Yes, spearguns are legal in Romania but strictly regulated under national firearms laws and local environmental protections. The Romanian Police (Poliția Română) classifies spearguns as Category D weapons, requiring registration and a firearm ownership permit. Recent 2026 amendments to the Weapons Law (Law 295/2004) tightened controls, mandating background checks and storage compliance for underwater hunting tools.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Romania
- Permit Requirement: A valid firearm ownership permit from the Romanian Police is mandatory, with applicants undergoing criminal record and mental health evaluations. Spearguns must be registered in the National Weapons Registry (Registrul Național al Armelor).
- Environmental Restrictions: Under the 2024 Hunting Law (Law 407/2006), spearguns are prohibited in protected areas (e.g., Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve) and during closed seasons for target species. Unauthorized use risks fines up to €5,000 under environmental protection codes.
- Technical Specifications: Only spearguns with a muzzle energy ≤ 1.5 joules are permitted for recreational use. Modifications increasing power or incorporating firearm-like features (e.g., triggers) trigger stricter Category B/C classification, requiring additional licenses.
Violations of speargun regulations may result in confiscation, criminal charges under the Penal Code (Art. 278–280), or administrative penalties from the National Environmental Guard (Garda Națională de Mediu). Always verify local county-level ordinances, as some regions impose further restrictions.