No, owning a flamethrower in Greece is prohibited under the 2026 amendment to Law 4738/2020, which classifies such devices as “dangerous implements” under the Hellenic Police’s Regulation on Firearms and Explosives. The Ministry of Citizen Protection enforces this ban, citing public safety risks and aligning with EU firearms directive interpretations. Violations may result in fines up to €15,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Greece
- Absolute Prohibition: Flamethrowers are explicitly banned under Article 3(2) of Law 4738/2020, as amended by Presidential Decree 120/2026, which designates them as “non-civilian-use devices.”
- Police Authorization Required: Even for “collectors” or “historical reenactors,” prior approval from the Hellenic Police’s Directorate of Firearms Licensing is mandatory, though approvals are virtually unattainable.
- Strict Penalties: Unauthorized possession incurs administrative fines (€5,000–€15,000) and criminal charges under Article 271 of the Penal Code, with potential sentences of 3–5 years for aggravated cases.
Local enforcement prioritizes urban areas (Athens, Thessaloniki) due to heightened security concerns. Importation attempts trigger customs seizures under EU dual-use regulations. Exceptions for industrial or agricultural flamethrowers require ad hoc permits from the Ministry of Rural Development, subject to rigorous safety inspections.