Legal Gun Safe Requirements in South Africa (SABS & SAPS)
Every licensed firearm owner in South Africa must store their weapon in a compliant firearm locker or safe. If you don’t meet these standards, you risk losing your licence, fines, or criminal charges. This guide explains the essential SABS gun safe requirements and SAPS regulations for safe and lawful storage.
Overview: Why Legal Compliance Matters
- ✅ Required by Firearms Control Act & Regulations
- ✅ Prevents theft, misuse, and accidental access
- ✅ Mandatory for SAPS inspections and firearm licensing
- ✅ Ensures you meet SABS standards and avoid penalties
What the Firearms Control Regulations Say
Regulation 86 of the Firearms Control Regulations sets clear rules:
- Any firearm not under your direct control must be in a safe or strongroom that complies with SABS Standard 953-1 or 953-2.
- Firearms must be stored unloaded unless legally authorised.
- When storing someone else’s firearm—even temporarily—you must have written permission and SAPS approval.
SABS Standard 953‑1: Gun Safes & Firearm Lockers
SABS 953‑1 outlines strict technical requirements for safes specifically used for firearms:
Safe Categories
- Type B1: For handguns; walls ≥ 2.8 mm steel, door ≥ 5.75 mm, three 20 mm locking bolts.
- Type B2: For rifles and shotguns; same steel specs, minimum four anchor bolts.
- Type B3: Vehicle safes; similar construction, must be bolted into vehicle and certified by installer.
Security Features
- Minimum 2.8 mm steel for floor and walls of smaller safes.
- Key locks (6-lever minimum), combination locks (3-wheel), or electronic equivalents.
- At least three 20 mm locking bolts, spaced no more than 500 mm apart.
- Must be bolted to floor or wall (safes < 300 kg).
- Separate lockable compartment for ammunition.
Strongrooms (SABS 953‑2)
If you’re building a walk-in storage room instead of a standard safe, it must comply with SABS 953‑2.
SANS 953-2 outlines specifications for strongrooms, categorised as either Category BC or Category RC, used for storing firearms and ammunition.
Category BC strongrooms require specific wall, floor, and roof constructions with varying thicknesses and strengths of reinforced concrete and masonry.
Category RC strongrooms, generally more secure, specify reinforced concrete for walls, floors, and roofs.
Walls need reinforced concrete (300 mm thick) and Category 2 strongroom doors.
Installation & Inspection Requirements
- Safes < 300 kg must be bolted to fixed structure.
- Vehicle safes (Type B3) must be installed by certified installers with immobiliser and SAPS form.
- SAPS inspectors may ask for certification photos: safe closed, open, and bolt-down setup.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- License suspension or revocation
- Criminal penalties under Act 60 of 2000 (Sections 83, 120)
- Insurance may be invalidated
- Stolen firearms may be traced back to you
Quick Compliance Checklist
- ✅ Is your safe SABS 953‑1 compliant?
- ✅ Does it have required wall, door, and bolt specs?
- ✅ Is it bolted down securely?
- ✅ Does it have a proper locking mechanism?
- ✅ Is ammunition stored in a separate compartment?
- ✅ Do you have install/inspection photos for SAPS?
Professional Guidance & Certification
Work with certified installers or consult SABS documentation to ensure compliance. Trusted providers like Avansa offer pre-certified firearm lockers. Always request SAPS inspection-ready installation reports.
Meeting the legal standards for gun storage in South Africa isn't optional.
Use this guide to pick or install a compliant firearm locker and pass all SABS gun safe requirements with confidence.
- ✅ Steel thickness, locking bolts, and locking system
- ✅ Secure anchoring to structure
- ✅ Separate ammo compartment
- ✅ Certification and inspection readiness
Ensure full compliance today—protect your licence, your family, and your peace of mind.
Sources:
https://firearms.co.za/legal/gun-guide-how-and-where-to-store-a-firearm-safely/
https://www.saps.gov.za/services/flash/firearms/legislation/gov_notice_english.pdf
https://pangolinsafes.co.za/Are-Vehicle-Safes-Legal-1.pdf
