ARMS RULES, 2016
G.S.R. 701(E).-In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 21, 41 read with section 44 of the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), and in supersession of the Arms Rules, 1962, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:-
(1) These rules may be called the Arms Rules, 2016.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
(I) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:-
(1)"Act"means the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959);
(2)"air weapon"means a device that discharges a projectile from a barrel under the pressure of compressed air or other gas but that does not employ an explosive charge to do so;
(3)"antique small arm"means firearms manufactured before 1899;
(4)"appellate authority"means the appellate authority referred to in rule 105;
(5)"authority" or "officer"means, except where otherwise specifically provided in these rules, the district magistrate or such other officer as may, from time to time, be notified in the Official Gazette by the Central Governmen
For the purposes of the Act and these rules, arms and ammunition shall be of the categories specified in columns (2) and (3) respectively of Schedule I and references to any category of arms or ammunition in these rules shall be construed accordingly.
(1) Unless the Central or the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette so directs, no license shall be required for the manufacture, sale, possession for sale or test, of arms of category V in Schedule I except in the areas notified under section 4.
(2) In any area specified in the notification issued by the Central Government under section 4 of the Act, license for acquisition, possession or carrying in that area of arms of such class or description as may be specified in that notification may also be granted or renewed as provided in Schedule II, subject to such conditions as may be specified in these rules, that Schedule and in the license.
Licenses under Chapter II of the Act may be granted or renewed for, such purposes, by such authorities, in such forms and to be valid for such period and in such areas as are specified in Schedule II, subject to such conditions as are specified in these rules, that Schedule and in the license:
Provided that the licenses granted or renewed by a licensing authority may be signed by such officer subordinate to that authority as may be specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government.
No license shall be granted for acquisition, possession or carrying of arms or ammunition specified in category I(b) or I(c) in Schedule I unless they have been legally manufactured in India or lawfully possessed or lawfully imported into India or are being imported into India with the sanction of the Central Government.
(1) A copy of every license granted for arms or ammunition specified in category I(a), I(b), I(c) and category II in Schedule I shall forthwith be sent to the district magistrate of the place in which the arms or ammunition are to be kept.
(2) A copy of every other license granted in any Form by any authority other than a district magistrate shall be sent forthwith to the district magistrate having jurisdiction over the area in which the place of business or residence of the licensee is situated.
(3) The licenses granted under sub-rule (1) and sub-rule (2) shall be intimated through NDAL system to the district magistrate of the place having jurisdiction over the area in which the place of business or residence o
Possession of the following arms or ammunition for the purposes mentioned against each, includes use thereof, for such purposes only provided that such use does not involve manufacture of any arms or ammunition (including explosives and fireworks) :-
(a) arms for theatrical performance, historical re-enactment, historical research (including assessment of performance), cinematograph or television production or signaling for starting races or athletic meets and safety equipment including signal flare guns, line throwing guns, avalanche cannon, etc.;
(b) ingredients of ammunition including sulphur and chlorates for bona fide industrial, agricultural or medicinal purposes.
Any license having effect outside the State in which it is granted, shall be subject to any restrictions, which may be imposed by a general or special order of the Central Government.
(1) Every applicant applying for a license in Form II, Form III and Form IV; or a rifle club or association or firing range or staff employed by such club, association or firing range, applying for a license in Form V; or a manufacturer or dealer or gunsmith or staff employed by such manufacturer, dealer or gunsmith applying for a license in Form VII, Form VIII, Form IX or Form IX-A, shall be required to complete arms and ammunition safety training course which shall include -
(a) basic arms and ammunition safety practices, including safe handling and carry procedures;
(b) firing techniques and procedures;
(c) care of arms and ammunition;
(d) safe storage and transpor
(1) Every application for the grant of a license under these rules -
(a) shall be submitted in Form A-1 to A-14 as applicable to the category of the license applied;
(b) may be presented by the applicant in person or sent through the medium of post office or filed electronically or otherwise, to the licensing authority, as far as possible, having jurisdiction in respect of the place where he ordinarily resides or has his occupation.
(2) Where the grant of license requires a certificate of no objection from some other authority as provided in rule 98, shall state whether such certificate has been obtained and, if so, be supported by evidence thereof either in physical form or by an electron
(1) Save as otherwise provided in the Act, every licensing authority granting a license in Form III to an individual for the restricted or permissible arms or ammunition as specified in category I(b) and I(c) or category III respectively in Schedule I, shall have due regard to the application of norms specified in sub-rules (2) and (3).
