30% of Brazilian Hunter, Shooter, Collector Firearms Have Expired Registrations
A significant portion of firearms owned by Hunters, Shooters, and Collectors (CACs) in Brazil have expired registration, according to the 2026 Public Security Yearbook released by the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP). Approximately three out of every ten registered firearms held by CACs have outdated records, totaling around 480,000 weapons nationwide. This situation means the Brazilian state lacks complete knowledge of the whereabouts of these legally acquired arms. The Federal Police took over the oversight of CACs in July 2025, a responsibility previously held by the Army. During Jair Bolsonaro's government (2019-2022), Brazil saw a facilitation of access to firearms, with over 580,000 new registrations in the final year of his term. The 9mm pistol, once uncommon, became the most popular firearm in the country during this period due to its speed and power. David Marques, a program manager at FBSP, expressed alarm over the number of unregistered firearms, noting that they may have been sold without proper transfer of ownership, stolen, lost, or otherwise unaccounted for. He emphasized the need for renewed attention to this policy aspect for more responsible civilian arms control. In 2025, state police forces seized 108,786 firearms, a 5.4% increase from 2024. The yearbook also highlighted a record number of femicides, with an average of four women killed daily, alongside the lowest homicide rate since 2012. Conversely, other forms of violence against women, such as psychological abuse and stalking, saw increases.
The data reveals a critical gap in Brazil's firearm registry system, with a substantial percentage of civilian-owned weapons having expired registrations. This lapse in oversight, particularly concerning firearms acquired during a period of eased access, raises concerns about the state's ability to track potentially illicit transfers or lost weapons. The transition of regulatory authority from the Army to the Federal Police, coupled with the sheer volume of firearms, presents a complex governance challenge. Future policy considerations should focus on streamlining the renewal process, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and addressing the root causes of why owners fail to update their firearm statuses, thereby strengthening public safety without infringing upon legal rights.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.