Australian Firearm Categories

Firearm Secure Storage in Australia

Compliant Gun Safes for Legal Firearm Storage in Every State and Territory

At Safeguard Safes, we specialise in Australian-compliant firearm storage solutions. Whether you're a recreational hunter, sports shooter, licensed collector, or business handling firearms, secure storage is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement.

Our range of firearm safes, lockers, and strongrooms are manufactured to meet the minimum standards required in all states and territories across Australia for Categories A–H firearms.

National Firearm Categories in Australia

Firearm classification in Australia is governed by the National Firearms Agreement, and while licensing and usage differ between jurisdictions, the category system is uniform nationwide.

The National Firearms Agreement (NFA) is an Australian firearms policy framework introduced in 1996 in response to the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where 35 people were killed. It was developed and signed by all Australian states and territories under the leadership of then-Prime Minister John Howard to create a unified and strict approach to gun control across the country.

Key Features of the National Firearms Agreement

  • Uniform Firearm Categories:
    • Category A: Rimfire rifles, shotguns (excluding semi-auto/pump), air rifles
    • Category B: Centrefire rifles (bolt, lever, pump, break action)
    • Category C: Semi-auto rimfire rifles, semi-auto/pump-action shotguns (limited access)
    • Category D: Self-loading centrefire rifles, high-capacity firearms
    • Category H: Handguns and pistols
  • National Firearms Registry: All firearms must be registered to a licensed individual in each state or territory.
  • Genuine Reason Requirement: A valid reason such as sport shooting, hunting, occupational use, or primary production is required. Self-defence is not accepted.
  • Mandatory Licensing and Background Checks: Includes criminal, mental health, and domestic violence history.
  • Permit-to-Acquire (PTA): Required for each firearm purchase.
  • Safe Storage Requirements: Mandated by the NFA, with specific details defined at the state level.
  • 28-Day Cooling-Off Period: Applies to first-time licence applicants.
  • Restrictions on Certain Firearms: Limits on automatic and semi-automatic firearms, except in occupational use cases.
  • Buyback & Amnesty Programs: Over 650,000 firearms were surrendered; ongoing amnesties continue.

Why the NFA Matters for Secure Storage

While the NFA created a national framework, each state enforces its own storage laws under this agreement. Anyone storing firearms—dealers, collectors, recreational shooters—must meet both federal principles and local legislation.

At Safeguard Safes, we ensure our products comply with both the National Firearms Agreement and specific regulations across all Australian jurisdictions.

Secure Firearm Storage Requirements by State and Territory

Although firearm categories are consistent, storage requirements vary. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with your local laws. Below is a national overview; full legal references are available on our Firearm Safe Compliance by State page.

General Firearm Storage Requirements (National Overview)

  • Firearms must be unloaded and stored in an approved safe, cabinet, or locker when not in use.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately in a locked compartment.
  • The safe must be fixed to the premises, either to the wall or floor.
  • Some states require safes with specific construction standards (e.g. 10mm mild steel, continuous welds, locking bars).
  • Category H (handguns) typically requires higher-security storage, like a strongroom or reinforced safe.

Firearm Transport Requirements

  • Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a secure case or container.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm.
  • Firearms must not be left in visible or unattended locations in vehicles.
  • For air travel:
    • Firearms must be unloaded and disassembled (if possible)
    • Must be locked in a hard-sided container
    • Checked in at the airline counter (not allowed in cabin luggage)
    • Arrive early for inspection time
  • For domestic travel or public transport, check with your provider—rules vary.

State & Territory Firearm Storage Requirements: Australia

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Safe storage in the ACT aligns closely with NSW standards under the Firearms Act 1996. Licensees must ensure firearms are kept safely and not accessed by unauthorized persons. Unloaded firearms must be stored in a locked receptacle meeting "not easily penetrable" standards. Shared storage is permitted only under strict conditions with notification to authorities.

New South Wales (NSW)

Under the Firearms Regulation 2017, NSW requires:

  • Level 1 safe for Category A & B:
    • Steel or hardwood
    • ≥150 kg or secured to structure
    • Solid-metal approved lock
    • Three-point locking mechanism
  • Level 2 safe for Category C, D & H:
    • Steel safe fixed to premises (any weight)
    • 6 mm minimum steel door
    • Concealed hinges
    • Flush-mounted commercial lock
  • Ammunition must be stored separately in a locked container or compartment.

