Law No. 13/1991 on Weapons and Ammunition regulates the possession, carrying, and trade of weapons in Kuwait. It is among the strictest laws protecting public safety, imposing severe penalties including the death penalty in certain cases.
Table of Contents
Weapon Classifications
Firearms
- Pistols of all types
- Rifles and machine guns
- Hunting rifles
- Any weapon firing a projectile by gunpowder
Ammunition & Explosives
- Live ammunition of all calibers
- Explosives and detonators
- Hand grenades
- Any material used in manufacturing ammunition
Licensing Requirements
- Nationality: Kuwaiti citizen (or resident for special reasons with ministerial approval)
- Age: At least 21 years old
- Criminal record: Clear of felony or dishonor-related misdemeanor convictions
- Capacity: Full legal capacity and sound mind
- Justification: Acceptable reason for possession (personal protection, hunting, sport)
- Training: Passing a weapons proficiency test in some cases
Absolutely Prohibited Weapons
- Automatic weapons (machine guns) except for armed forces and security
- Explosives and grenades of all types
- Weapons modified to conceal their nature (disguised weapons)
- Sound suppressors (silencers)
- Biological and chemical weapons
License Exemptions
- Armed forces and police personnel during duty
- Diplomatic corps members per international agreements
- Antique weapons unfit for use (under conditions)
- Hunting weapons licensed to approved hunting clubs
License Holder Obligations
- Keeping the license valid and renewing before expiry
- Storing the weapon securely, preventing unauthorized access
- Not lending or transferring the weapon to unlicensed persons
- Immediately reporting loss or theft of the weapon
- Presenting the weapon for inspection when requested by authorities
- Not carrying the weapon in prohibited locations
Criminal Penalties
- Unlicensed possession: Up to 3 years imprisonment and fine
- Carrying in public: Up to 3 years imprisonment
- Unlicensed trading: Up to 7 years imprisonment
- Prohibited weapons possession: Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Use in a crime: Enhancement of the underlying offense's penalty
- Explosives threatening state security: Death or life imprisonment
Confiscation & Seizure
- Unlicensed seized weapons are mandatorily confiscated
- Seized ammunition and explosives are confiscated
- Vehicles used in weapons smuggling may be confiscated
- Confiscated weapons are forfeited to the state or destroyed
Edged Weapons
- Carrying knives or sharp tools without lawful justification is prohibited
- Knives used professionally (butchery, carpentry) are exempted during work
- Carrying an edged weapon in public with intent to intimidate constitutes a crime
- Penalty: imprisonment and fine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I possess a hunting rifle?
Yes, after obtaining a license from the Ministry of Interior specifying the weapon type and purpose, while complying with hunting laws and designated areas.
What should I do if I find a weapon?
Deliver it immediately to the nearest police station. Delay in surrendering it may expose you to criminal liability for unlawful possession.
Do blank-firing guns need a license?
Yes, blank-firing weapons require a license because they resemble real firearms and can be modified. Unlicensed possession may lead to criminal accountability.
Defense in Weapons Cases
Weapons cases are among the most serious criminal matters and require specialized defense. Attorney Meshari Obaid Al-Enezi — Yumnaak Law Firm — handles defense in weapons and ammunition possession cases. Contact us.
Disclaimer: This article is for legal education purposes only and does not substitute professional legal advice. Laws and judicial interpretations are subject to change.
