No, owning a flamethrower in Belgium is prohibited under the 2026 amendments to the Royal Decree of 15 July 1934 on Weapons and Ammunition, classifying such devices as Category 4 restricted items. The Federal Police’s Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure enforces these rules, requiring prior authorization from provincial governors for any exceptions, which are rarely granted. Violations may result in criminal prosecution under the Code Pénal or Wetboek van Strafrecht.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Belgium
- Categorization as Restricted Weapon: Flamethrowers fall under Category 4 of the 2026 weapons classification, requiring a governor’s permit for possession, which is contingent on “demonstrated necessity” (e.g., professional use).
- Prohibited Sales and Transfers: Selling or gifting a flamethrower to private individuals is illegal, with transactions restricted to licensed dealers under Arrêté Royal du 20 juillet 2026.
- Storage and Transport Mandates: Owners must store devices in locked safes meeting EN 1143-1 standards and declare them during police inspections; unauthorized transport risks confiscation under Loi du 3 février 2003 sur les armes.