Queensland (QLD)

According to the Weapons Regulation 2016 and police guidelines:

  • Categories A, B & C: Stored in solid steel or timber container, securely fixed if under 150 kg; firearm bolt removed.
  • Categories D & H: Stored in a bolted steel container with action broken.
  • Locks must be sturdy keyed or combination types.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately.
  • Additional penalties apply under Section 60 of the Weapons Act 1990.

South Australia (SA)

Under the Firearms Regulations 2017 Code of Practice:

  • Level 1 safe: 2 mm steel minimum for A & B firearms.
  • Level 2 safe: 3 mm steel minimum for any C, D, or H firearms.
  • Additional security:
    • CCTV and intruder alarm for 20+ firearms or high categories
    • Strongroom required for 50+ firearms or ≥30 Category H
  • Ammunition must be locked separately; access devices must be stored separately from the firearm mechanism.

Tasmania (TAS)

Per the Firearms Act 1996, s 87 (effective December 4, 2017):

  • Category A/B: Safe must be ≥2 mm steel or concrete; bolted if under 150 kg (minimum four bolts).
  • Category C/D/H: Safe must be ≥3 mm steel or concrete, internally locked, with non-removable hinges.
  • Additional security: Alarm/CCTV required for ≥10 firearms or any H category.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately and locked.

Victoria (VIC)

Guidance under the Firearms Act 1996 requires:

  • Licensees must take "all reasonable precautions" to prevent firearm loss or theft.
  • Category A/B: Hardwood or steel safe ≥150 kg or fixed to structure.
  • Category C/D/H: Steel safe, fixed if under 150 kg.
  • Ammunition stored separately.
  • Shared storage requires notification; interstate storage requires approval.

Western Australia (WA)

Based on the Firearms Regulations 2024 Security & Storage Matrix:

  • Level 1 cabinet: 3 mm steel body, 6 mm door or compliant with AS/NZS 3809 Grade V.
  • Cabinet must be anchored to both floor and rear wall using 8 mm × 75 mm bolts.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately.
  • Alarm or CCTV may be required depending on licence type.

Northern Territory (NT)

According to official NT guidelines:

  • Category A/B: Cabinet must be "not easily penetrable" with edge-folded construction, non-removable hinges, and internal lockpoints. If under 150 kg, it must be bolted down.
  • Category C/D/H:
    • Door: Steel ≥6 mm
    • Cabinet: Steel ≥3 mm
    • Dual locks required for longarms
    • Must be fixed unless over 150 kg
  • Ammunition must be stored separately.

Why State-Specific Compliance Matters

Every Australian state and territory enforces its own legal requirements for firearm storage — and they’re not optional. These regulations vary depending on the firearm category, storage volume, location, and licence type.

If you’re not storing firearms correctly, you could face:

  • Heavy fines or prosecution
  • Firearm licence suspension or cancellation
  • Confiscation of firearms
  • Non-compliance issues during audits or inspections
  • Invalidated insurance claims in the event of a breach

Compliance isn’t just a box to tick — it’s critical for legal ownership, peace of mind, and safety.

How We Support Your Firearm Storage Compliance

At Safeguard Safes, we don’t just sell safes — we help you select the right safe for your legal obligations.

Our team is trained in state-by-state compliance for all firearm categories and secure storage classes. We stock and distribute a wide range of certified firearm safes sourced from Australia’s most trusted manufacturers and safe partners — all designed to meet or exceed regulatory requirements across the country.

We’ll:

  • Review your storage needs based on your licence type and firearm category
  • Guide you to a compliant product from our extensive online range
  • Explain key specs like construction, locking, anchoring, and ammo storage
  • Ensure you choose a model that aligns with your state or territory’s regulations

We don’t manufacture or certify safes ourselves — but we know which products do comply. Our job is to make it easy for you to meet your obligations with confidence.

Australia-Wide, Compliant Firearm Safes

Whether you're a recreational shooter, licensed collector, or professional firearms dealer, our team can help you:

  • Choose from a diverse, compliant product range
  • Understand the differences in Category A–H storage requirements
  • Match your needs to a state-compliant solution, available and ready to dispatch
  • Stay aligned with the National Firearms Agreement and local legislation

You don’t need to interpret complex legal text — we’ve done that already. You just need a safe that’s compliant, secure, and built to last. That’s what we offer.

Need Help Choosing?

Contact our expert team today. We’ll guide you through the selection process and help you find a compliant, high-quality safe — no guesswork, no unnecessary upgrades.

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  •  Trusted brands
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  •  Backed by real industry knowledge