Accessories and the law — what applies in which country

United States (federal law) only with a permit or exemption

Under federal law a suppressor is an NFA firearm (26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(7)): under the statute, acquisition requires an approved application and entry in the federal registry, and possession without registration is a crime (26 U.S.C. § 5861(d)). On 9 October 2026 the ATF announced that it will no longer require approval, registration or a tax stamp for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and AOWs — for anyone. The statute and the regulations (27 CFR 479.62, 479.84) are unchanged, and the policy can be withdrawn; federal background checks and state laws still apply. If the policy is withdrawn, an item made or acquired without registration cannot simply be registered afterwards — under the unchanged statute, possessing it is a felony (26 U.S.C. 5861(d); 27 CFR 479.101(b)). State law differs – some states prohibit possession, others tie it to federal registration; there, the safe course is to keep treating registration as mandatory.

Legal reference: 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(7); 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d) · Checked 09/2026 · NFA and your authority have the final say.

Canada prohibited

Every suppressor is a prohibited device (Criminal Code s. 84(1)). Possession without a licence is an offence, and the law provides such a licence only for businesses (Criminal Code s. 92(2); Firearms Act s. 11).

Legal reference: Criminal Code s. 84(1); Criminal Code s. 92(2); Firearms Act s. 11 · Checked 09/2026 · Criminal Code and your authority have the final say.

Germany only with a permit or exemption

A suppressor is treated like the weapon it is intended for (WaffG Anl. 1 Abschn. 1 UA 1 Nr. 1.3): permit required for a weapon that requires a permit, no permit for a permit-free one. For hunters, the acquisition rules for hunting weapons apply accordingly; they may only use it with long guns approved for hunting that fire centerfire cartridges, when hunting and in hunting practice shooting (WaffG § 13 Abs. 9). The act has no specific rule for sport shooters; a permit requires a need, which the approved rulebooks usually do not establish.

Legal reference: WaffG Anl. 1 Abschn. 1 UA 1 Nr. 1.3; WaffG § 13 Abs. 9 · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG and your authority have the final say.

Austria only with a permit or exemption

Suppressors are prohibited, even without a weapon (§ 17 Abs. 1 Z 5 WaffG 1996). Exempt are holders of a valid hunting card who hunt regularly (§ 17 Abs. 3b WaffG 1996); if the hunting card ends, the suppressor must be handed to an authorized person within six months. Sport shooters are not exempt – for them only an exemption permit from the authority remains.

Legal reference: § 17 Abs. 1 Z 5 WaffG 1996; § 17 Abs. 3b WaffG 1996 · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG 1996 and your authority have the final say.

Switzerland only with a permit or exemption

Suppressors are weapon accessories: acquisition and transfer are prohibited (Art. 4 Abs. 2 lit. a, Art. 5 Abs. 2 lit. d WG); the canton may grant an exemption for legitimate reasons (Art. 28b WG). The law names e.g. professional needs, physical disability and collecting – not hunting or sport, but the list is not exhaustive. Since 1 February 2025 the federal hunting ordinance no longer lists the suppressor among prohibited hunting aids; the canton may still prohibit it for hunting. Anyone who acquired one lawfully may keep it.

Legal reference: Art. 4 Abs. 2 lit. a, Art. 5 Abs. 2 lit. d WG; Art. 28b WG · Checked 09/2026 · WG and your authority have the final say.

Poland only with a permit or exemption

A permit for a weapon fitted with or adapted for a suppressor is only issued for hunting (art. 10 ust. 5 pkt 3 uoBiA) – and even then it may only be used for a sanitary cull ordered by the authority (art. 10 ust. 5a uoBiA). Sport, collector and protection permits do not cover it. Dealers may sell the suppressor itself only to hunting districts and to hunters holding a hunting permit and hunting qualifications (art. 61 ust. 8 pkt 2a ustawy z 13.06.2019); whether merely possessing a suppressor without a matching permit is allowed is not regulated by the weapons act – this is disputed.

Legal reference: art. 10 ust. 5 pkt 3 uoBiA; art. 10 ust. 5a uoBiA · Checked 09/2026 · uoBiA and your authority have the final say.

