No. Blank-firing guns are classified as firearms under Belgian law, requiring strict compliance with the 2006 Weapons Act and Royal Decree of 2018. Unauthorized possession or use risks criminal penalties, including fines up to €10,000 and imprisonment. The 2026 EU Firearms Directive amendments further tighten controls, mandating prior approval from the Federale Politie (Federal Police) for any blank-firing device resembling a firearm.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Belgium
- Classification as Firearms: Blank-firing guns fall under Category B (restricted) weapons per the Wet van 8 juni 2006 betreffende vuurwapens en munitie, requiring a wapenvergunning (firearms license) issued by local police.
- Prior Authorization: Even for deactivated or imitation firearms, the Federale Politie must approve possession under the 2018 Royal Decree, which aligns with EU Directive 2023/1523.
- Storage & Transport: Mandatory secure storage in a wapenkluis (firearms safe) and transport only in locked containers, with strict documentation requirements enforced by the Directie voor de Coördinatie en de Analyse van de Criminaliteit (DAC).
Violations trigger investigations by the Cel Wapens en Explosieven (Weapons and Explosives Unit), with penalties escalating under the 2026 amendments for non-compliance.