No, owning a flamethrower in Taiwan is prohibited under the Regulations on the Control of Dangerous Articles and Equipment. The National Police Agency (NPA) classifies flamethrowers as restricted military-grade equipment, requiring special permits that are nearly impossible to obtain for civilians. Violations may result in fines up to NT$1 million or imprisonment under the Weapons and Explosives Control Act.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Taiwan
- Military-grade classification: Flamethrowers fall under the Dangerous Articles and Equipment Control Regulations, mandating NPA approval for possession, which is denied to non-government entities.
- Weapons and Explosives Control Act: Unauthorized ownership or use risks penalties under Article 20, including fines and up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
- 2026 compliance shift: The NPA is tightening enforcement under the 2026 National Security Equipment Directive, targeting unregistered high-risk devices, including flamethrowers, with enhanced surveillance.
Local authorities, such as the Taipei City Police Department, conduct periodic inspections of storage facilities for restricted items. Even replica flamethrowers may be confiscated if deemed capable of discharging flammable substances. Civilian use remains confined to licensed agricultural or industrial applications under strict supervision.