Yes, owning a tank in Brazil is legal but tightly controlled under federal and state laws, requiring permits from the Exército Brasileiro (Brazilian Army) and compliance with the 2023 Decreto nº 11.512, which aligns with 2026 arms trafficking prevention protocols. Civilian ownership is restricted to armored vehicles or deactivated military surplus, with strict storage and usage conditions enforced by local military commands.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in Brazil
- Military Authorization Required: Civilian ownership demands prior approval from the Exército Brasileiro’s Departamento de Fiscalização de Produtos Controlados (DFPC), which classifies tanks as Category A (restricted) under the Regulamento para a Fiscalização de Produtos Controlados (R-105).
- End-Use Certification: Applicants must prove the tank is for historical, educational, or museum purposes; recreational use is prohibited. The Certificado de Registro de Propriedade (CRP) is mandatory, with annual inspections by military authorities.
- State-Level Oversight: São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro enforce additional municipal decrees (e.g., Decreto Estadual 62.586/2017) requiring local police clearance and secure storage facilities, including ballistic-resistant enclosures and 24/7 surveillance logs.