Estonia. 2002 ‘Destruction of Weapons and Ammunition.’ Weapons Act (Riigi Teataja I 2001, 65, 377) [with amendments to June 2004]; Section 83 (Chapter 11). Tallinn: Riigi Teataja (State Gazette). 31 March

Relevant contents

§ 83. Destruction of Weapons and Ammunition

(1) The destruction of weapons and ammunition is defined in this Act as the physical destruction of a weapon as a whole and of ammunition.

(2) The following are subject to destruction:
1) weapons and ammunition which are found in an unserviceable state;
2) weapons and ammunition given by the owner thereof for destruction;
3) other weapons and ammunition pursuant to the procedure established by law or legislation issued on the basis of law.

(3) Weapons of historical or cultural value are not subject to destruction. A weapon is declared to have historical or cultural value pursuant to the procedure established by the Heritage Conservation Act. A weapon of historical or cultural value is subject to preservation in a weapons collection pursuant to the procedure provided by this Act.

(4) The owner or possessor of a weapon or ammunition subject to destruction shall hand over the weapon together with an application to this effect to the police prefecture of the residence or seat of the owner or holder of the weapon. The destruction of weapons and ammunition shall be organised by the Police Board.

(5) A weapon shall be destroyed by being melted or by being crushed under a suitable press in a manner which precludes the further use of the weapon as a whole and of any of its components.

(6) Ammunition containing explosive substances shall be destroyed pursuant to the procedure established by the Explosive Substances Act.

(7) Weapons and ammunition shall be destroyed in the presence of a police officer authorised by the head of the Police Board. The owner or possessor of the weapon or representatives of other agencies may be invited to be present at the destruction of the weapon.

(8) A report shall be prepared concerning the destruction of a weapon or ammunition which sets out the type, mark, model, calibre and marking (if there is a marking) of the weapon, the quantity of ammunition, and the location, date and manner of destruction. The report shall be prepared in two original copies of which one shall be bound into the weapon register book and the other shall be given to the owner or possessor of the weapon. The report shall be signed by the police officer and other persons who were present at the destruction of the weapon.

(9) A notice concerning the destruction of a weapon shall be made in the register of service and civilian weapons.

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