Weapons: what are the different categories?
Verified 03 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Are you wondering about gun control? This page shows the categorization of weapons and the administrative system of each category: prohibition (category A), authorisation (category B), statement (category C) or free sale (category D).
Class A firearms are certain firearms (category A1) and war materiel (category A2).
He is Prohibits the acquisition or possession of a Class A weapon unless specifically authorized.
Category A1 weapons
Type of weapon | Features |
|---|---|
Handgun | + 21 ammunition without replenishment and supply system of + 20 cartridges |
Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with ring percussion | + 31 ammunition without replenishment and supply system of + 30 cartridges |
Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with center percussion | + 11 strokes without recharging, with integrated charger of more than 10 cartridges or when a removable charger of more than 10 cartridges is inserted Note: the weapon remains classified in category B if the magazine is not inserted. Only the charger is classified in category A. |
Rifled gun and ammunition therefor | Projectile with a diameter of 20 mm or more, except where non-metallic projectiles |
Smooth-bore firearm and ammunition therefor | Larger than 8 caliber Except weapons classified in category C or D by ministerial decision |
Automatic repeating firearm converted to semi-automatic repeating firearm | Automatic firearm converted to a semi-automatic firearm |
Automatic repeating firearm converted to manual repeating firearm | Automatic weapon converted to a firearm meeting the criteria of a manual repeater weapon |
Automatic repeating firearm converted to 1-shot firearm | Automatic firearm converted to a 1-shot firearm |
Semi-automatic repeating long gun | Length reducible to less than 60 cm with a butt |
Semi-automatic repeating long gun | Stripe power regardless of capacity |
Manual repeating shoulder gun | + 31 ammunition without replenishment and supply system of + 30 cartridges |
Power supply system |
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Other weapon |
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Please note
if you had an automatic repeat firearm converted to a manual repeat firearm or a 1-shot firearm before 1er November 2021, you can continue to hold it and purchase the corresponding ammunition.
Category A2 weapons
Type of weapon | Features |
|---|---|
Self-repeating firearm |
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Weapon with laser beam | |
Cannon, howitzer, mortar, rocket launcher and grenade launcher... | |
Bomb, torpedo, mine, missile, grenade, incendiary device... |
It is mandatory to obtain a authorisation to acquire and possess a firearm category B.
A category B weapon may be used for sport shooting or in case of occupational risk subject to conditions.
You must have created a SIA account to buy and own a weapon as a sports shooter.
Weapons used for sport shooting
Type of weapon | Weapon | Features |
|---|---|---|
Handgun (pistol, revolver) | Handgun + converted handgun not included in other categories | |
1-shot ring percussion handgun | ||
1-shot long gun | Long gun | Total length of 80 cm + or barrel length of 45 cm to + |
Weapon of the following calibers: 7,62 × 39, 5,56 × 45, 5,45 × 39, 12,7 × 99, 14,5 × 114 | ||
Manual Repeating Long Gun | Manual repeating shoulder gun | Projectile less than 20 mm in diameter 31 hits maximum without replenishment |
Long gun | Total length of 80 cm + or barrel length of 45 cm to + | |
Repeatedly smooth-barreled shoulder gun | Total length of 80 cm + or barrel length of 60 cm to + | |
Repeating shoulder firearm with pump-type recharging device | Smooth-barreled weapon and certain rifled guns | |
Weapon of the following calibers: 7,62 × 39, 5,56 × 45, 5,45 × 39, 12,7 × 99, 14,5 × 114 | ||
Automatic or semi-automatic repeating long guns | Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm, center-fire | Projectile less than 20 mm in diameter Maximum 11 moves without replenishment |
Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm with ring percussion | Projectile less than 20 mm in diameter 31 hits maximum without replenishment | |
Long gun | Total length of 80 cm + or barrel length of 45 cm to + | |
Semi-automatic repeating smooth-barreled shoulder gun | Total length of 80 cm + or barrel length of 60 cm to + | |
Semi-automatic repeating long gun | Looks like an automatic weapon | |
Weapon of the following calibers: 7,62 × 39, 5,56 × 45, 5,45 × 39, 12,7 × 99, 14,5 × 114 |
Weapons used for work-related hazards
Type of weapon | Features |
|---|---|
Handgun (pistol, revolver) | + center-fire ammunition designed for the weapon |
Converted handgun not included in other categories | |
Incapacitating or tear gas aerosol dispenser | Capacity greater than 100 ml or generator classified in category B |
He is obligatory to make a statement with the prefecture to acquire and hold a category C weapon for the practice of ball-trap or the biathlon.
He is obligatory to have created a SIA account to acquire and possess a Class C firearm as hunter or sports shooter.
He is obligatory to have created a SIA account to acquire and hold a category C3 weapon (defensive weapon) or C9 (firearm neutralized) if you have no hunting license or sports license for shooting, ball-trap or biathlon.
Type of weapon | Features |
|---|---|
Semi-automatic repeating long gun | Projectile less than 20 mm in diameter Firing 3 ammunition at + without replenishment |
Manual repeating shoulder gun | Projectile less than 20 mm in diameter Firing 11 rounds at + without replenishment |
1 shot long gun per barrel | |
Manual repeating shoulder gun | Striped barrel equipped with a reloading device with a chambered pump for gages 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 410 Maximum capacity of 5 strokes Total length greater than 80 cm Gun length greater than 60 cm Fixed stock |
Firearm manufactured for firing one or more non-metallic projectiles | Classified in this category by ministerial decision |
Weapon and launcher having a projectile propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner | Mouth energy of 20 joules or more |
Deactivated Class A, B or C firearm (rendered unfit for fire) |
Weapons classified as category D may be freely purchased and held under conditions.
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: electric baton, electric fist, some models of shake |
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 |
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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) |
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Historical and collector's weapon Pre-1900 Reproduction | Neutralized weapon (rendered unfit to fire) |
General provisions on arms and ammunition
Classification of weapons
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