(2) For grant of a license for the restricted arms or ammunition specified in category I(b) and I(c) in Schedule I, the licensing authority, may consider the application of?
(a) any person who faces grave and anticipated threat to his life by reason of -
(i) being resident of a geographical area or areas where militants, terrorists or extremists are mos
The licensing authority, after considering the application and on being satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled the eligibility conditions, shall grant or refuse to grant a license for permissible category of arms or ammunition specified in category III of Schedule I, to any person by recording in writing the reasons for such grant or refusal, by passing a speaking order, within a period of sixty days of the receipt of the police report:
Provided that the licensing authority shall specify, the type of arms and ammunition to be procured by the applicant after assessing the reason and the need for possession of the type of arms and ammunition applied for by the applicant, considering its lethality or fire-power.
(1) On receipt of an application for grant of a license under sub-section (1) of section 13 or every subsequent renewal thereof under section 15, the licensing authority shall call for a report of the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station on that application, and such officer shall send his report in Form S-4, within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt of application by him.
(2) The Central Government may by issuance of a general or special order, extend the period of thirty days as specified in sub-rule (1) up to ninety days for certain areas or States for any reason deemed appropriate by it.
(3) The licensing authority may in case of non-receipt of police report within the period of thi
(1) Every licensing authority and the renewing authority specified in Schedule II, while granting a license or renewing a license, thereof, shall enter the data of the record locally in an electronic format specified by the Central Government.
(2) Every licensing authority and the renewing authority shall also enter such data in the NDAL system which shall generate a unique identification number (UIN) and with effect from the [1st April, 2018], any arms license without UIN shall be considered invalid.
(3) The UIN so generated under sub-rule (2) shall be unique for a licensee.
(4) Any existing licensee holding multiple licenses in Form III shall on or before the [1st April, 2018], make an a
(1) The licensing authority, while granting or renewing a license or at the time of providing any allied service to any licensee under these rules shall ensure that the data of the transaction approved by him, is simultaneously updated in the electronic format locally and on the NDAL system under its log-in ID:
Provided that the licensee shall not be held accountable for failure on the part of the licensing authority to update such data in the electronic format.
(2) The licensing authority shall ensure compliance of delivery of different services specified in column (2) of Schedule V, within the time specified in column (4), of the said Schedule.
(1) If a person who holds a license in Form III changes his place of residence, permanently, or temporarily for a period of more than six months, and carries with him the arms covered by the license, to a place falling, other than within the jurisdiction of the existing licensing authority indicated in the license, he shall, immediately before the expiry of a period of six months, send intimation about such change to the licensing authority of the place of his new residence and shall on demand, forthwith produce the license and the arm or arms to the new licensing authority by applying in Form B-1 and indicating there in the particulars of his new residence.
(2) The licensing authority of the new place of residence of the licensee o
When a license is granted in Form II, Form III, Form IV or Form V for the possession of arms to be acquired by the licensee subsequent to the grant of the license, the authority granting the license shall at the time of granting the same, direct that the arms covered by the license shall be acquired within a period of two years and that the license or the arms or both shall be produced for his inspection and if within the said period of two years, the licensee fails to acquire the arms and to produce the license, or the arms or both, as the case may be, the license shall cease to be in force:
Provided that the licensing authority may extend the period of two years by a further period of one year, on the basis of a written representa
(1) On receipt of an application from a licensee holding a license in Form III, the licensing authority may extend the area of validity specified in his license, if he is satisfied about the need of such extension subject to the condition that the licensing authority has the power to grant a license in relation to the area to which extension is being sought.
(2) The application for extending the area validity for whole of India may be granted by the licensing authority as specified in column (5) of Schedule II, in respect of the following category of licensees, namely:-
(a) Union Ministers or Members of Parliament;
(b) Personnel of Defense Forces and Central Armed Police Forces;
(1) The holder of a license in Form III, for permissible category of firearms, as specified in Schedule I, may apply for grant of additional license for any two of his close relatives who are not in possession of any license in Form III and who are residing with him at the address given in the license, to possess, carry or use any of the arms or ammunition covered by his license and the licensing authority shall grant a license to such additional licensee if the eligibility conditions under the Act and these rules are fulfilled by the said additional licensee and there are no adverse remarks in the police report.
