Stab Proof Vest Legitimate Purpose Policy | EnGarde Stab Vests | TacSource
Stab Proof Vest Legitimate Purpose Policy
TacSource Group Pty Ltd supplies EnGarde stab vests under its own Legitimate Purpose Policy. This page explains who we supply, what we need from you, and where each state and territory stands on stab protection.
A current security licence (Australia or New Zealand) automatically meets the policy.
How the policy works
Every EnGarde stab proof product requires evidence that you meet the TacSource Group Pty Ltd Legitimate Purpose Policy before we can process your order. For example, a copy of your security licence (front and back). If you can’t meet this requirement, please don’t place an order.
After ordering, email a copy of your security licence or details of your legitimate purpose to support@tacsource.com.au. If we haven’t received them, our team will reach out to you for those details. If the details aren’t provided, TacSource will not fulfil the order and a full refund will be issued.
Not sure whether you qualify? Email us and we’ll assess your eligibility.
Are stab vests legal in Australia?
No Australian state or territory requires a permit or licence to buy or wear a stab protection vest. Stab vests have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof. Provided you meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy, we supply EnGarde stab protection products Australia and New Zealand wide.
Laws and terminology differ between jurisdictions, so we’ve included the relevant state and territory information below. Use it to work out how “ballistic” and “anti-ballistic” apply where you live.
EnGarde stab vest rating and materials
EnGarde stab vests are rated NIJ 0115.00 Level 1 for blade and/or spike protection. They are made with Teijin Aramid armour material. They are stab protection only, with no ballistic characteristics, and are not bulletproof.
| Blade + Spike | Spike only | |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-stab rating | NIJ 0115.00 Level 1 | NIJ 0115.00 Level 1 |
| Areal density | 5.5 kg/m² | 2.5 kg/m² |
| Thickness | 7.7 mm | 2.5 mm |
New Zealand customers
There are currently no restrictions on purchasing stab protection vests or clothing in New Zealand. Order online using the measurement guide. After purchase, email a copy of your security licence, or your legitimate purpose, to support@tacsource.com.au. If we don’t receive it, our team will contact you. If the details aren’t provided, your order will not be fulfilled and a full refund will be issued.
Australian customers
There are currently no restrictions on purchasing stab protection vests or clothing in Australia. Order online using the measurement guide. After purchase, email a copy of your security licence (front and back), or your legitimate purpose, to support@tacsource.com.au. If we don’t receive it, our team will contact you. If the details aren’t provided, your order will not be fulfilled and a full refund will be issued.
Procurement enquiries
Government departments and law enforcement: email gov@tacsource.com.au from your organisation’s email address.
Companies: email gov@tacsource.com.au from your company email address. A security company management representative can purchase for their security staff. The master licence holder remains responsible for making sure those staff meet the TacSource Group Pty Ltd Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Health sector
Contact us to discuss purchasing for your security or at-risk staff.
Individual security officers
Individual security officers must meet the TacSource Group Pty Ltd Legitimate Purpose Policy.
- Individuals: a valid, current security licence.
- Companies: a valid, current firm, master or business/agent licence.
If you’re not prepared to provide valid identification after ordering, please don’t place an order.
All other legitimate purpose enquiries
Email support@tacsource.com.au from your work email address.
Stab vest laws by state and territory
Queensland
No permit or licence is required to buy EnGarde stab vests in Queensland. They have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof. You must still meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Queensland Police Service: Weapons licensing
Northern Territory
No permit or licence is required. EnGarde stab protection vests have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Stab vests can be purchased in the NT because they are not anti-ballistic under the definition in section 3A of the Weapons Control Act 2001 (NT), as in force at 6 March 2021.
Weapons Control Act 2001 (NT), section 3A: Meaning of body armour
New South Wales
No permit or licence is required. EnGarde stab vests have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy. If you’re unsure, read the NSW law on body armour and make your own determination.
Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW), Schedule 1: Prohibited weapons
Australian Capital Territory
No licence is required to purchase stab protection vests. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy. For your own determination, see the ACT’s prohibited weapons legislation.
Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 (ACT) | Prohibited Weapons Regulation 1997 (ACT)
Victoria
No licence is required to purchase stab protection vests. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
We interpret the Victorian body armour conditions below as applying to ballistic products, but we’ve included them so you can make your own determination.
Conditions for using body armour, as published by Victoria Police: only certain licences and permits allow a person to purchase, possess, carry or use body armour while working in the private security industry. Security licence holders with the sub-activities of security guard or bodyguard are covered by a Governor in Council Exemption to use body armour for lawful employment.
Licensing and Regulation Division does not need to be notified when you use body armour at work. However, a member of Victoria Police may ask a person wearing body armour to show they meet both requirements below.
Requirement 1, licence or permit type. You must hold one of:
- an individual operator licence
- a business licence
- a temporary visitor permit
Requirement 2, activity. Your licence or permit must authorise you to perform one of:
- security guard activities
- bodyguard activities
Disposing of body armour: security guards and bodyguards who once worked lawfully with body armour are covered by a Governor in Council Exemption to sell, display or advertise it for sale if they no longer hold the licence or permit that authorised those activities.
Victoria Police: Private security batons, body armour and handcuffs | Governor in Council Exemption Orders
South Australia
No licence is required to purchase stab protection vests. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Body armour exemptions: South Australian law defines body armour as a protective jacket, vest or other article of apparel designed to resist penetration by a projectile discharged from a firearm. Section 21B of the Summary Offences Act 1953 prohibits the manufacture, supply, possession and use of body armour unless the Commissioner of Police grants an exemption. To apply, complete form RF1662 (application for approval to possess body armour) and provide the required information.
Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA), section 21B | SAPOL form RF1662
Western Australia
No permit or licence is required to purchase stab protection vests in Western Australia. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Section 557I of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA) deals with possessing bulletproof clothing. It defines this as a protective jacket, vest or other article of clothing designed to resist the penetration of bullets or other missiles discharged from firearms. EnGarde stab vests have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof.
Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA), section 557I
Tasmania
No licence is required to purchase stab protection vests. You must meet the TacSource Legitimate Purpose Policy.
Tasmania regulates body armour under section 15E of the Police Offences Act 1935, which covers protective garments designed or adapted to protect the human body from the effects of a firearm. EnGarde stab vests have no ballistic characteristics and are not bulletproof. If you’re unsure, read the Act and make your own determination.
Police Offences Act 1935 (Tas)
Legitimate purpose examples
This list is a guide only and is not exhaustive. If you think you have a legitimate purpose that isn’t listed, email support@tacsource.com.au.
- Security officers
- Crowd controllers
- Medics working in high-risk areas
- Paramedics
- Local law officers
- Doctors working in high-risk areas
- Health workers in high-risk areas
- Commercial agents
- Private investigators
- Bodyguards
- Politicians
- Defence department personnel
- Police
