Draft Trade Policy Directive on Blank Gun Importation

Posted 19 May 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Safety and Security

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has released a draft ministerial trade policy directive to regulate the importation of blank guns.

In terms of the International Trade Administration Act, No. 71 of 2002, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has gazetted a draft ministerial trade policy directive at the request of the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition. The directive aims to address the proliferation of weapons that can be easily repurposed or misused by establishing stringent minimum regulatory requirements for import permits.

The proposed directive serves as a regulatory alternative to a total prohibition on the importation of blank guns. According to the ITAC notice, a complete ban would negatively impact several sectors that rely on these items for legitimate purposes, including:

  • Police and military training exercises;
  • Operations within the private security industry; and
  • Special effects in film and theatrical productions.

The draft trade policy directive outlines the specific criteria that must be met by individuals or entities seeking permits for the importation of blank guns into South Africa. Stakeholders and interested parties have until 2 June 2025 to submit written comments on the draft directive to ITAC.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through professional advisory roles for clients in the security, logistics, or entertainment sectors.
  • For your business: Professional firms providing compliance or trade advisory services must prepare for more rigorous permit application processes and potential shifts in the regulatory landscape for controlled imports.
  • For your clients: Importers of blank guns, including security firms and film production companies, must review the draft requirements to ensure they can meet the new minimum standards for permit eligibility before the 2 June 2025 deadline.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/blank-gun-import-control-measures-imminent

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