The new sentencing guideline for the unlawful importation of firearms offences comes into force today.

The guideline covers importation of firearms and ammunition under two offences: improper importation of goods and fraudulent evasion of prohibition/ restriction. It applies to adult offenders sentenced in the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts in England and Wales and refers to types of weapons listed under sections 1, 5(1) and 5(1A) of the Firearms Act 1968.