Category D weapons (free acquisition and possession)

Verified 22 July 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

What are the over-the-counter weapons ? We tell you the main rules to know about weapons classified in category D.

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

Tableau - Weapons classified as category D (excluding ammunition)

Ranking

Designation

Characteristics

D - (a)

Any objects that may constitute a weapon dangerous to public safety

Examples: non-camouflaged firearm, dagger, dagger knife, baton, hypodermic projector, butterfly knife or Balisong , stop-notch knife with automatic opening mechanism, jet knife called Ninja Star, mixed weapon of a pre-1946 model combining a blunt weapon said american punch with a knife blade

D - (b)

Certain tear gas or incapacitating aerosol cans

Capacity up to 100 ml

D - (c)

Certain electrical contact pulse weapons

Examples: electric baton, electric fist, some models of shocker

D-d)

Weapon classified as e, f or g that has been neutralized

D-e)

Historical and collectible weapon

Some non-dangerous pre-1900 models

D-f)

Reproduction of weapon

Pre-1900 model.

Shoots only ammunition without a metal case.

Manufacturing should not improve its accuracy and durability.

D-g)

Historical and collectible weapon

Some post-1900 models on a list of ministries of interior and defense

D-h)

Weapon and launcher, the projectile of which is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner

Mouth energy between 2 and 20 joules

Examples: paint ball launcher, air rifle

D-k)

Neutralized war material (rendered unfit for fire)

Pre-1946 model except Class A, B or C deactivated firearms

D-l)

Neutralized war material (rendered unfit for fire)

Model after 1946 on a Ministry of Defense list

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

The port and the transport of a category D weapon out of your home (for example, in your car) are prohibited without lawful cause.

In the event of a security check (checking a bag, a vehicle, etc.), you must be able to provide a legitimate reason.

To determine whether 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. Consideration of the legitimate reason is done on a case-by-case basis. Thus, to claim that the weapon would be used to better confront an altercation or danger is not a legitimate motive in itself. It depends on the location, the circumstances and the context.

The penalties for carrying or transporting a Class D weapon out of your home without a legitimate reason vary by firearm.

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Weapon and launcher whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner (energy at the mouth between 2 and 20 joules)

You risk a fine of €750.

Example :

Paintball launcher, air rifle.

Category D firearm

You risk a fine of €15,000 and 1 year in prison.

If you commit the offense with another person, you risk a fine of €30,000 and 2 years in prison.

Other category D weapon

You risk a fine of €15,000 and 1 year in prison.

If you commit the offense with another person, you risk a fine of €30,000 and 2 years in prison.

However, if you voluntarily surrender the weapon to law enforcement, you risk flat-rate fine of €500. The amount is reduced (€400) or increased (€1,000) depending on the period within which you pay the fine.

FYI  

In spaces and vehicles assigned to public transport, it is forbidden to any person to wear, in a visible manner, any object resembling a weapon of categories A to D could create a disorder in public order. Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by fine up to €750. The object used to commit the offense may be confiscated.

The transformation of a weapon is prohibited to anyone who does not have a gunsmith's license.

Failure to comply with this rule is punishable by ticket of €1,500 maximum.

If the transformation of the weapon results in a change in the category of the weapon, offense punished by a penalty of 5 years imprisonment and €75,000 of a fine.

However, the addition of accessories (handle, riflescopes, etc.) is permitted if this does not change the characteristics of the weapon.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Prefecture

  • Paris Police Prefecture - Weapons and Explosives Section

    The weapons and explosives section does not receive users.

    By mail

    Police Prefecture

    Directorate of General Police

    Bureau of Administrative Police

    Arms and Explosives Section

    1 bis rue de Lutèce

    75195 Paris Cedex 04

    By courier

    From contact form

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