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Singapore — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Singapore is 22,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Singapore is 0.52 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Singapore ranked at No. 1631

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Singapore ranked at No. 1692

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Singapore is reported to be 7953

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Singapore is 3.144

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In Singapore, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 1033

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Singapore, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 2143

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 4763 handguns in civilian possession in Singapore

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Singapore are reported to have 563,7505 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Singapore are reported to have 46,2006 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Singapore, annual homicides by any means total

2006: 177
2005: 21
2004: 218
2003: 24
2000: 379
1999: 40
1998: 37

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2006: 0.397
2005: 0.49
2004: 0.508
2003: 0.57
2000: 0.929
1999: 1.01
1998: 0.94
1994: 1.7110

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Number of Gun Homicides

ChartIn Singapore, annual firearm homicides total

2006: 17
2005: 0
2004: 08
2003: 0
2000: 19

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2006: 0.027
2005: 0.00
2004: 0.008
2003: 0.00
2000: 0.029
1994: 0.0711

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Number of Suicides (any method)

In Singapore, annual suicides by any means total

1998: 37112

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1998: 8.7212
1994: 14.0613

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Number of Gun Suicides

In Singapore, annual firearm suicides total

1998: 512

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

1998: 0.1212
1994: 0.1714

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Number of Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Singapore, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

1998: 112

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

1998: 0.0212
1994: 0.0015

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Singapore, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

1998: 012

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn Singapore, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

1998: 0.0012
1994: 0.0016

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Singapore, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence17

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Singapore is ranked 'medium'18

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Singapore, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 17 19

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Singapore is reported to be US$8,164,38920 (2009)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Singapore is categorized as 'unknown'21

Import Control

In Singapore, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 17 22

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Singapore is reported to be US$4,994,06420 (2009)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Singapore is negligible3

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Singapore is reported to be US$1,50023

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Singapore, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law24

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Singapore do not include25 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Singapore was ranked number 44 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 7.00 points of a possible total of 2526

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Singapore is categorised as restrictive27

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Singapore is the Arms and Explosives Act 200328 and the Arms Offences Act29

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Singapore are regulated by the Licensing Officer appointed by the Minister of Interior30 31

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Singapore, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law25

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Singapore, private possession of fully automatic weapons is not specifically prohibited in law25 32

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Singapore, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is not specifically prohibited in law25 32

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Regulation of Handguns

In Singapore, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is not specifically prohibited in law25 32

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Singapore, only licensed gun owners17 33 34 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Singapore are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example sports shooting and self-protection35 36 37 38 39

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Singapore is 18 for sports shooting35, and 21 for self-protection37

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Singapore must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, medical, and Gun Club Membership35 37 30 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Singapore, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required25

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Singapore does not stipulate25 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Singapore, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required37 39 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Singapore gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 2 years40 34

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Licensing Records

In Singapore, authorities maintain a record32 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Singapore are permitted to possess any number of firearms25

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Singapore is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition25

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Singapore, the law requires32 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Singapore, licensed firearm dealers are required41 42 32 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Singapore, licensed gun makers are required41 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Singapore, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited43

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Singapore, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful43

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Singapore, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined25

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Singapore, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated25 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Singapore include38 36 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Singapore do not include25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Singapore do not include25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Tracing

In Singapore, state authorities do not carry out25 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Singapore, state authorities do not employ25 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Singapore, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit38

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Singapore, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit38

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Singapore, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is up to 10 years prison and 6 strokes of the cane44 40

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Singapore voted to begin45 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed46 by Singapore

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Singapore committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects47

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Singapore has yet to submit a national report48 49 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Singapore, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated50 49

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated49 by Singapore to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Singapore has not declared1 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Singapore has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196551

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list52 Singapore as a Participating State
Last Updated on 18 March 2012

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Singapore.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4254)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

10.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1301)Full Citation

11.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1297)Full Citation

12.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

13.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1302)Full Citation

14.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1298)Full Citation

15.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1299)Full Citation

16.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1300)Full Citation

17.

Singapore.2003.‘Licences Required in Respect of Guns, Arms, Explosives, etc..’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q1115)Full Citation

18.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

19.

Singapore.2003.‘Minister May Prohibit Exportation by Notification.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5177)Full Citation

20.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

21.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

22.

Singapore.2003.‘Knowingly Concealing Arms, etc., Imported Without Licence.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5180)Full Citation

23.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

24.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

25.

Singapore.2003.‘Short Title.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5175)Full Citation

26.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

27.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

28.

Singapore.2003.‘Short Title.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5174)Full Citation

29.

Singapore.1973.‘Short Title.’ Arms Offences Act (Chapter 14) [Revised Edition 2008].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,8 February. (Q1126)Full Citation

30.

Singapore.2003.‘Restrictions on Issuing of Licences.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q1117)Full Citation

31.

Singapore.2003.‘Appointment of Licensing Officer.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5176)Full Citation

32.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5373)Full Citation

33.

Singapore.2003.‘No Purchase of Guns or Arms from Licensed Dealer Without Licence.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5178)Full Citation

34.

Singapore.2003.‘Conditions of Licences.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5179)Full Citation

35.

Singapore.2011.‘For Target Practice.’ Guidelines on Application for a Licence to Possess Arm.Singapore:Singapore Police Force,26 June. (Q5209)Full Citation

36.

Singapore.2011.‘Licensing Conditions for Licence to Possess Arm for Target Practice.’ Conditions on Application for a Licence to Possess Arm.Singapore:Singapore Police Force,26 June. (Q5212)Full Citation

37.

Singapore.2011.‘For Self-Protection.’ Guidelines on Application for a Licence to Possess Arm.Singapore:Singapore Police Force,26 June. (Q5210)Full Citation

38.

Singapore.2011.‘Licensing Conditions for Licence to Possess Arm for Self-Protection.’ Conditions on Application for a Licence to Possess Arm.Singapore:Singapore Police Force,26 June. (Q5211)Full Citation

39.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5395)Full Citation

40.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5446)Full Citation

41.

Singapore.2003.‘Failure to Keep Prescribed Book or Make Prescribed Entry or Making False Entry.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q1123)Full Citation

42.

Singapore.2003.‘Obstructing Inspection of Stock-in-Trade.’ Arms and Explosives Act 2003 (Chapter 13) [Revised Edition with Amendments to 2010].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,21 March. (Q5181)Full Citation

43.

Parker, Sarah.2011.‘Balancing Act: Regulation of Civilian Firearm Possession.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5392)Full Citation

44.

Singapore.1973.‘Penalty for Being in Unlawful Possession of Arms or Ammunition.’ Arms Offences Act (Chapter 14) [Revised Edition 2008].Singapore:Parliament of Singapore,8 February. (Q5182)Full Citation

45.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

46.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

47.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

48.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

49.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

50.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

51.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

52.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation