When selling firearms, ammunition, or gunpowder online in Australia, it's essential to follow the legal requirements for interstate transport. This guide covers the couriers you can use, how to package correctly, what each state requires, and what the rules are for ammunition and propellant powder.

1. Choosing the Right Postal Service

You cannot use regular postal services like Australia Post to ship firearms, ammunition, or gunpowder. For firearms and ammunition, you must use a licensed courier service authorised to handle these goods. The two main options are:

• StarTrack — a subsidiary of Australia Post, StarTrack offers firearms transport through its StarTrack Express and StarTrack Security Express services. Always confirm with StarTrack directly that they are able to accept your specific consignment before booking, as acceptance can depend on the type of goods, origin, and destination. More information
• Armaguard — a specialist secure logistics provider. Armaguard is primarily known for cash-in-transit and high-value goods transport. Contact them directly to confirm availability and requirements for firearm consignments in your state. More information

Note: TNT (now operating as FedEx Australia) no longer transports firearms or ammunition within Australia. Do not attempt to book firearm consignments through FedEx or its subsidiaries.

Always verify with any courier that they are currently certified and willing to transport your specific goods before booking — carrier policies can change.

2. Packaging Guidelines for Firearms

Firearms must be securely packaged to prevent damage and ensure compliance with regulations. Key requirements include:

• Hard case or secure wrapping — use a tamper-proof hard case or securely wrap the firearm using materials like bubble wrap. The package must not be able to be opened or tampered with without visible evidence.
• Disassemble the firearm — remove detachable parts like the bolt, magazine, and optics to ensure safe transport.
• Ammunition shipped separately — ammunition cannot be shipped in the same parcel as the firearm. It must be packaged and sent under a separate consignment, following the ammunition shipping requirements below.
• Discretion — the package must not indicate that it contains a firearm.

Tamper-proof packaging can be sourced from suppliers including Secur-Pak, Tamper Evident, Uline Australia, TamperTech, and Mega Fortris Australia.

3. State-by-State Firearm Shipping Requirements

Each state has its own regulatory requirements for the interstate transfer of firearms. In every state, the buyer must hold a valid Permit to Acquire (PTA) before the firearm can be dispatched, and the firearm must be sent to a licensed firearms dealer who will complete the transfer.

New South Wales (NSW)

• A Permit to Acquire (PTA) is required for all firearm acquisitions.
• Firearms must be sent to a licensed firearm dealer, shooting club, or police-approved storage facility.
• More information

Victoria

• A Permit to Acquire (PTA) is required for every firearm purchase.
• Firearms must be transferred via a licensed firearm dealer.
• More information

Queensland

• The buyer must hold a PTA before the firearm can be shipped or transferred.
• Firearms must be sent to a licensed dealer.
• More information

Western Australia

• A Permit to Acquire is required. Firearms must be sent to a licensed dealer for legal transfer.
• More information

South Australia

• A Permit to Acquire is required. Firearms must be sent to a licensed dealer who will handle the transfer.
• More information

Tasmania

• A Permit to Acquire is required for all firearm purchases.
• Firearms must be sent to a licensed dealer for processing.
• More information

Northern Territory

• A Permit to Acquire is required. Firearms must be sent to a licensed dealer or police-approved facility for legal transfer.
• More information

4. Shipping Ammunition

Shipping ammunition interstate requires compliance with Australian Dangerous Goods regulations. Key requirements:

• Licensed courier — ammunition must be shipped through a licensed courier authorised to handle dangerous goods. StarTrack and Armaguard both handle ammunition consignments — confirm with the courier before booking.
• Packaging requirements
  • Ammunition must be securely packed in a rigid, durable container that prevents movement.
  • Use correct labelling to identify the package as containing hazardous goods, including the relevant UN number for the ammunition type.
  • The container must be sealed, tamper-proof, and must not allow any leakage of materials.
• Separate from firearms — ammunition must always be shipped in a separate consignment from the firearm.

5. Shipping Propellant Powder (Gunpowder)

Propellant powder used for reloading — including smokeless powder — is classified as a Division 1.3 explosive under Australian Dangerous Goods regulations. This places it in a different and more restricted category than standard ammunition.

Courier acceptance of propellant powder varies significantly. Not all couriers who carry firearms and ammunition will also carry propellant powder. Before attempting to ship propellant powder interstate, you must:

• Contact the courier directly and confirm in writing that they will accept the consignment.
• Confirm the specific packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements they require for Division 1.3 explosives.
• Ensure compliance with the explosives licensing and transport requirements in both the origin and destination states, as these vary by jurisdiction.

Propellant powder must be transported in its original factory packaging or in manufacturer-approved containers, clearly marked as a dangerous good with the relevant UN number and hazard class label.

Important: Propellant powder cannot be sent through Australia Post or regular courier services. Using an uncertified carrier for Division 1.3 goods is a serious breach of Australian Dangerous Goods legislation and may carry criminal penalties.

Conclusion

Shipping firearms, ammunition, and propellant powder interstate in Australia requires strict adherence to both federal dangerous goods regulations and the firearms licensing requirements of each state. Always confirm current requirements with your courier and the relevant state firearms registry before dispatching any consignment. Requirements and carrier policies can change, and it is the sender's responsibility to ensure compliance.

Looking to buy or sell firearms or ammunition? Visit Gun Traders Australia — Australia's trusted online firearms marketplace.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general guidance only and reflects our understanding as of September 2026. Firearms legislation and carrier policies can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant state firearms authority and your courier before dispatching. Gun Traders takes no responsibility for reliance on this information in place of professional legal or regulatory advice.