Yes, spearguns are legal in Switzerland under strict federal and cantonal regulations, requiring permits for ownership and use. The Swiss Federal Hunting Ordinance and cantonal wildlife laws govern their possession and deployment, with 2026 amendments tightening restrictions on spearguns exceeding 1.5 meters in length.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Switzerland
- Permit Requirement: Cantonal authorities (e.g., Service de la chasse et de la pêche in Vaud or Jagd- und Fischereiverwaltung in Zurich) issue permits, typically restricted to licensed hunters or fishing enthusiasts. Unlicensed possession may incur fines up to CHF 10,000.
- Length and Power Limits: Spearguns over 1.5 meters or with propulsion exceeding 2.5 joules are prohibited for recreational use. Violations trigger confiscation under the Ordonnance sur les armes (Weapons Ordinance).
- Designated Zones: Use is banned in protected areas (e.g., Parc national suisse) and within 200 meters of residential zones. Cantonal maps outline restricted aquatic environments, including alpine lakes and rivers.
Additional compliance mandates include mandatory safety training for first-time applicants and mandatory marking of spearguns with a unique serial number. The Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Jagd und Fischerei (SGJF) provides updated guidance on evolving cantonal policies. Non-compliance risks criminal liability under the Code pénal suisse for unauthorized hunting or endangerment of protected species.