Combating firearms trafficking and other firearms-related offences
With the European Parliament, which is preparing its first-reading position.
Last active 23 Sept 2026
AI system. Responses may contain errors. Why this matters
What this bill does
In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.
This proposal creates EU-wide crimes and penalties for illegal firearms, trafficking, possession, markings, and 3D-printing blueprints, and improves firearms crime data sharing.
It affects people and groups involved in illegal firearms markets, including traffickers, organised crime groups, and those making or sharing weapon blueprints. It also affects firearms businesses and authorised users only where conduct is unauthorised.
- Criminalises illicit manufacturing, trafficking, marking tampering, unauthorised possession, and unauthorised firearm blueprints.
- Sets minimum maximum prison terms: eight years for manufacturing or trafficking, five for possession.
- Makes legal persons liable, with fines up to 20% of worldwide turnover or EUR 10 million.
- Requires National Firearms Focal Points, seized-firearm datasets, monthly data to Europol, and five-year statistical reporting.
- Takes effect
- The Directive enters into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
- Transitional law
- Member States must transpose the Directive within 24 months after its entry into force.
- Directive (EU) 2024/1260 (32024L1260)
- art. 2(1): adds point including the new firearms-related offences Directive within its scope
Latest update
08 Oct 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
1st reading – European Parliament → 1st reading – European Parliament
1st reading – European Parliament → 1st reading – European Parliament
Documents
1 recentSourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker