No. Flamethrowers are classified as prohibited weapons under Poland’s Act on Firearms and Ammunition (2022 amendment), requiring special permits from the Police Headquarters. Civilian ownership is effectively banned, with exceptions limited to licensed collectors or historical reenactors under stringent conditions. Violations may result in criminal liability under Article 263 of the Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Poland
- Prohibition under Firearms Act: Flamethrowers fall under “other dangerous devices” (Art. 5.1), requiring prior approval from the Police Headquarters’ Department of Firearms and Explosives. Permits are rarely granted.
- Criminal Liability for Unauthorized Possession: Unlicensed ownership may trigger Article 263 §1 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to 3 years’ imprisonment. Police routinely confiscate unregistered devices during inspections.
- Historical/Collectible Exceptions: Only pre-1945 flamethrowers may qualify for exemption, provided they are deactivated and stored in a secure facility with mandatory annual inspections by the Police. Modern replicas are strictly prohibited.