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form requirement: no
• Personal appearance required: yes

- As a rule, the authority to which you have applied for the firearms dealer's license must register or pre-register you for the examination

• Detailed information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the notification of failure of the examination
• Administrative appeal

Normally, you apply for a license to trade in weapons and are then registered for examination via the responsible licensing authority. You can or must register yourself with some chambers of industry and commerce.

• As a rule, you will receive notification from the authority responsible for the trading permit that the examination is to take place
• Your registration will be confirmed by the IHK and you will receive an invitation to the examination date
• You take the examination on site at the IHK
• You will receive a certificate from the IHK confirming that you have successfully passed the examination

With the proof of specialist knowledge, you can continue the licensing procedure for the arms trade.

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