The government eliminated the annual re-registration and facilitates the legal possession of firearms.

As part of its administrative simplification policy, the national government has eliminated the annual re-registration and the payment of the corresponding fee for so-called "Legitimate Users" of firearms registered with the National Agency for Controlled Materials (Anmac). The measure applies to commercial, collective, hunting users, and shooting entities, and was made official through a resolution published in the Official Gazette, signed by Anmac's director, Juan Pablo Allan.

The new regulation means that more than 2,300 individuals and legal entities who legally operate with firearms in the country—including manufacturers, merchants, shooting clubs, and hunting associations—will no longer have to re-register annually or pay the corresponding fee each year, as was previously required. From now on, this procedure will take place every five years, provided there are no substantial changes in the information initially declared.

Changes in the control system

The previous system required a mandatory annual declaration, even when there were no updates in the company's or organization's situation. In addition, it was necessary to declare changes in the corporate structure or management every time the permit was renewed. With the new provision, those reports must only be made if there are modifications, and within a period of 30 days.

According to official sources, the fees in force until now ranged from $20,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on the type of user. Their elimination—except every five years—represents a significant economic relief for those authorized.

From the Ministry of Security, which oversees Anmac, it was explained: "This resolution streamlines processes without weakening controls. The objective is to reduce unnecessary burdens and facilitate regulatory compliance for those who, from different sectors, contribute to the country's industrial, sports, and commercial development."

A broader policy on firearms

The measure is part of a series of changes promoted by the government regarding firearms policy. Among them, the resolution stands out that  allows legitimate users to purchase and possess semiautomatic firearms under a special regime, revoking a ban in force since 1995.

In addition, the so-called "Express Possession" was implemented, aimed at facilitating procedures for private users and members of security forces who acquire weapons at registered gun shops. Another previous change was the lowering of the minimum age to be considered a legitimate firearms user, which went from 21 to 18 years old in December of last year.

Although the new measures do not alter certain basic requirements—such as not having physical or mental disabilities—they do aim to "harmonize" the regulations with other legal frameworks, such as  the Civil and Commercial Code, which establishes the age of majority at 18 years old.

The relaxation of procedures regarding the legal possession of firearms has caused various opinions in civil society. While sectors linked to the firearms industry and sports celebrate the reduction of bureaucratic burdens, critical voices warn about the risks of relaxing the control system in a context of increasing insecurity.