URGENT UPDATE: The government of President Javier Milei has just announced a groundbreaking decree that relaxes restrictions on civilian firearm purchases in Argentina. Effective immediately, this regulation allows civilians to buy and possess semiautomatic rifles, a significant shift from longstanding prohibitions that date back to 1995.
This new system, formalized on November 11, 2023, through the National Firearms Registry, establishes a framework for the legal acquisition of semiautomatic weapons, including rifles and assault-style submachine guns. Individuals and organizations must now meet specific requirements to gain authorization for firearm possession.
The decree outlines essential criteria for prospective gun owners, including proof of ownership, secure storage solutions, and a sworn declaration demonstrating the intended sporting use of the firearms. Attorney Laura Tripodi, vice president of the Association of Legitimate Firearms Users of Buenos Aires Province, emphasized that the new regulations aim to address a “legal gap” that previously hindered the transfer of firearms among legitimate users.
“For years, there was a legal gap on this issue. The heirs of legitimate users could not transfer these firearms because no other user met the requirements,”
Tripodi stated, underscoring the significance of this regulatory change for responsible firearm owners.
The decree grants the National Firearms Registry, part of the Ministry of National Security, full authority to oversee the purchase, possession, and transfer of these weapons. “The rules are now more transparent, predictable, and clear for everyone,” Tripodi added, indicating that only users who meet stringent criteria such as having no criminal record and passing proficiency tests will be permitted to own semiautomatic weapons.
Critics, including organizations like the Argentine Disarmament Network, are raising alarms. They warn that increasing civilian access to semiautomatic rifles may escalate gun violence and exacerbate illegal arms trafficking, a significant concern in a country where organized crime is prevalent. “These are weapons that can fire in bursts. They are not for target shooting,” cautioned Martín Angerosa, co-founder of the Argentine Disarmament Network, highlighting the dangers of this new policy.
Despite these concerns, the head of the National Firearms Registry, Juan Pablo Allan, defended the decree during an interview with Canal A24. He stated that the measure aims to restore traceability of firearms and ensure the government knows where these weapons are located. Allan insisted that Argentina’s firearms legislation is among the most advanced in the region but acknowledged that it had been distorted by previous barriers that excluded legitimate users.
As this situation develops, the public will be watching closely to see how these new regulations impact firearm ownership and safety in Argentina. With the government’s move to ease restrictions on semiautomatic weapon purchases, the balance between personal rights and public safety will be a hotly debated topic in the weeks to come.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, and further updates are expected as the National Firearms Registry begins implementing these new guidelines. Stay tuned for more urgent developments on this unfolding story.
