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Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in France?

Yes, with conditions.

Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.

Tier 3 — Moderate

Threshold-based licensing — permit-free band for low-power, licence required above.

FR

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive France is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule18+
PossessionFree for adults
Transfer / saleFree sale
TransportVariable
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
  • Carry without legitimate cause: €750 fine even for Category D items.

The rules in detail

Classification
Threshold-based
Code de la sécurité intérieure: airguns 2–20 J are Category D — adults may freely purchase and possess. Above 20 J, higher category applies.
Age rule
18+
18+ for Category D airguns.
Possession
Free for adults
Free for adults in Category D band. Carry/transport outside the home requires legitimate reason.
Transfer / sale
Free sale
Free sale to adults below 20 J. Above 20 J: licence regime applies.
Transport
Variable
Reasonable cause required to transport in public; case recommended.
Authority
National statute
National statute; gendarmerie and police administer.

Hunting with an airgun

Hunting with airguns is not typical in France; small-game pest control where landowner permits.

Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—

Import & travel

Energy threshold
20 J — Category D upper bound
Caliber rule
No caliber-specific national rule below the energy threshold.
Travel note
More permissive than Germany — Category D handling is straightforward for adults.

Local & import notes

Visitor procedure
Category D items free for adults. Above 20 J, country-specific authorisation. EU residents may use the European Firearms Pass for licensed items.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.