The amnesty affects individuals who are in possession of unregistered restricted firearms, such as 'forgotten' war trophies. It also affects businesses newly-registered under the Firearms Act, such as theatres and Royal Canadian Legion Branches. If the owner does not get the proper licence, then he or she cannot qualify to own this class of firearm and must turn it over to a police officer or firearms officer before the end of the amnesty period. Businesses newly regulated under the Firearms Act that have unregistered restricted firearms must get the proper firearms business licence and have the firearms registered. Businesses regulated under the former law may turn in illegal restricted firearms.
Exceptions are if the firearm has been properly deactivated or if it is an antique under the law.