(1)Revision to Firearms and Swords Law, etc.
  In response to the aggravation of firearm offenses, a partial revision to the Firearms and Swords Law and Arms Production Law in1993(effective since July1993)substantially increased statutory penalties for offenses involving handguns, etc. The revision also created the new offense of multiple possession, which is an aggravated form of illegal possession of a handgun, while providing for the mandatory reduction of sentences for surrendering the handgun, etc. Furthermore, a partial revision to the Firearms and Swords Law in1995(effective since June1995)created the new offense of firing a handgun, etc. The revision also criminalized the import, etc. , of articles delivered as handguns, etc. , to ensure the effectiveness of clean controlled delivery(transfer under supervision after removing handguns, etc. , from shipments).
(2)Government measures
  The government established the Headquarters within the Cabinet for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms in September1995. The Platform for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms, adopted by the Headquarters in December1995,mainly called for improved coordination between the agencies concerned, thorough criminal investigation and strict dispositions, and the promotion of proactive measures and international cooperation, as well as securing understanding and cooperation from citizens. Since then, a Program for the Promotion of Measures against Firearms has been prepared annually based on the Platform in order to enhance comprehensive measures against firearms.