Firearm Exports

For Firearms shipped from Switzerland to foreign countries

Firearms Export

Thank you for choosing M426 Systems GmbH as your firearms exporter. To help this process go as smooth as possible, here are some general guidelines. To apply for your license, we are required to submit the following information:

  1. We strongly recommend exports only Business-to-Business. Exporting to private individuals involves too many imponderables. We explicitly advise against exports to private individuals, although theoretically possible.
  2. Purchase Order: This document must be from the foreign end user, requesting these items be shipped to them. We need to have this in German, French, Italian or English. This can be mailed or emailed to us.
  3. Import permit: This document is either an original permit or certificate issued by the foreign government, authorizing the import of the items specified in the purchase order. It usually contains an official signature, government seal and validity period or expiration date. Typically a firearms dealers, business license or authorization to own or carry a firearm is not acceptable. Check with your local laws to determine what your government requires. We would like to get an original, if possible. If not, a certified copy can be used. We must receive the original or certified copy via mail, unless it’s an original PDF/A. We need to have this in German, French, Italian or English.
  4. For private individuals only: You need a permit to purchase the firearm you desire. The type of permit varies depending on the firearm.. This document is issued by the police of Canton Bern and is necessary to apply for the export license.
  5. We need a copy of your passport or identity card. Drivers license will not be accepted for export permit application.
  6. End-User-Certificate: This is a document, that states to what intend firearms leave Switzerland. You will be provided with a template from us. We will need this EUC to apply for your export license.
  7. For B2B importers only: Resale Declaration for Arms: This is a document, that states that you will pass on or resell the firearms to your domestic customer
  8. Translation: Should the permit be in a language other than German, French, Italian, or English, we will require a translation as well. The translation can be emailed as PDF/A to us. We must receive the certified original translation via mail or email.

After we receive these documents, we will apply for your license. An approval can take 2-8 weeks to get back from the Swiss federal police (fedpol) or Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs (SECO), sometimes longer. The clearer and more complete the documentation, the quicker the application will be processed. We cannot guarantee approval for every firearm you want. There are some firearms that cannot be exported and some firearms that other countries will not allow to be imported. We will ship the guns after the export license is received and payment process is finished.

Important Information we want to make certain you are aware of:

  • Due to costs and current restrictions, we do not export ammunition in any quantity.
  • All firearms, firearm parts, pieces and components require an EXPORT permit.
  • Generally, almost any firearm commercially available in Switzerland can be exported.
  • The biggest cost-variable is shipping.
    • Most Ground Shippers will not accept firearms for international shipments, even not for surrounding countries.
    • Most firearms must be shipped via air freight.
    • Some airlines will not accept firearms for carriage.
    • Shipping during the holiday season is more expensive than shipping during off-peak travel seasons.
  • Dimensions, weight and destination determine shipping costs, not the number of firearms. Often there is not much cost difference in exporting one (1) firearm to five (5) firearms, or from six (6) to twelve (12) firearms – the cost equation is driven by dimensions, weight, destination and value.

What is it going to cost?

The cost of processing your export license includes a base fee of CHF 100 net, in addition to CHF 25 net for each item listed, ensuring a minimum charge of CHF 250 net. Alternatively, if the calculated fee based on 2% of the shipment’s value exceeds CHF 250 net, that higher amount will be applied.

  1. Application Fee: This fee is mandatory for submitting the application. It covers both the service costs and the fees imposed by Swiss authorities for each approved application.
  2. Customs and Shipping Expenses: All expenses related to customs brokerage and shipping must be paid before the firearms are dispatched to the applicant’s location.
  3. Storage Fee: If items are stored in the facility for more than six months, a monthly storage fee of 10 CHF net per item, or any part thereof, will be charged.
  4. Repacking Charges: Additional charges may apply if the shipment needs to be repacked into a larger box or crate.
  5. Payment Methods: While bank transfers in Swiss Francs (CHF) are preferred, the company is also equipped to facilitate payments in Euro (EUR), US Dollar (USD), and British Pound Sterling (GBP) within its international capabilities.. The valid monthly average rate of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration is decisive for the conversion.

There are additional fees that are beyond our control, such as shipping expenses to the foreign end-user, broker fees, storage charges, insurance costs, and customs duties. These fees must be settled before the shipment is dispatched or can be collected upon delivery (cash on delivery). The amount of these fees can vary significantly, ranging from CHF 250 to CHF 1000 or more. We can provide you with an estimate of these expenses once we have all the necessary information to calculate them accurately.

It’s important to note that you will be responsible for these fees, even in the event of errors made by our agents or customs personnel. While we will ensure the delivery of your items to a carrier for shipment to your location, we cannot assume responsibility for any damage that may occur during transit, nor can we be held accountable for lost, misdirected, or customs-seized shipments.

Contact us for your personal inquiry

Kontakt
Prename
Surname
Company / Organization
Phone
Order number
Subject
Datei Upload

Maximum file size: 5MB

Datei-Upload (erlaubte Formate jpg und pdf)