New draft law on firearms - AKSHE, central role in licensing and control. Heavy fines for violators
Albania is taking an important step towards strengthening security and control of the international arms trade. The government has presented a new draft law on the import, export and transit of firearms, essential components and ammunition, which aims to harmonize the country's legal framework with European Union standards and the United Nations Firearms Protocol.
According to the draft, any international movement of weapons and ammunition will be carried out only with a special authorization from the State Export Control Authority (AKSHE). Authorizations can be single, multiple or general, with a term ranging from 1 to 3 years.
The draft law also establishes detailed rules for the traceability of any weapon or component during international circulation. AKSHE gains the authority to conduct post-shipment checks and to prohibit exports in case of suspicions of illegal trafficking or use that violates public security and national interests.
One of the main innovations of this draft is the administrative facilitation for entities dealing with trade or temporary use of weapons. According to the draft law, in cases where weapons or their parts are brought into the country for a limited period, such as for exhibitions, trade demonstrations, sports activities, training or for technical repairs, a new full authorization will not be required. This means less bureaucracy and lower costs for businesses or organizations operating in these areas, making the process faster and easier. Furthermore, the draft law also provides for the use of an electronic licensing system, which reduces physical contact with the administration and increases transparency.
On the other hand, the draft law is strict for violators. Punitive measures range from refusal of the license, to suspension and revocation of the authorization for import, export or transit. For cases of illegal trafficking or serious violations of the conditions, heavy fines are foreseen. The fines will be graduated, up to 200 thousand lek for procedural violations, such as lack of documentation or delay in reporting and over 2 million lek, accompanied by license revocation and criminal charges, for the most serious cases, such as illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition.
This initiative is a necessary step to increase national and regional security, to combat illegal arms trafficking, and to fulfill Albania's international commitments, especially within the framework of the European integration process.
EU to halve steel import quotas - 50% tariffs expected for quantities above allowed level
The European Commission will propose halving steel import quotas and raising tariffs to 50% on quantities exceeding these quotas, in line with tariffs......
Unhedged loans - Risk remains high. Businesses increase borrowing in euros, individuals withdraw
Borrowing in foreign currency continues to be a sensitive phenomenon in the Albanian economy, especially due to the risk posed by exchange rate fluctuations.......
US warns North Macedonia - "Corruption and complex regulations deter investors"
North Macedonia continues to attract interest from American investors, but regulatory complexity, frequent legal changes, and persistent corruption still......
Diaspora "enriches" Kosovo - Immigrants have sent around 930 million euros during 2025
The Central Bank of Kosovo has presented statistics on the balance of payments, remittances and direct investments. The CBK announces that remittances are......
OSHEE Group's innovation: From October 1, energy bills will also be paid by card at service points!
Starting from October 1, citizens can also pay their electricity bills with a bank card at OSHEE Group service points. The pilot project was initially......
Waste management, debates on laws - A central operator will be established, municipalities will be left with collection. Import of garbage will be withdrawn
Amid debates between majority and opposition MPs, the Laws Committee has begun discussing the draft law "On Integrated Waste Management". One of the most......
The Durrës-Rrogozhinë train "is coming" in 2028 - Deputy Minister Muçaj gives the deadlines for the works and electrification of the 34 km axis
The rehabilitation and electrification of the Durrës - Rrogozhina railway is expected to be completed in 2028. The deadlines were announced by the Deputy......
Pink October, the importance of early diagnosis - Philippi: Free mammography in every city, invitation for women over 50
October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where attention to this disease increases and various campaigns are undertaken to increase awareness and......
