No, owning a flamethrower in Singapore is illegal under the Arms Offences Act and the Fire Safety Act, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) enforce these restrictions, and no civilian permits are issued for such devices.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Singapore
- Prohibition under Arms Offences Act: Flamethrowers are classified as prohibited weapons, and their possession, import, or use is criminalized under Section 4 of the Act, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
- Fire Safety Act restrictions: The Act empowers the SCDF to prohibit hazardous devices, including flamethrowers, due to their fire risk. Unauthorized possession may trigger enforcement actions under Section 18.
- Customs control: The Singapore Customs enforces import bans on flamethrowers under the Arms and Explosives Act, requiring mandatory declaration. Non-compliance risks seizure, prosecution, and deportation for foreigners.
Recent regulatory shifts, such as the 2026 amendments to the Arms Offences Act, further tighten controls on emerging incendiary devices, reinforcing Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance. Even replica or decorative flamethrowers may be confiscated if deemed capable of discharging flames. Exemptions are rare, typically limited to authorized military or law enforcement entities.