No, owning a flamethrower in China is prohibited under national public safety laws, with no legal exceptions for civilian use. Local Public Security Bureaus (PSBs) enforce strict penalties, including confiscation and criminal charges, under the Regulations on the Administration of Firearms (revised 2023) and Fire Safety Law (effective 2026). Importation requires dual approval from the Ministry of Public Security and General Administration of Customs, effectively barring private ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in China
- Firearms Administration Law (2023 Amendment): Classifies flamethrowers as “special equipment” under Category II controlled items, requiring provincial PSB permits for restricted use only (e.g., agricultural or industrial exemptions).
- Fire Safety Law (2026 Enforcement): Mandates local fire departments to inspect storage facilities; unauthorized possession triggers immediate seizure under Article 32 for “high-risk combustion devices.”
- Customs Clearance Protocols: Import licenses from the General Administration of Customs (GACC) are mandatory, with flamethrowers automatically flagged as “prohibited” unless pre-approved for state-approved entities (e.g., military contractors).
Local PSBs retain discretionary authority to prosecute under Criminal Law Article 125 for illegal possession, with sentences ranging from administrative detention to 3 years imprisonment for aggravating circumstances.