Yes, stun guns are legal in Poland for self-defense, but their possession and use are strictly regulated under the Act on Weapons and Ammunition (Ustawa o broni i amunicji) and Police Act (Ustawa o Policji). Civilian ownership requires a valid permit, issued by the provincial governor (wojewoda) after background checks and justification of need. Unauthorized carrying or use in public spaces may result in confiscation and criminal charges under Article 267 §1 of the Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Poland
- Permit Requirement: A broń gazowa (gas weapon) permit is mandatory; applications are reviewed by the provincial governor’s office, which assesses criminal history and intent.
- Prohibited Use: Stun guns cannot be carried in sensitive locations (e.g., government buildings, courts, or public events) without prior authorization, per Police Act provisions.
- Technical Standards: Devices must comply with EU safety norms (e.g., CE marking) and cannot exceed 10,000 volts; non-compliant imports are seized by Customs Service (Służba Celno-Skarbowa).
Recent 2026 amendments to the Weapons Act tighten oversight, requiring annual permit renewals and mandatory training on safe handling. Violations may trigger administrative fines up to 5,000 PLN or imprisonment under Art. 267 §2 for reckless endangerment. Local police units (Policja) conduct periodic inspections of licensed premises.