Talon Legal Guide New 3D Firearm Blueprint Offences in SA
3D Firearm Blueprint Files Now Illegal in SA From 31 January 2026, anyone in possession of digital blueprints or files for 3D-printed firearms or parts without authorisation under the Firearms Act 2015 (SA) is guilty of an offence under section 37A of the Act and faces penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment or $75,000 fines. The new "digital blueprint" offence targets unauthorised possession or control of firearm making files - even if nothing has been printed . Key Changes It is now illegal to possess a digital blueprint (including CAD / electronic coding / technical drawings) for certain firearm-related items without authorisation. "Possession" can include cloud / remote storage you can access or control, not just files saved locally. Penalties can be extremely serious; up to 15 years of imprisonment and/or $75,000 where the blueprint relates to a prescribed firearm (or a part for one). The prosecution may elect to proceed summarily in the...