(2) The additional licensee under his UIN shall be granted a separate license, with the arms and ammunition of the parent
(1) A license in Form III-A for possession and carrying of arms or ammunition may be granted to a person nominated to be his retainer by a person exempted under section 41 of the Act from licensing requirements:
Provided that the retainer shall have no right, independent of the person so exempted, to use the arms or ammunition covered by the license, and the license shall cease to be in force on the day on which the person so exempted has ceased to be an exemptee, or the retainer has ceased to be a nominee of the exemptee.
(2) The licensing authority shall obtain a report from the Police, about the antecedents of the retainer nominated under sub-rule (1) and t
(1) A license in Form II or Form III granted to a company for the protection of its premises or property shall be in the name (with designation) of the responsible person who shall be accountable and responsible for the custody of the arms and ammunition.
(2) The name of a servant or any other employee entrusted with the arms and ammunition for guarding the premises or property of the company shall be entered as a retainer in the license.
(3) The licensing authority shall issue to the licensee a permit in Form III-B for each of such retainers shown in the license and such permit shall remain in the personal custody of the responsible person of the company and shall be handed over to the retainers when they are
(1) For the purposes of the Act and these rules, quantity of ammunition for the licenses granted in Form II, Form III or Form IV for breech loading firearms shall be restricted as under, namely:-
| Maximum purchasable during a calendar year (per firearm) | 200 |
| Maximum to be possessed at any given time (per firearm) |
(1) Every license may, at its expiration and subject to the same conditions (if any) as to the grant thereof, be renewed by the authority mentioned in Schedule II as renewing authority within a period of thirty days of receipt of the police report:
Provided that the license so renewed may be signed in the appropriate column of the license by such officer as may be specifically empowered in this behalf by the State Government under rule 5.
(2) An application for renewal of a license for arms or ammunition shall be filed in the Form wherein specified at least sixty days prior to the expiry of the said license with the licensing authority along with the documents wherein specified in the Form:
(1) The licensing authority may grant a license ?
(a) after the death of the licensee, to his legal heir; or
(b) in any other case, on the licensee attaining the age of seventy years or on holding the firearm for twenty five years, whichever is earlier, to any legal heir nominated by him:
Provided that notwithstanding the provisions contained in rule 12 of these rules, the licensing authority may grant a license to such legal heir if the eligibility conditions under the Act and these rules are fulfilled by the said legal heir and there are no adverse remarks in the police report.
(2) Where a licensee leaves behind more than one legal heir and the legal heirs decide a
Section R.25 of the Arms Rules, 2016, pertains to the licensing and transfer of firearms, specifically addressing the rights of legal heirs to acquire or hold firearms upon the death of the licensee. It aims to regulate the transfer process and ensure lawful succession of firearm ownership.
Section R.25 authorizes the licensing authority to grant a license to legal heirs of a deceased licensee under certain conditions. It provides provisions for the transfer of firearm licenses to heirs, including the circumstances under which such transfers can occur, such as the death of the original licensee, attainment of age, or holding the firearm for a specified period.
Section R.25 of the Arms Rules, 2016, provides a structured legal framework for the transfer of firearm licenses to heirs, balancing the rights of lawful owners with strict regulatory oversight. Violations of transfer procedures or possession laws attract significant penalties under the Arms Act, 1959, emphasizing the importance of compliance with legal provisions to prevent unlawful firearm use.
Note: All references are based on the provided sources and relevant legal provisions.
A license in Form II, Form III, Form IV or Form V generated under the UIN of the licensee in NDAL system, shall be in book form serially numbered and strictly as per the formats specified in the rules and in case of individuals, shall contain the latest photograph of the licensee:
Provided that the license book for restricted category of firearms shall be of dark maroon colour and for permissible category of firearms shall be of navy blue colour:
Provided further that the licensing authority may get the license books printed and serially numbered locally and levy fee for providing license books as specified in Schedule IV.
Section R.26 of the Arms Rules, 2016 pertains to the penalties and punishments for contraventions related to the Arms Rules, 2016. It emphasizes the legal consequences for violations of licensing provisions, secret contraventions, and unauthorized use or possession of arms and ammunition under the framework of the Arms Act, 1959.
