No, owning a flamethrower in Germany is prohibited under the Waffengesetz (WaffG) and Sprengstoffgesetz (SprengG), classifying them as prohibited weapons. Exceptions require permits from the Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA) or local Ordnungsamt, with stringent criteria including proof of necessity and secure storage. Violations risk fines up to €50,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Germany
- Prohibition Status: Flamethrowers are classified as verbotenes Schusswaffenersatzgerät under § 2 Abs. 3 WaffG, banning civilian ownership without explicit approval.
- Permit Requirements: Applications must demonstrate a legitimate purpose (e.g., historical reenactment) and pass background checks by the Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA), with storage compliance verified by local Ordnungsamt.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Sprengstoffgesetz tighten controls on pyrotechnic devices, indirectly increasing scrutiny on flamethrower-related permits, particularly for private collectors.
Local authorities retain discretionary power to deny permits based on public safety assessments. Historical exemptions for museums or professional use remain narrowly interpreted.