Panama has suspended the importation of most semiautomatic rifles for private use for one year, citing concerns about public safety and the circulation of weapons with tactical capabilities and high firepower.
Executive Decree No. 19 was signed by President José Raúl Mulino and published in the Official Gazette on September 18. The restriction will take effect on September 22, 2026, and remain in force through September 21, 2027.
During that period, the Institutional Directorate for Public Security Affairs, known as DIASP, will not issue new authorizations for importing rifles covered by the suspension. Enforcement will be coordinated with Panama’s National Customs Authority.
The measure contains exemptions for semiautomatic rifles chambered in .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum and .22 Hornet. The exemption does not provide automatic permission to import those weapons. Applications must still satisfy the requirements of Panama’s 2011 firearms law.
The decree is limited to imports and does not prohibit the continued legal possession of affected rifles already in the country. Existing possession certificates and carrying permits remain valid, provided the weapons entered Panama legally. The decree also does not reclassify the firearms under existing law.
Import applications already pending will continue to be processed under Panama’s general administrative-procedure rules rather than being automatically rejected.
The government said periodic scrutiny of the traceability and final destination of higher-powered semiautomatic rifles is necessary because increased circulation could create risks for public order and citizen security.
The restriction is temporary, but the decree does not specify what criteria the government will use to decide whether imports should resume, remain restricted or face new rules when the one-year period expires.
Sources: Official Gazette No. 30615-A | TVN