Czechia only with a permit or exemption

Suppressors are subject to the rules for category R4 weapons (§ 9 odst. 4 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.): handling only with a firearms authorization or firearms license; the law does not require a particular purpose.

Legal reference: § 9 odst. 4 z. č. 90/2024 Sb. · Checked 09/2026 · z. č. 90/2024 Sb. and your authority have the final say.

Estonia only with a permit or exemption

The right to own a suppressor comes with the weapons permit (RelvS § 20¹ lg 3). It may only be fitted and used at a shooting range, a shooting ground, when hunting and in the further cases the law refers to there; on a long gun registered for hunting or sport it may stay fitted as long as the gun is only carried there (RelvS § 20¹ lg 3¹).

Legal reference: RelvS § 20¹ lg 3; RelvS § 20¹ lg 3¹ · Checked 09/2026 · RelvS and your authority have the final say.

Lithuania only with a permit or exemption

Suppressors may only be acquired, owned and used by holders of a weapons permit for sport, hunting, service in the Riflemen's Union or soldiers' training (GŠKĮ 13 str. 11 d.); otherwise they are prohibited (GŠKĮ 7 str. 3 d. 6 p.). A permit for self-defense or collecting is not enough.

Legal reference: GŠKĮ 13 str. 11 d.; GŠKĮ 7 str. 3 d. 6 p. · Checked 09/2026 · GŠKĮ and your authority have the final say.

Finland only with a permit or exemption

A suppressor requires a permit (ampuma-aselaki 3 §, 18 §). Anyone holding a permit to possess a firearm needs no separate permit to acquire, possess or transfer a suppressor (ampuma-aselaki 19 § 1 mom. 3 k.).

Legal reference: ampuma-aselaki 3 §, 18 §; ampuma-aselaki 19 § 1 mom. 3 k. · Checked 09/2026 · ampuma-aselaki and your authority have the final say.

Italy prohibited

Manufacture, import and sale of suppressors are only permitted for the armed forces, state corps or export (art. 2, secondo comma, L. 110/1975); hunting with a suppressed firearm is prohibited (art. 21 co. 1 lett. u) L. 157/1992). The provision does not expressly mention possession; under the case law of the Court of Cassation, however, a suppressor is a part of a weapon (parte di arma), and possessing one without legal title is a criminal offense (Cass. pen. Sez. 7, ord. n. 3521/2024).

Legal reference: art. 2, secondo comma, L. 110/1975; art. 21 co. 1 lett. u) L. 157/1992 · Checked 09/2026 · L. 110/1975 and your authority have the final say.

France only with a permit or exemption

A suppressor that does not change how the firearm works is not considered a weapon (R311-1 IV 2° CSI). It may only be acquired, however, by someone who presents a validated hunting license, a sport shooting license or a collector's card, together with the possession document for the firearm it is intended for (R312-45-2, R312-53 CSI). Whether it may be used for hunting is not covered by this statement.

Legal reference: R311-1 IV 2° CSI; R312-45-2, R312-53 CSI · Checked 10/2026 · Code de la sécurité intérieure and your authority have the final say.

Spain prohibited

Suppressors for firearms are prohibited – advertising, buying, selling, possessing and using them (art. 5.1 k RA). The Reglamento de Armas makes no exception for hunters or sport shooters; only specially authorized officials are exempt.

Legal reference: art. 5.1 k RA · Checked 10/2026 · Reglamento de Armas and your authority have the final say.

Denmark only with a permit or exemption

A suppressor for firearms requires a permit (§ 1 Stk. 1 Nr. 9 våbenloven). Anyone who lawfully owns a rifle, a shotgun or an air rifle can get a permit for a matching suppressor; hunters receive it together with the permit for a hunting rifle (§ 7 våbencirkulæret). Otherwise only in special cases.

Legal reference: § 1 Stk. 1 Nr. 9 våbenloven; § 7 våbencirkulæret · Checked 10/2026 · våbenloven and your authority have the final say.

Sweden only with a permit or exemption

Anyone entitled to possess a firearm for shooting may possess a suppressor that fits that firearm without a separate permit; otherwise the suppressor needs its own innehavstillstånd (6 kap. 1 §, 2 kap. 1 § vapenlagen (2026:408)). If the firearm is transferred, the suppressor may be kept for six months from the handover, and if a permit is applied for within that time, until the decision (6 kap. 3 § vapenlagen (2026:408)).

Legal reference: 6 kap. 1 §, 2 kap. 1 § vapenlagen (2026:408); 6 kap. 3 § vapenlagen (2026:408) · Checked 11/2026 · vapenlagen and your authority have the final say.

Slovakia only with a permit or exemption

A suppressor counts as a weapon; if it does not meet the requirements of the act on making firearms and ammunition available on the market, it is a prohibited category A accessory (§ 2 ods. 1 písm. a, § 4 ods. 4 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.). A detachable suppressor that meets them is a category B weapon, subject to a licensing procedure and registration (§ 5 ods. 1 písm. j zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.). A hunter (group D) may hold a weapon with a detachable suppressor fitted only at a shooting range and where a special regulation authorizes it, a sport shooter (group E) only at a shooting range (§ 27 ods. 3 písm. b and ods. 4 písm. b zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.); hunting with a weapon fitted with a prohibited accessory is prohibited (§ 65 ods. 2 písm. m zákona č. 274/2009 Z. z.).

Legal reference: § 2 ods. 1 písm. a, § 4 ods. 4 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.; § 5 ods. 1 písm. j zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z. · Checked 11/2026 · zákon č. 190/2003 Z. z. and your authority have the final say.

Netherlands prohibited

Suppressors are category I weapons in the Netherlands and prohibited (Art. 2, Art. 13 Wwm) – hunters and sport shooters cannot get a license either. On a hunting gun they are also prohibited by Art. 11.79 Abs. 5 Bal.

Legal reference: Art. 2, Art. 13 Wwm; Art. 11.79 Abs. 5 Bal · Checked 11/2026 · Wwm and your authority have the final say.

Ireland only with a permit or exemption

In Ireland a silencer counts as a component part of a firearm (s. 1(1)(g)(ii) Firearms Act 1925). You may possess, sell or transfer one only with the superintendent's written authorisation, for no more than one year; it is granted only to someone who holds a certificate for a firearm the silencer fits and shows a special need (s. 7 Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990). Whether it also needs a certificate of its own is disputed: yes on the wording, ordinarily not under the Commissioner's Guidelines 2018 – there it is marked with an “S” on the certificate of the firearm. If it does not fit only long rifled firearms, it is restricted (Art. 4(2)(d) S.I. 21/2008). It is prohibited for hunting birds (s. 33 Wildlife Act 1976).

Legal reference: s. 1(1)(g)(ii) Firearms Act 1925; s. 7 Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 · Checked 11/2026 · Firearms Act 1925 and your authority have the final say.

Belgium prohibited

Suppressors are prohibited weapons in Belgium (Art. 3 Wapenwet) – on the gun or on their own, for hunters and sport shooters too. Parliament passed an opening for hunting in 2025; it has not been promulgated, so the ban applies.

Legal reference: Art. 3 Wapenwet · Checked 11/2026 · Wapenwet and your authority have the final say.

Norway not covered by firearms law

A suppressor is not among the gun parts for which Norway requires a license (våpenforskrifta § 2-4) – those are the barrel, receiver, bolt, loose locking block, slide and cylinder. The hunting regulation (forskrift om utøvelse av jakt, felling og fangst) contains no rule on suppressors.

Legal reference: våpenforskrifta § 2-4 · Checked 11/2026 · våpenforskrifta and your authority have the final say.

Luxembourg only with a permit or exemption

In Luxembourg, suppressors require an authorization (category B.35, Art. 2 loi du 2 février 2022). For hunting, a suppressor is prohibited only on a shotgun (Art. 1er règlement grand-ducal du 16 décembre 2011); on a rifle you may use it for hunting if you hold the authorization for it. By its wording, only category B.1 weapons go on the hunting weapons carry permit (Art. 30 of the Law of 2 February 2022) – clarify with the Service des armes before buying which authorization the suppressor goes on.

Legal reference: Art. 2 loi du 2 février 2022; Art. 1er règlement grand-ducal du 16 décembre 2011 · Checked 11/2026 · loi du 2 février 2022 and your authority have the final say.

