Is Owning a Flamethrower Legal in Vietnam After the 2026 Framework Overhaul?

No. Owning a flamethrower in Vietnam is prohibited under the 2017 Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting, which classifies such devices as “dangerous tools” requiring state authorization. The Ministry of Public Security enforces these restrictions, and unauthorized possession may lead to confiscation or criminal charges under Article 163 of the Penal Code. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter penalties, including fines up to 500 million VND for non-compliance.

Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Vietnam

  • Prohibition Status: Flamethrowers are explicitly banned under the 2017 Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting (Article 4.12), which designates them as “high-risk fire hazards.”
  • Authorization Requirement: Only military, law enforcement, or licensed industrial entities may possess flamethrowers, subject to approval from the Ministry of Public Security’s Firearms Control Department.
  • Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession risks confiscation, administrative fines (up to 500 million VND under 2026 amendments), or imprisonment (3 months to 2 years) under the Penal Code’s Article 163.