Appealing a firearms decision
All decisions on firearm certificates are made by the Chief Constable. Sometimes a request for a firearm certificate will be refused or a person's firearm certificate will be revoked. If you are unhappy with a decision made by the Chief Constable you can appeal.
Types of decisions
You can appeal a number of decisions which include:
- a refusal to grant or vary any certificate
- a certificate being revoked
- a new condition attached to any certificate
- a condition attached to your certificate which has been changed
How to appeal
You must send your appeal within one month of getting your letter setting out the Chief Constable’s decision.
Your appeal should clearly state:
- the decision of the Chief Constable
- the grounds of your appeal
Where to appeal
You can appeal to the Department of Justice. However, where national security is concerned, appeals are made to the Secretary of State. Your decision letter from the Chief Constable will tell you where you should send your appeal form to.
Making an appeal to Department of Justice
If you want to make your appeal to the Department of Justice you will need to fill in an appeal form.
Send the completed and signed appeal form to: FEB@justice-ni.gov.uk
or post your form to
Firearms & Explosives Branch
Department of Justice
Room B4.22
Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
BELFAST
BT4 3SG
Making appeal to Secretary of State
If you want to make your appeal to the Secretary of State you can find forms and guidance here.