Hungary only with a permit or exemption

In Hungary you may own a suppressor without a separate license if you hold a license for a sport or hunting gun – as a professional hunter, also with the license for work purposes –, acquire it only once a gun it fits is entered on your license card, and use it only when using that gun (Vhr. 35/B. §; Ftv. 3. § (3)). A separate license for the suppressor exists only in special cases, for example for experts, testing bodies, museums or certain activities under a license for work purposes; otherwise it cannot be licensed, and for hunting it must meet the requirements of the implementing decree (Ftv. 4. § (1) c); Vtv. 37/A. § (1)).

Legal reference: Vhr. 35/B. §; Ftv. 3. § (3); Ftv. 4. § (1) c); Vtv. 37/A. § (1) · Checked 11/2026 · Vhr. and your authority have the final say.

United States (federal law) not covered by firearms law

Federal law does not mention weapon lights or lasers in any of its firearms lists (18 U.S.C. § 921, 26 U.S.C. § 5845). State law differs, including hunting law.

Legal reference: 18 U.S.C. § 921, 26 U.S.C. § 5845 · Checked 09/2026 · GCA/NFA and your authority have the final say.

Canada not covered by firearms law

The lists of prohibited devices (Criminal Code s. 84(1); SOR/98-462) do not mention weapon lights or lasers. Use when hunting is governed by the provinces.

Legal reference: Criminal Code s. 84(1); SOR/98-462 · Checked 09/2026 · Criminal Code and your authority have the final say.

Germany prohibited

Devices intended for guns (Schusswaffen) that illuminate or mark the target – such as target lights, lasers or aiming-point projectors – are prohibited items (WaffG Anl. 2 Abschn. 1 Nr. 1.2.4.1). There is no exemption for hunters; the only option is an exemption from the Federal Criminal Police Office on application (WaffG § 40 Abs. 4).

Legal reference: WaffG Anl. 2 Abschn. 1 Nr. 1.2.4.1; WaffG § 40 Abs. 4 · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG and your authority have the final say.

Austria not covered by firearms law

The weapons act does not mention weapon lights or lasers. Prohibited are devices for target illumination or marking specially developed for military use – they count as war material (§ 18 Abs. 1 WaffG 1996 i.V.m. § 1 Art. I Z 8 KMV). Use when hunting is governed by the hunting act of the federal state, often with prohibitions.

Legal reference: § 18 Abs. 1 WaffG 1996 i.V.m. § 1 Art. I Z 8 KMV · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG 1996 and your authority have the final say.

Switzerland depends on the device

Laser sights including their mounts are weapon accessories: acquisition only with an exemption permit from the canton (Art. 4 Abs. 2 lit. b, Art. 5 Abs. 2 lit. d WG). A plain weapon light is not mentioned in the Waffengesetz (WG). When hunting, artificial light sources and laser sights are prohibited (Art. 2 Abs. 1 lit. e JSV); the canton may allow exceptions only for specially trained members of the hunting police or specially trained hunters, and only to preserve particular species or habitats, to prevent damage by game, to combat animal diseases or to track wounded animals (Art. 3 Abs. 1 JSV).

Legal reference: Art. 4 Abs. 2 lit. b, Art. 5 Abs. 2 lit. d WG; Art. 2 Abs. 1 lit. e JSV · Checked 10/2026 · WG and your authority have the final say.

Poland not covered by firearms law

The weapons act does not mention weapon lights or lasers. When hunting, taking game with the help of artificial light is prohibited (art. 42aa pkt 12 Prawo łowieckie); a light attached to the weapon is only allowed when tracking wounded game (§ 4 ust. 3 rozp. MŚ z 23.03.2005).

Legal reference: art. 42aa pkt 12 Prawo łowieckie; § 4 ust. 3 rozp. MŚ z 23.03.2005 · Checked 09/2026 · Prawo łowieckie and your authority have the final say.

Czechia depends on the device

The weapons act does not mention weapon lights. Lasers that can dazzle (class 3B or 4) are weapons subject to notification (příloha 2 bod 1.5.7 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.). Artificial target illumination is prohibited when hunting (§ 45 odst. 1 písm. g) z. č. 449/2001 Sb.) unless the authority grants an exemption.

Legal reference: příloha 2 bod 1.5.7 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.; § 45 odst. 1 písm. g) z. č. 449/2001 Sb. · Checked 09/2026 · z. č. 90/2024 Sb. and your authority have the final say.

