Category D weapon (acquisition and possession without charge)

Verified 01 September 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

What are the over-the-counter weapons? Can a miner buy a gun? Can these weapons be carried and transported? This page shows you the rules for weapons classified as category D.

The following weapons, classified in category D, may be freely purchased and held:

Tableau - Main weapons classified in category D (excluding ammunition)

Type of weapon

Features

Object that may constitute a weapon dangerous to public safety

Examples: camouflaged non-firearm, dagger, knife-knife, baton, hypodermic projector

Some spray cans that are stun or tear gas

Capacity of up to 100 ml

Certain electrical contact impulse weapons

Examples: an electric baton or an electric fist, but not a taser

Weapon and launcher having a projectile propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner

Energy in the mouth between 2 and 20 joules

Examples: paint ball launcher, air rifle

Weapon designed for firing blank, gas or signaling ammunition

Not convertible for other projectiles

Historical and collector's weapon

  • some non-hazardous pre-1900 models,
  • some post-1900 models on a list of ministries of interior and defense

Reproduction of weapon

Pre-1900 model.

Shoot only ammunition without a metal case.

Manufacturing should not improve its accuracy and durability.

Neutralized warfare equipment (rendered unfit for fire)

  • pre-1946 models except deactivated Class A, B or C firearms
  • post-1946 models listed by the ministry of defense

Historical and collector's weapon

Pre-1900 Reproduction

Neutralized weapon (rendered unfit to fire)

No, no, no. You must be of age to acquire a Class D weapon, including its components and ammunition.

The port and the transport (e.g. in a car) of a D-category weapon are prohibited without legitimate grounds.

In case of security check (check of a bag, a vehicle...), you must be able to provide a legitimate reason.

To determine if you have a valid reason to carry or transport a weapon, law enforcement, or the judge in case of dispute, take into account location, circumstances and context.

The examination of the lawful ground is done on a case by case basis.

Thus, to claim that the weapon would be used to better deal with an altercation or danger is not a legitimate ground in itself.

It depends on the location, the circumstances, and the context.

Tableau - Penalties if you are found outside your home carrying or carrying a Class D weapon without lawful purpose

Offense

Fine incurred

Imprisonment

Class D weapon, essential element or ammunition

Committed by 1 person alone

€15,000 (or, if not a firearm, and subject to conditions, a lump sum fine of €500 )

1 year

Committed by 2 or more people

€30,000

2 years

Weapon or launcher whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner: paintball launcher, compressed air rifle...

€750

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