Section R.26 primarily deals with the punishment for contraventions of the Arms Rules, 2016, including secret contraventions, unauthorized use, and possession of firearms. It specifies the nature and extent of punishments, which may include imprisonment and fines, for breaches of the licensing and regulatory provisions.
The section applies to all violations of the Arms Rules, 2016, including clandestine or secret violations, illegal possession, and use of firearms, and breaches of licensing requirements. It covers both individual and commercial violations related to arms and ammunition.
Note: The references are based on the provided sources, primarily the repeated mentions of the Arms Rules, 2016, and the Arms Act, 1959, particularly sections related to penalties and contraventions.
(1) (a) Every license granted or renewed under these rules shall, save as herein otherwise expressly provided, be chargeable with the fee (if any) specified in Schedule IV.
(b) In any case where fee is prescribed for a year, fee for a fraction of a year shall be the same as for a whole year.
(2) Where a licensee submits his application for renewal of his license after the expiry of the period for which the license was granted, the licensing authority may, if he decides to renew the license, at his discretion, levy -
(a) full fee as for initial grant of the license; and
(b) a late fee of rupees two thousand, if he is satisfied that the delay is not justifiable or excu
Where a license granted or renewed under these rules is lost or accidentally destroyed, the authority empowered to grant such license may grant a duplicate license on payment of the fee with which the original license was chargeable.
All fees payable shall be paid in cash or by way of bank pay-order or demand draft or electronic banking transfer at the time of application.
[Provided that in case of a licence in Form VII for the manufacture and/or proof test of arms and ammunition, the fee shall be payable at the time of grant of a licence]
The authority by whom any license in Form II, Form III, Form IV or Form V has been granted or renewed, may, for the purpose of satisfying itself that any arms covered by such license are still in the possession of the licensee at the time of renewal or at any time while the license is in force, by order in writing require the licensee to produce the arm or arms at such time and place for inspection of such officer as may be specified in the order.
Any person who holds a license granted or renewed, or a permit or certificate granted under these rules shall forthwith produce such license, permit or certificate upon demand by any magistrate or any police officer of a rank not below that of an officer-in-charge of a police station.
(1) No person shall carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried -
(a) in the case of a handgun -
(i) in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of a handgun and attached to his person; or
(ii) in a rucksack or similar holder; or
(b) in the case of any other firearm, in a holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of a firearm.
(2) A firearm contemplated in sub-rule (1) must be completely covered and the person carrying the firearm must be able to exercise effective control over such firearm.
(3) Brandishing or discharge of firearms or b
(1) Any request for correction of the information contained in a license which has been incorrectly uploaded in the NDAL system shall be made by submitting a written application together with supporting documents, to the concerned licensing authority.
(2) Where an application referred to in sub-rule (1) concerns the detail of a firearm which has been incorrectly reflected on a license, the licensing authority may call for the physical inspection of the firearm to confirm the details of the firearm or call for a certificate from a gunsmith holding a license in Form IX or an armorer working with Defense Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces.
(3) The gunsmith or armorer referred to in sub-rul
(1) A person, who has in his possession any firearm which does not bear distinctly a manufacturer's name, number or other identification mark shall get the identification mark stamped on the firearm after obtaining prior approval of the licensing authority which will consist -
(a) such distinct letters as may be prescribed for the purpose by the State Government;
(b) serial number of the arms license; and
(c) the year of stamping,
in that order on the barrel and the frame, or the barrel and the receiver of the firearm.
(2) When an imported firearm kept for sale by a dealer does not bear the manufacturer's name, such distinguishing mark of the im
(1) The grant of arms licenses under this rule shall be subject to the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), in respect of the States and Union Territories where the said Act is applicable.
(2) The application under this rule for grant of a license in Form IV shall specify details of the land and cultivation requiring protection and area in which the arms and ammunition are required to be carried.
(3) Where, after the end of any harvest season, the State Government considers it expedient that for the protection of wild life in any area, any arms or ammunition licensed in Form IV should be deposited in a police station or with a licensed dealer, it may, by order, require any licensee t
(1) Any person below the age of twenty-one years but not below the age of twelve years may be allowed to use permissible category of arms for the purposes of training in the use of such arms in the immediate presence, or, under the direct supervision and guidance, of an adult instructor or the licensee:
Provided that no person below the age of twenty-one years shall be allowed, to carry any permissible category of arms requiring a license in a public place except in the immediate presence and supervision of the person who is lawfully authorized to carry such arms by the licensee.
