The Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has prepared a parliamentary study on the civil circulation of firearms.

The study analyses the current legal framework governing the civil circulation of firearms in Ukraine, the key features of the national regulatory model, and the main legislative challenges in this area. Particular attention is given to the changes introduced under martial law, including the establishment of the Unified Weapons Register and the introduction of a firearms declaration mechanism.

The study also examines the provisions of Directive (EU) 2021/555 on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons and assesses the state of its implementation in Ukrainian legislation in the context of the draft Law of Ukraine “On the Right to Civilian Firearms”.

In addition, the study reviews the main international approaches to firearms regulation, including the liberal model and the permit-and-control model, as well as the experience of Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Finland with regard to licensing procedures, requirements for firearm owners, rules governing the carrying of firearms, and the exercise of the right to self-defence.

Based on the findings of the analysis, the study identifies the key characteristics of the Ukrainian model for regulating the civil circulation of firearms, assesses its alignment with European approaches, and outlines possible directions for further legislative development in line with European Union standards.

The full text of the study is available at: