The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2026 announced by the Home Office today add new conditions to firearm and shotgun certificates in England, Scotland and Wales that come into force with immediate effect. A one-month transitional period will apply from 29 September, during which applicants will still be able to submit existing application forms. From 29 October 2026, only the revised forms will be accepted.

The new licensing conditions require applicants to disclose second homes where forearms could be stored, enabling police to conduct appropriate security checks and notify the relevant force where necessary.

Certificate holders will also now be required to report all relevant advice or treatment from on-line or third-party doctors, rather than their GP, as well informing the police if they are diagnosed with, or receive treatment for, a relevant medical condition, or if an existing condition gets worse, helping to ensure licensing decisions are based on the most up to date information available. Police must also be told about all people living in a certificate holder’s household so they that any wider safety concerns can be identified, including risks linked to domestic abuse or mental wellbeing.

The UK already has some of the strongest gun controls in the world, and these changes will help strengthen safeguards further by closing loopholes and helping ensure firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. However, it is the creation of a single centralised licensing body which the Countryside Alliance has led the campaign for that is needed to solve the firearms licensing weaknesses in England and Wales, the current fragmented licensing system no longer being fit for purpose.

The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2026 and be read here.