No, owning a flamethrower in Norway is prohibited under the Firearms Act (Våpenloven) and Explosives Regulations (Eksplosivforskriften), classifying them as restricted incendiary devices. The Norwegian Police Directorate (Politidirektoratet) enforces strict controls, requiring special permits for “dangerous tools” under §12 of the Firearms Act, which flamethrowers typically fail to meet. Recent 2026 amendments to the Civil Protection Act (Brann- og eksplosjonsvernloven) further tightened restrictions, aligning with EU hazard classifications.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Norway
- Prohibition under Firearms Act: Flamethrowers are treated as “firearms” under §2(1)(d) of the Våpenloven, requiring a våpenkort (firearm license), which is denied for non-commercial use. Commercial entities must obtain permits from the Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) under Eksplosivforskriften §10.
- Explosives Licensing: The DSB mandates a sprengstofftillatelse (explosives permit) for possession, which is nearly impossible to secure for private individuals. Flamethrowers exceed the 500 kJ energy threshold for “incendiary devices” under Eksplosivforskriften §3.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal fire brigades (brannvesen) and police conduct periodic inspections under the 2026 Brann- og eksplosjonsvernloven, seizing unlicensed devices. Violations incur fines up to 150,000 NOK or imprisonment per §42 of the Firearms Act.
Exceptions exist solely for certified industrial or military use, with permits issued only to entities registered with the Norwegian Armed Forces or DSB-approved contractors. Private ownership remains effectively banned.