(2) Any person who applies for a license to possess permissible category of arms in Form III in order to practice sport shooting shal
(1) Sport shooting association or a club or a military mess affiliated to the respective State Rifle Association or National Rifle Association of India, shall be eligible to apply for a license in Form V and to acquire and possess arms and ammunition that are used and/or stored at their premises.
(2) An application under sub-rule (1) for grant of a license at the time of initial grant or at every subsequent renewal thereof, shall be submitted along with the following documents, as may be applicable, namely:-
(a) its memorandum and articles of association and the membership rules;
(b) the lists of office bearers and permanent members;
(c) particulars of the accredited
(1) Any person, applying for a license for an indoor or an outdoor private shooting range shall be required to meet the technical and security standards as may be specified by the Central Government in this regard by passing a general or special order:
Provided that the licensing requirements shall not be applicable to indoor ranges up to ten metres used for target practice of air pistols and air rifles.
(2) No license shall be granted under this rule unless the owner or operator of such shooting range has in place adequate financial arrangements to meet any injury or damage claims requiring third party insurance covers or mandatory bank guarantees or bond requirements:
Provided that the r
(1) Any person applying for a license to be an accredited trainer shall be required to clear the eligibility test and undergo training before being granted a license under this rule:
Provided that the policy guidelines containing syllabus and conduct of examination for accredited trainers may be specified by the Central Government by passing a general or special order in this regard.
(2) Any person applying for grant of a license to be a master accredited trainer shall be required to possess the technical knowledge and expertise in handling various types of small arms and submit the documentary evidence to the satisfaction of the licensing authority in this regard:
Provided that the policy
(1) The quantity of ammunition allowed to various categories of sports persons for their personal consumption and shooting sport organizations shall be as per the limits laid down in the table given below, namely:-
| S.No. | Persons or class of persons | Type of firearm | Quantity and descri R.41 License to museums(1) Any museum applying for a license for display of arms and ammunition must possess due accreditation with the Ministry of Culture and registration under any of the Central or State Acts. (2) The application under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by? (i) a description of the display mechanisms that will be used to display the arms or ammunition; (ii) documentary proof that the display will be in an accredited museum; (iii) description and specifications of the security measures pertaining to storage, transport and safe custody of the arms or ammunition to be displayed; (iv) a description of the access control to the museum where the arms or am R.42 License for arms and ammunition for theatrical, film or television productions(1) A license for acquisition, possession, carry or use of arms and ammunition may be issued in Form III to the applicants for the following purposes, namely:- (i) theatrical performances and of rehearsals for such performances; (ii) in the production of films; (iii) in the production of television programmes; (iv) the organization and holding of historical re-enactments; (v) signaling for starting races or athletic meets. (2) The application for a license under this rule shall be submitted along with the following documents, namely: - (i) an undertaking confirming that the applicant shall not resort t R.43 Acquisition, possession and export of arms or ammunition by tourists visiting India(1) A license in Form VI may be granted to any tourist, to acquire, possess (but not use) during the course of his stay in India, carrying and export out of India, of arms and ammunition specified in category III, category IV and category V of Schedule I: Provided that every application for the grant of a license for export of arms specified in category IV of Schedule I shall be accompanied by a certificate from the Director-General of Archeology of the Central Government to the effect that the arms intended to be exported do not fall within the definition of "antiquity" under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (52 of 1972). (2) The licensee shall produce the arms or ammunition, at the time of leaving R.44 License to an International sports person for participation in shooting events in India(1) An application may be made in Form A-5 by any sports person of any age group from any country who is eligible to participate in the shooting competition or event or series of competitions or series of events or for training being organized in India by any sports body recognized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of India during the period of the event or competition or training and at the venue fixed for the same, and a license may be granted to such applicant for arms and ammunition specified in category III of Schedule I so far as practicable, one month prior to the expected date of arrival of the sports person in India. (2) The license in the case of a group application may be issued in the name of the ma R.45 Other temporary categories of import/export licenses(1) A license in Form VI may be granted of arms and ammunition specified in category III of Schedule I so far as practicable, six months prior to the expected date of arrival in India, to the following persons, namely: - (a) a foreign visitor, to display the arms and ammunition