Police Launch 'Voluntary Reporting of Illegal Weapons' for the Month of September... Blades, Spray Guns, and Taser Devices Also Included

Starting this year, not only firearms but also bladed weapons, spray guns, stun guns, and crossbows are subject to permit renewal, so owners of these items are advised to exercise caution. The National Police Agency announced on the 30th that it will operate the "2026 2nd Voluntary Reporting Period for Illegal Weapons" for one month, from the 1st to the 30th of next month.
The items subject to reporting include all illegal weapons, such as firearms, explosives, bladed weapons, spray guns, stun guns, and crossbows, which are possessed without a permit or whose permits have been revoked. In principle, those who report illegal weapons during the voluntary reporting period are exempt from criminal liability and administrative sanctions.
If you wish to possess the weapon even after reporting it, you can legally obtain a permit to possess it after undergoing verification procedures, such as checking for disqualifying factors. Reporting can be done by the individual or a representative directly submitting the illegal weapon to a nearby police station or military unit.
If you do not wish to reveal your identity or prefer a non-face-to-face reporting method, it is also possible to report by phone or mail first and submit the actual item later. If it is difficult to submit within the designated period due to unavoidable circumstances, you may consult with the competent police station regarding the submission method.
If the manufacture, sale, or possession of illegal weapons is discovered after the voluntary reporting period ends, you may be subject to imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or a fine of 30 million to 100 million won in accordance with relevant laws. Information on the weapon possession permit renewal system, which has changed starting this year, is also provided.
With the enforcement of the revised 'Act on the Safety Management of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, etc. ' on January 8, the renewal system, which previously applied only to firearms, has been expanded to include swords, spray guns, stun guns, and crossbows.
Accordingly, possessors of these weapons must also renew their permits every three years. The renewal period varies depending on the date of the original permit.
Weapons permitted by December 31, 2004, must be renewed by January 7, 2027. Those permitted from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2013, must be renewed by January 7, 2028, while those permitted from January 1, 2014, to January 7 of this year must be renewed by January 7, 2029.
The police urged timely renewal, warning that failure to renew within the designated period may result in disadvantages such as permit revocation or criminal punishment. Those who report an illegal weapon possessor and contribute to their arrest may receive a reward of up to 25 million won.
If you find an illegal weapon in your vicinity, you can report it to 112 or a nearby police station.
The National Police Agency emphasized, "We will continue to make efforts to prevent illegal weapons and ensure public safety, such as by operating a voluntary reporting period for illegal weapons to promptly recover illegal weapons, which are one of the factors causing social unrest.
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[email protected] Kim Ye-ji Reporter