No, owning a flamethrower in France is prohibited under the Code de la Sécurité Intérieure (CSI), which classifies such devices as prohibited weapons. Exceptions require authorization from the Préfecture de Police or Ministère de l’Intérieur, with stringent background checks. Recent 2026 draft amendments aim to tighten controls on incendiary devices, reflecting heightened public safety concerns.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in France
- Prohibition under CSI: Flamethrowers are categorized as armes de catégorie A (prohibited weapons) under Article L311-2 of the CSI, barring civilian ownership without exception.
- Authorization Process: Requests for exemptions must be submitted to the Préfecture or Ministère de l’Intérieur, requiring proof of legitimate use (e.g., professional filmmaking) and a casier judiciaire (criminal record) clearance.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to the CSI will explicitly include flamethrowers in armes de guerre, eliminating loopholes for recreational or collector ownership. Non-compliance risks fines up to €75,000 and 5 years’ imprisonment.