at a trade show or at a sport trade show; (b) an official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor or a foreign law enforcement officer, on an officially approved policing assignment, on the recommendations of the Government of India in the Ministry of External Affairs; (c) a person who, for other legitimate reasons, has received prior approval of the Government of India and where the applicant sub R.46 License for firearm free zones(1) The owner or lawful occupier of a premises may submit an application in Form A-14 along with supporting documents specified therein, to have the said premises declared a Firearm Free Zone, to the licensing authority of the place of jurisdiction of the applicant - (i) stating the reasons why the premises must be declared as Firearm Free Zone; (ii) giving proof of capacity to maintain the premises as a Firearm Free Zone; (iii) describing the medium of communication to inform the public that the premises is a Firearm Free Zone. (2) The obligations of the licensee shall include - (i) to clearly identify and demarcate the premises declared as a F R.47 Deposit of arms and ammunition under section 21(1) When a licensing authority decides to suspend or revoke a license or to refuse to renew it, he shall, communicate his decision in writing to the licensee, requiring him to deposit under section 21, within such time as may be specified in the order suspending, revoking or refusing to renew the license, the arms or ammunition covered by the license, either with the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station or with a dealer holding a license in Form VIII, or, in case he is a member of the armed forces of the Union, in the unit armory: Provided that in case of death of a licensee, the arms or ammunition shall be deposited by the legal representative with the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station or with a dealer hold R.48 Deposit of arms and ammunition for safe custody (otherwise than under section 21)(1)(a) A person lawfully possessing arms or ammunition may deposit them for safe custody with a dealer holding a license in Form VIII or in a police station or, if he is a member of the armed forces of the Union, in a unit armory. (b) Before accepting the arms or ammunition for deposit otherwise than under section 21, the dealer or officer-in-charge of a police station or unit armory shall satisfy himself that they are possessed under a valid license issued under the Act and these rules or under exemption from the need for such license. (c) Members of the armed forces of the Union may be allowed to keep their arms or ammunition in safe custody in a unit armory only during the tenure of their service. R.49 Records and returns of articles deposited(1) The dealer or the officer-in-charge of the police station or unit armory, shall maintain such registers as specified in rule 75. (2) A copy of the entries in the registers relating to the quarters ending on the last day of March, June, September and December, each year, certified as true copy under the signature of the dealer or officer-in-charge of the police station or unit armory, as the case may be, shall be forwarded, to the district magistrate as early as possible after the expiry of each quarter. (3) The licensed dealer or the officer-in-charge of the police station or unit armory or officer-in-charge of police armory in the district/ taluqa headquarters, where the arms or ammunition are kept, shall R.50 Inspection(1) Arms and ammunition deposited in a police station or with a dealer and those transferred to the district malkhana and the register maintained for the purpose shall be inspected periodically by the district magistrate or other officer appointed by the State Government in this behalf in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the State Government. (2) The arms or ammunition deposited in a unit armory and the register maintained for this purpose shall be inspected periodically by the officer commanding the unit or any other officer empowered by him in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Government of the State, where the unit is for the time being located. Chapter V (1) The licensing authority while granting a license in Form VII shall show clearly in the license form the categories and description of the arms or ammunition allowed to be manufactured or proof tested or both, by the licensee as specified in these rules. (2) Proof-testing of firearms manufactured by a licensed manufacturer shall be carried out only in accordance with the provisions contained in rule 59 in this regard and no manufactured firearms shall be allowed to be sold which have not been duly proof tested. (3) A copy of every license granted in Form VII by the licensing authority shall forthwith be sent to the district magistrate of the place of manufacturing facility of the licensee and the Home Depart R.52 Type of firearms for grant of a license in Form VII for manufacture and proof testThe licensing authority may grant a license in Form VII for the following types of arms for manufacture or proof test or both, namely:- (i) I - Small arms (ii) II - Light weapons (iii) III - Items configured for military use: Provided that if any of the items falling under type I, II or III include any prohibited arms or ammunition, the licensing authority shall obtain prior permission of the Central Government under section 7 of the Act before grant of a license in Form VII. R.53 Applications for a license in Form VII(1) Every manufacturer applying for a fresh license under these rules shall be an Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013): Provided that the applicant company is owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens or by Indian companies, owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens except