Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
European Commission. 2014 ‘Sweden.’ Study to Support an Impact Assessment on Options for Combatting Illicit Firearms Trafficking in the European Union, p. 172. Luxembourg: Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services. 1 July
Relevant contents
Provision on the criminalisation of illicit firearms trafficking: Sweden
When importing a weapon to Sweden, an import permit issued by the Swedish police is needed, cf Chapter 2, Section 11, in the Weapons Act. If a weapon is, or is attempted to be, unlawfully imported, i.e. without permit, the Act on Penalties for Smuggling (SFS 2000:1225) is applicable, cf Chapter 9, Section 4, in the Weapons Act. In the Act on Penalties for Smuggling it is stated that a person who, in connection with the import into Sweden of goods that are subject to a specific prohibition against or condition for import, intentionally contravenes the prohibition or condition by failing to report the goods for customs clearance, shall be sentenced for smuggling to a fine or imprisonment for at most two years (Section 3, paragraph 1).
In Chapter 9, Section 1 in the Weapons Act is stated that a person who intentionally possess a firearm without having the right to it, or transfer or lend a firearm to someone who is not entitled to possess the firearm shall be sentenced for weapons crime (vapenbrott) to imprisonment for at most one year. Should the offence be judged grave, a sentenced shall be imposed for grave weapons crime to imprisonment for at least six months and at most four years. Should the offence be committed by negligence or be judged to be petty, fines or imprisonment for at most six months shall be imposed.
It is also a criminal offence according to the Weapons Act to e.g. transfer ammunition to someone who is not entitled to possess the ammunition or to be engaged in trading in firearms without a license.