Bolsonaro announced the signing of the decree at a news conference on Tuesday, arguing: “It is an individual right of the one who may want to have a firearm or seek the possession of a firearm … obviously respecting and fulfilling some requirements.”

The conservative provocateur, whose rhetorical targets include women and LGBTQ citizens, appears to be delivering on his campaign promise to loosen gun laws.

Upsurge

Tuesday’s executive order raised the limit on ammunition purchases from 50 to 5,000 cartridges for permitted guns, and 1,000 cartridges per year for restricted weapons.

Among other changes, it simplifies the procedure to transfer ownership of a firearm, and eases import restrictions on firearms, “allowing free initiative, stimulating competition, rewarding quality and safety, as well as economic freedom, so privileged by the Lord”, a statement from the Brazilian government said.

Imported firearms were previously banned if there was a similar locally made weapon.

The order, which goes into effect in 30 days, also eases restrictions on marksmen, collectors and hunters, who were restricted from carrying loaded guns to shooting clubs.

Decrees

Bolsonaro previously signed a decree in January making it easier to own a gun in the South American country.

A far-right outsider, he won the 2018 presidential election convincingly but has been criticised both at home and abroad for his anti-environment and anti-equality moves.

Since coming to power in January, the 64-year-old has signed decrees which could strip away many civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning Brazilians.

Also under consideration are plans to open the Amazon rainforest and other environmentally sensitive areas to commercial exploitation.