Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Research supported by
SAS Logo

Singapore — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Number of Privately Owned Firearms

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

Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Singapore is 0.51 firearms per 100 people

Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Singapore ranked at No. 1632

Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Singapore ranked at No. 1691

Number of Registered Firearms

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

Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

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

Number of Privately Owned Rifles

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

Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

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

Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 4763 handguns in civilian possession in Singapore

Government Guns

Number of Military Firearms

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

Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Singapore are reported to have 46,2006 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Singapore, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 257
2008: 18
2007: 18
2006: 178 7
2005: 21
2004: 219 7
2003: 24
2002: 227
2001: 30
2000: 3710 7
1999: 40
1998: 37
1997: 397
1996: 31
1995: 51

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

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

2009: 0.57
2008: 0.4
2007: 0.4
2006: 0.398 7
2005: 0.49
2004: 0.509 7
2003: 0.57
2002: 0.57
2001: 0.8
2000: 0.9210 7
1999: 1.01
1998: 0.94
1997: 1.17
1996: 0.9
1995: 1.5
1994: 1.7111

Gun Homicides

ChartIn Singapore, annual firearm homicides total

2006: 18
2005: 0
2004: 09
2003: 0
2000: 110

Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

2006: 0.028
2005: 0.00
2004: 0.009
2003: 0.00
2000: 0.0210
1994: 0.0712

Suicides (any method)

In Singapore, annual suicides by any means total

1998: 37113

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: 8.7213
1994: 14.0614

Gun Suicides

In Singapore, annual firearm suicides total

1998: 513

Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

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

1998: 0.1213
1994: 0.1715

Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Singapore, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

1998: 113

Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

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

1998: 0.0213
1994: 0.0016

Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

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

1998: 013

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: 0.0013
1994: 0.0017

ProductionGun Industry

Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Singapore, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence18

Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Singapore is ranked 'medium'19

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Regulation of Firearm Exports

In Singapore, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 18 20

Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Singapore is reported to be US$11,831,50021 (2011)

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'22

Regulation of Firearm Imports

In Singapore, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 18 23

Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Singapore is reported to be US$3,033,81721 (2011)

Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

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

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$1,50024

Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Singapore, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law25

End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Singapore do not include26 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

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 2527

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Singapore is categorised as restrictive28

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Singapore includes the Arms and Explosives Act 200329 and the Arms Offences Act30

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Singapore are regulated by the Licensing Officer appointed by the Minister of Interior31 32

Right to Possess Firearms

In Singapore, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law26

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Singapore, private possession of fully automatic weapons is not specifically prohibited in law26 33

Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Singapore, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is not specifically prohibited in law26 33

Regulation of Handguns

In Singapore, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is not specifically prohibited in law26 33

Gun Owner Licensing

In Singapore, only licensed gun owners18 34 35 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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-protection36 37 38 39 40

Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Singapore is 18 for sports shooting36, and 21 for self-protection38

Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Singapore must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental, medical, and Gun Club Membership36 38 31 records

Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Singapore, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required26

Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Singapore does not stipulate26 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

Firearm Safety Training

In Singapore, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required38 40 for a firearm licence

Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Singapore gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 2 years41 35

Licensing Records

In Singapore, authorities maintain a record33 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Singapore are permitted to possess any number of firearms26

Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Singapore is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition26

Firearm Registration

Civilian Gun Registration

In Singapore, the law requires33 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Singapore, licensed firearm dealers are required42 43 33 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Singapore, licensed gun makers are required42 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Singapore, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited44

Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Singapore, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful44

Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Singapore, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined26

Regulation of Gun Shows

In Singapore, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated26 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Singapore include39 37 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Singapore do not include26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Singapore do not include26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Firearm Tracing

In Singapore, state authorities do not carry out26 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Singapore, state authorities do not employ26 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Singapore, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit39

Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Singapore, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit39

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 cane45 41

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Singapore voted to begin46 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

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 signed47 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 Aspects48

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 report49 50 on its implementation of the UNPoA

UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Singapore, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated51 50

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated50 by Singapore to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Singapore has not declared2 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 196552

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list53 Singapore as a Participating State


Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)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. (Q4)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.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Singapore.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6314)Full Citation

8.

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

9.

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

10.

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

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. (Q1301)Full Citation

12.

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

13.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)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. (Q1302)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. (Q1298)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. (Q1299)Full Citation

17.

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

18.

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

19.

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

20.

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

21.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

22.

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

23.

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

24.

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

25.

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

26.

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

27.

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

28.

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

29.

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

30.

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

31.

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

32.

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

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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

36.

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

37.

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

38.

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

39.

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

40.

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

41.

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

42.

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

43.

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

44.

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

45.

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

46.

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

47.

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

48.

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

49.

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

50.

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

51.

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

52.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

53.

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