in respect of a company having Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) beyond forty-nine percent: Provided further that the Chief Executive of the company is a resident Indian and the management of the applicant company is in Indian hands with majority representation on the Board excluding nominee or independent directors except in respect of a company having Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) beyond forty-nine percent. R.54 Procedure for grant of license in Form VII(1) The license for manufacture or proof-test or both shall be granted by the licensing authority to an applicant who fulfills the eligibility criteria laid down in these rules provided that no adverse remarks are received from various government agencies entrusted for verifying the antecedents of the applicant company or its directors or responsible person, as the case may be. [(2) A licence granted in Form VII shall be valid for the life time of the licensee company: Provided that the licensee shall be required to setup the facility for manufacture or proof test of arms and/or ammunition, recruit technical and administrative staff, develop and proof test proto-types of arms and ammunition, conduct trial runs R.55 Other requirements as to licenses granted in Form VII(1) The licensee shall preferably be self-sufficient in areas of product design and development and have maintenance and life cycle support facility of the product to be manufactured and the items to be manufactured shall meet the International or Indian accredited quality standards and norms with special emphasis on indigenous designing: Provided that no infringement of patents or copyrights, shall be permissible. (2) The licensee shall submit the standards and testing procedures for manufacture of firearms and ammunition to the Government nominated Quality Assurance Agency, which will inspect the finished product in the trial run and conduct audit of the Quality Assurance Procedures in respect of design, work R.56 Obligations of licensees having licensee Form VII(1) The validity of a license granted in Form VII shall be subject to the manufacturer's compliance with the conditions contained in these rules and in the license. (2) The licensee having a license in Form VII shall mark all firearms and ammunition that it manufactures in the manner as specified in rule 58. (3) The licensee company shall comply with the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy of the Government of India and the regulations framed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) as notified by the Reserve Bank of India in case of foreign direct investment in the said company. (4) The licensee shall comply with the security guidelines as contained in the Security R.57 Import of machinery for manufacturing arms and ammunition and other parts etc.(1) The licensee having a license in Form VII shall submit an application along with the complete list of machinery to be installed, to be procured locally or imported. (2) The license for acquisition, possession, import or transport of machinery shall be issued in Form I. (3) Import of arms specified in category II of Schedule I and raw material in the form of metal, alloy, fiber, polymers, wood and other allied items, for manufacturing of such arms, shall be allowed subject to the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy notified under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992 (22 of 1992) from time to time by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and on the recommendations of the Minist R.58 Marking of firearms and ammunition at the time of manufacture(1) All firearms shall have applied to them, at the time of their manufacture, unique markings containing the following information, namely:- (i) the country of manufacture; (ii) the name of the manufacturer; (iii) a serial number unique to the manufacturer; (iv) year of manufacture; (this information may be incorporated into the serial number) (v) firearm type/ model; (vi) caliber; (vii) proof-marks; and (viii) such other additional information if the firearm is intended for an Indian domestic State entity viz. military, Central Armed Police Forces, Police e R.59 Proof test of firearms(1) A new manufacturer may set up a proof test facility for gun barrels or completed firearms. (2) The facility shall be located within its premises separately from its arms manufacturing unit. (3) A manufacturer who intends to set-up a proof testing facility shall make an application in Form A-6 along with the application for arms and ammunition manufacturing license. (4) The application under sub-rule (3) for proof-testing facility shall be examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Ministry of Defense and in accordance with the guidelines specified for manufacturing license. (5) The existing ma R.60 Capacity revision and applicability of new norms to existing manufacturers(1) The existing manufacturers may apply for grant of a fresh license in Form VII in accordance with the procedure specified in rule 51. (2) The existing manufacturer may apply for enhancement or restoration or revision or re-fixation of its licensed capacity by an application made in this regard with the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs with the recommendation of the State Government concerned, along with the following documents, namely:- (i) a copy of the existing manufacturing license; (ii) certified copies of the annual accounts of the licensee for the last five years duly certified by a Chartered Accountant; (iii) details of the plant and machi R.61 License in case of an individual or a sole proprietor(1) In case the existing manufacturer having a license in Form IX under the Arms Rules, 1962 is an individual or a sole-proprietorship concern, the license shall expire ipso-facto on the death of the licensee. (2) The legal heirs of the licensee under this rule may prefer an application for grant of a fresh license in Form VII to the Central Government in the Ministry of Home Affairs, which may consider such application on case to case basis. R.62 Admission of partners in case of existing manufacturer(1) In case the existing manufacturer having a license in Form IX under the Arms Rules, 1962 is a partnership firm, additional partners may be admitted in case of death of a partner wherein legal heirs of the deceased partner may be admitted as a partner or partners in the firm subject to prior approval of the Central Government in the Ministry of Home Affairs. (2) An existing partner, during his life time, may induct his legal heirs as an additional partner under this rule, on obtaining written consent of all other existing partners, if any, in the partnership firm subject to prior approval of the Central Government in the Ministry of Home Affairs. R.63 Conversion of partnership firm into a private limited company(1) Any existing manufacturer, being a partnership firm, may make an application to the Central Government in the Ministry of Home Affairs with the recommendations of the State Government concerned for grant of permission to convert the firm into a private limited company and the Central Government may grant such permission provided that the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the newly incorporated Company contain that? (a) only the existing partners or family members are on the Board of Directors of the company; (b) restriction on the directors to transfer shares, assets or profits of the company to any outside person and on submission of an undertaking to the effect that the applicant company has compl R.64 Restoration of license of a discontinued business of an existing manufacturerIn case of a discontinued business, the legal heir of the deceased licensee, if he is a major, may make an application for the grant of a fresh license in Form VII to the Central Government in the Ministry of Home Affairs within twelve months of the death of the licensee and in case the legal heir is a minor, within twelve months from the date of his attaining majority. R.65 Record of transactions to be maintained by licensees holding license in Form VII(1) The manufacturer shall keep a register in the format of a secure electronic database known as the 'Firearms Stock Register', wherein the following particulars shall be recorded: - (a) on the debit side, against a stock number, the date of manufacture, make, caliber, model and manufacturer's serial number; and (b) on the credit side, against the stock number referred to in sub-rule (a), - (i) the date of sale of firearm; (ii) the name and address and license number of the dealer to whom the firearm is sold; (iii) the particulars of the Government department to whom the firearm is sold; (iv) the partic R.66 Enforcement powers as to inspection and confiscation(1) (a) The licensing authority shall from time to time, conduct inspections of manufacturing facilities and records, in order to ensure compliance with the conditions of the license under the Act. (b) The inspection may include verification of inventory records, mechanism of marking of firearms, review of security norms, personnel records and any other areas of relevance deemed appropriate by the inspecting team or as per the instructions contained in the audit and inspection programme decided by the licensing authority. (2) Firearms, their parts, components or ammunition that have been illicitly manufactured shall be permanently confiscated by the enforcement agencies. (3) (a) Firearms, R.67 License to manufacture replica of firearms(1) A license in Form VII-B may be granted to any person, to manufacture replicas of antique (muzzle loading) and contemporary (breech-loading) firearms for domestic market and export purposes. (2) The persons not holding any license or persons holding a license in Form I for possession of machinery, or in Form IX for manufacture of firearms, under the Arms Rules, 1962 shall apply for a new license in Form VII-B for manufacture and sale of replica of firearms within one year from the date of the notification of these rules. R.68 Inspection of samples of replica of firearms(1) The manufacturers of replicas of firearms shall keep not more than fifty samples of each type of replicas at any given time. (2) The manufacturer of replica of firearms shall, before commencement of manufacture, cause inspection by Directorate of Inspection, Department of Defense Production, Ministry of Defense of sample of each type of replica at the cost to be borne by the manufacturer, by submitting to the Directorate of Inspection ? (i) three specimens of each type of replica proposed to be manufactured; (ii) five copies of photos or drawings of each type of replica describing its main parts; and (iii) the original and one copy of the license issued in Form VI R.69 Markings of replicas of firearms(1) The name of manufacturer shall be engraved on each replica manufactured for sale as below: "Replica of fire-arm manufactured by Messrs (Name of the firm and city) India". (2) The manufacturer shall also engrave on each replica - (i) type of replica; (ii) manufacturer's serial number; and (iii) date of the inspection of the specimen by the Directorate of Inspection. Illustration: If four different types are approved after inspection, the specimens will be described as A, B, C and D and the following shall be engraved on each replica in addition to the name of manufacturer vide R.70 Maintenance of records by manufacturer of replicas of firearms(1) The manufacturer shall maintain records of manufacture and sale of replicas in the format given in the following table, namely:-- Table
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