No, blank-firing guns are classified as firearms under the German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz, WaffG), requiring compliance with strict licensing and registration protocols enforced by the Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA) and local Ordnungsämter. Unauthorized possession or use risks criminal penalties, including fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment under §53 WaffG. Recent 2026 amendments mandate additional background checks for blank-firing devices resembling real firearms to curb misuse in public spaces.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Germany
- Licensing Requirement: Blank-firing guns fall under Category 1 (Waffenliste, Anlage 2) of the WaffG, necessitating a Waffenbesitzkarte (WBK) for acquisition, storage, or transport. Applicants must prove a legitimate purpose (e.g., theatrical use) and pass reliability assessments by the BVA.
- Age and Storage Rules: Users must be at least 18 years old. Storage requires a locked safe compliant with §36 WaffG, inspected periodically by local authorities (Gewerbeaufsichtsamt).
- Public Use Restrictions: Discharging blank-firing guns in public is prohibited under §10(4) WaffG, with exceptions for licensed events (e.g., film sets) requiring prior approval from the Polizeipräsidium. Violations trigger immediate confiscation and legal proceedings.