The forms in this page contain references to terminology and provisions that have changed under the Arms Act 2026. As we progressively update all forms, they remain available for use. They will be processed under the provisions of the new legislation.
Ammunition sellers
Ammunition sellers are individual firearms licence holders, who sell ammunition to other firearms licence holders.
On this page
What is an ammunition seller
Ammunition sellers are responsible for the day-to-day management of a business that sells or supplies ammunition.
This does not include:
- Licensed business
- Members of shooting clubs, if the member sells ammunition:
- to a club member, or on club premises, with the approval of the management committee of the club or a majority vote of club members; and
- the sales revenue is used for the benefit of the club.
Ammunition sellers must:
- Hold a firearms licence
- Not sell any items other than ammunition
- Meet secure storage and record keeping obligations
- Only sell ammunition to other firearms licence holders.
Always use the Firearms Licence Checker to validate a purchaser or receiver’s firearms licence.
Become an ammunition seller
To become an ammunition seller, you must hold a firearms licence.
You must notify Firearms Safety and Education NZ of your intention to become an ammunition seller. There is no associated fee to do this.
If you are a licensed business, you do not need to apply to be an ammunition seller.
Notification of being an ammunition seller
If satisfied, Firearms Safety and Education NZ will contact you acknowledging your intention to sell ammunition.
Regulator approval required for commercial ammunition sellers
From 23 July 2027, individual firearms licence holders seeking to sell or supply ammunition commercially, must obtain approval from the regulator to become an approved ammunition seller.
Existing ammunition sellers will continue in force but will need to apply for approval within 12 months.
This change strengthens public safety by allowing the regulator to assest applicants and decline approval where there are safety concerns. Previously, commercial ammunition sellers were only required to notify the regulator of their intention to sell ammunition commercially with no mechanism for the regulator to assess or refuse applications.
Approval as an ammunition seller will start on the date specified in the approval and will remain valid for the same period as the holder's firearms licence.
Obligations as an ammunition seller
Secure storage obligations
An ammunition seller must store ammunition in accordance with Regulations 69 and 70.
Ammunition not on display on the seller’s premises must be stored:
- in an area not accessible to the public; and
- in a locked steel box, steel cabinet, or steel safe, that is secured to the building, or in a steel and concrete strongroom or stout storeroom.
Ammunition on display on the seller’s premises must be stored:
- in an area that is accessible to the public, the ammunition must be stored in a locked cabinet, locked container, or locked display case that must be soundly constructed and fixed to the building to prevent its removal,
- in a locked display case outside opening times, the premises must be secured against public access.
Record keeping obligations
Ammunition sellers must keep at their place of business a record book detailing all ammunition sold or supplied through the business.
On and from 24 June 2025, the sale of ammunition is required to be recorded in the Registry using the Business Transactions form. On and from this date, ammunition sellers are no longer required to record ammunition sales in a record book. Received or manufactured ammunition must still be recorded in a record book.
Details required to be recorded include:
- purchaser or receiver's name
- purchaser or receiver's firearms licence number
- quantity and type of ammunition sold or supplied.
If ammunition is sold or supplied to a person without a firearms licence, the person must be under the immediate supervision of another firearms licence holder. The valid licence holder’s detail will be recorded.
Using the Business Transactions form
If the Dealer Transactions form is unavailable due to technical issues or an outage, you can use your dealer record book as a temporary record of the ammunition sale. The transaction should then be entered into the Dealer Transactions form as soon as it becomes available again.
Restricted ammunition
Ammunition sellers cannot sell, receive or supply restricted ammunition.
To sell restricted ammunition you must have the relevant endorsement on your licence.
The person you are selling the restricted ammunition to must also have the relevant endorsement on their licence.
Employees of ammunition sellers
If an employee does not have a firearms licence, they are still able to perform their duties under the supervision of a firearms licence holder.
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