The Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) Order — S.I. 21 of 2008 — came into effect on 1st May 2008. Since that date, any firearms dealer wishing to deal in restricted firearms has had to apply for and be granted an authorisation under section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. That Order will also be relevant in the context of changes which I have announced in the firearms licensing regime which I will be bringing forward in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill due to be published in the coming weeks.
Section 31 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (Issue of guidelines etc. by Commissioner) was commenced by S.I. No. 390 of 2006 (Criminal Justice Act 2006 (Commencement Order)) on 1st August 2006. It is intended that the Commissioner will issue guidelines in the context of the new licensing regime.