Estonia depends on the device

A laser sight may only be acquired and possessed for the purpose of the respective shooting sport, collectors excepted (RelvS § 20¹ lg 4); the weapons act does not mention weapon lights. When hunting, artificial light sources as well as laser and night sights are prohibited; pocket and head lamps are allowed only to check the result of a shot and to search for wounded or dead game. The Environmental Board may lay down exceptions for artificial light sources and night sights — not for lasers — for certain purposes (JahiS § 24 lg 4, 5 und 7).

Legal reference: RelvS § 20¹ lg 4; JahiS § 24 lg 4, 5 und 7 · Checked 09/2026 · RelvS and your authority have the final say.

Lithuania depends on the device

Laser sights may only be acquired, possessed and used by holders of a weapons permit for sport, hunting, service in the Riflemen's Union or soldiers' training (GŠKĮ 13 str. 11 d.). A plain weapon light is not a weapon accessory; when hunting, artificial light is prohibited. The Hunting Act allows spotlights mounted on the long gun only for certain species such as wild boar and fox, and only when hunting with dogs or tracking wounded game (GŠKĮ 2 str. 19 d.; Medžioklės įstatymas 15¹ str. 7 p., 15² str. 11 p.). Whether the list in the prohibition allows them for these species without dogs as well is disputed — do not rely on it.

Legal reference: GŠKĮ 13 str. 11 d.; GŠKĮ 2 str. 19 d.; Medžioklės įstatymas 15¹ str. 7 p., 15² str. 11 p. · Checked 09/2026 · GŠKĮ and your authority have the final say.

Finland not covered by firearms law

The ampuma-aselaki does not mention weapon lights or lasers. When hunting, artificial light sources and devices that illuminate the target are prohibited (metsästyslaki 33 § 1 mom. 5 k.). For wild boar hunting only the artificial light source is exempt — the ban still applies to devices that illuminate the target, such as lasers; whether a weapon light counts as a light source or as such a device is unresolved. Exceptions also apply to tracking wounded game and to unprotected mammals other than feral cats (metsästyslaki 33 § 3 mom., 49 §; metsästysasetus 14 §).

Legal reference: metsästyslaki 33 § 1 mom. 5 k.; metsästyslaki 33 § 3 mom., 49 §; metsästysasetus 14 § · Checked 09/2026 · metsästyslaki and your authority have the final say.

Italy not surveyed

There is no checked statement for this country. That is not a clearance.

France not surveyed

There is no checked statement for this country. That is not a clearance.

Spain not surveyed

There is no checked statement for this country. That is not a clearance.

Denmark not surveyed

There is no checked statement for this country. That is not a clearance.

Sweden depends on the device

Swedish firearms law does not list weapon lights or lasers among the items it treats as firearms (1 kap. 4 § vapenlagen (2026:408)). In hunting, weapons and other means of hunting may be used only to the extent and in the manner provided for in the hunting ordinance or in regulations issued under it (10 § jaktförordningen (1987:905)). When hunting rabbit, fox, raccoon dog, badger, mink, marten, raccoon or wild boar, a torch is allowed only to dispatch game held at bay by a dog, at an earth or den, and when checking a trap (14 § jaktförordningen (1987:905)); moving lights in close connection with the hunting weapon only when hunting wild boar (14 a § jaktförordningen (1987:905)). For birds and the protected mammals listed in the ordinance, artificial light sources and target illumination are prohibited (10 a § jaktförordningen (1987:905), Bilaga 5 jaktförordningen (1987:905)). The ordinance does not mention laser sights specifically; the app has not checked what the regulations of the Naturvårdsverket say about them.

Legal reference: 1 kap. 4 § vapenlagen (2026:408); 14 a § jaktförordningen (1987:905) · Checked 11/2026 · jaktförordningen and your authority have the final say.

Slovakia not surveyed

There is no checked statement for this country. That is not a clearance.

Netherlands depends on the device

The Wwm does not list lamps and laser sights as a category of their own. On a hunting gun an artificial light source and any device for illuminating the quarry are prohibited (Art. 11.79 Abs. 5 Bal); lasers designed specifically to cause permanent blindness are category I and prohibited (Art. 3 lit. e Rwm).

