When Postnord quietly announced that it would stop shipping firearms and gun parts starting January 1st, the reaction was anything but quiet. Hunters, sport shooters, and rural gun owners across Sweden voiced their frustration — and it didn’t take long for the postal giant to rethink its plan.
Now, Postnord says that ban is on hold. In a statement shared with SVT, the company explained that it wants to “find a long-term solution that serves everyone involved.” In other words, they’re taking a step back to figure out how to balance safety, regulations, and practicality without alienating thousands of customers.
The idea behind the ban wasn’t born out of politics but rather out of paperwork and precaution. Postnord cited growing regulatory pressure and heightened security concerns over shipping firearms, especially with new EU-level rules tightening oversight. According to their internal assessments, moving gun-related items through a standard postal network had simply become too complicated and risky.
But for Sweden’s legal gun owners, the move felt like an unnecessary burden. Hunting groups and sport shooting associations warned that, with so few alternatives, the ban could make it nearly impossible for people to lawfully buy, sell, or service hunting rifles and competition weapons. In many rural parts of the country, Postnord is the only realistic shipping option.
The backlash was swift — and loud enough to make the company hit pause.
For now, nothing changes. Licensed firearm shipments will continue as usual while Postnord works with stakeholders to find a new approach. The company hasn’t said how long this temporary truce will last, or if the ban might return in some modified form down the road.
That uncertainty comes right as Postnord heads into its busiest stretch of the year. With holiday packages flooding distribution centers and the company predicting a record-breaking Christmas season, it’s perhaps not the worst time to keep the peace — at least for now.
As for the bigger debate, opinions remain divided:
It’s a question that lingers, even as the delivery trucks keep rolling.