No, stun guns are classified as prohibited weapons under Germany’s Weapons Act (WaffG) and War Weapons Control Act (KrWaffKontrG), making their possession, acquisition, or use illegal without explicit authorization. Exceptions require permits from the Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA), typically reserved for law enforcement or security personnel. Recent 2026 amendments to the WaffG have tightened enforcement, with penalties including fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment for violations.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Germany
- Prohibition Status: Stun guns fall under Category 1 of the WaffG, banning civilian ownership unless exempted under rare circumstances (e.g., self-defense permits for vulnerable individuals).
- Permit Requirements: Applications for exceptions must demonstrate a concrete threat and undergo scrutiny by the BVA, which collaborates with local Ordnungsamt offices for background checks.
- Enforcement Trends: Since 2024, customs authorities (Zoll) have intensified inspections at borders, particularly for mail-order purchases, aligning with the EU Firearms Directive transposition into German law.
Local courts (Amtsgerichte) have upheld convictions for stun gun possession, citing public safety risks under § 53 WaffG. Even devices marketed as “non-lethal” are treated as weapons if capable of incapacitating. Travelers carrying stun guns risk confiscation and criminal charges.