Legal reference: Art. 11.79 Abs. 5 Bal; Art. 3 lit. e Rwm · Checked 11/2026 · Bal and your authority have the final say.

Ireland depends on the device

In Ireland a telescope sight with a light beam designed to be fitted to a firearm counts as a component part of a firearm (s. 1(1)(g)(i) Firearms Act 1925) and goes on the certificate of the firearm. A light or laser module without a telescope sight is not mentioned in the Firearms Act 1925; whether it is covered is unclear – ask the Gardaí before fitting it.

Legal reference: s. 1(1)(g)(i) Firearms Act 1925 · Checked 11/2026 · Firearms Act 1925 and your authority have the final say.

Belgium depends on the device

Sighting devices for firearms that project a beam onto the target are prohibited (Art. 3 Wapenwet). This provision does not mention a light without an aiming function; for hunting in Flanders, however, rifles fitted with an artificial light source or a device to illuminate the animal are prohibited (Art. 9 Jachtvoorwaardenbesluit). The app has not read Walloon hunting law on this.

Legal reference: Art. 3 Wapenwet · Checked 11/2026 · Wapenwet and your authority have the final say.

Norway depends on the device

Weapon lights and lasers are not among the licensed gun parts (våpenforskrifta § 2-4). When hunting, visible light is prohibited (viltressursloven § 26); it is allowed for wild boar and red fox in open terrain or at a bait site, for examining the spot where the shot hit, except for lynx, wolverine, bear and wolf, and when tracking wounded deer, wild boar and red fox after notifying the landowner, the police and the municipality (forskrift om utøvelse av jakt, felling og fangst § 29a).

Legal reference: viltressursloven § 26; våpenforskrifta § 2-4 · Checked 11/2026 · viltressursloven and your authority have the final say.

Luxembourg depends on the device

In Luxembourg, sighting devices that project a beam of light onto the target, such as laser sights, are prohibited weapons of category A.26 (Art. 2 loi du 2 février 2022) unless hunting law admits them; whether it does is disputed, as with night vision. A weapon light without a sighting function is not named in the provision; the app has not settled how it is classified. Hunting takes place only during the day (Art. 10 loi modifiée du 25 mai 2011 relative à la chasse).

Legal reference: Art. 2 loi du 2 février 2022; Art. 10 loi modifiée du 25 mai 2011 relative à la chasse · Checked 11/2026 · loi du 2 février 2022 and your authority have the final say.

Hungary depends on the device

Mounting a laser sight on a firearm cannot be licensed in Hungary (Ftv. 4. § (1) e)); the Ftv. does not mention a weapon light.

Legal reference: Ftv. 4. § (1) e) · Checked 11/2026 · Ftv. and your authority have the final say.

United States (federal law) not covered by firearms law

Federal law sets no capacity limit for magazines; the former limit expired in 2004 and has been repealed (18 U.S.C. § 922(w) (repealed)). Several states do limit capacity, however – for example California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington and Colorado – some as a sales ban, some as a possession ban. This list is not complete; the law of the state decides.

Legal reference: 18 U.S.C. § 922(w) (repealed) · Checked 09/2026 · GCA and your authority have the final say.

Canada prohibited

A magazine is a prohibited device if it holds more than 5 rounds for a semi-automatic firearm other than a handgun – rimfire excepted – or more than 10 for a semi-automatic handgun commonly available in the country, rimfire included (SOR/98-462 Schedule Part 4 Item 3); for semi-automatic handguns not commonly available and for automatic firearms, more than 5 already applies. Rounds are counted in the cartridge the magazine was designed for; magazines permanently reduced to the limit are allowed. Possession without a licence is an offence, and the law provides such a licence only for businesses (Criminal Code s. 84(1), s. 92(2); Firearms Act s. 11).

Legal reference: SOR/98-462 Schedule Part 4 Item 3; Criminal Code s. 84(1), s. 92(2); Firearms Act s. 11 · Checked 09/2026 · SOR/98-462 and your authority have the final say.

Germany prohibited

Detachable magazines for centerfire ammunition that hold more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (long gun) of the smallest permitted caliber are prohibited items, together with their bodies (WaffG Anl. 2 Abschn. 1 Nr. 1.2.4.3/1.2.4.4) – the wording makes no distinction between self-loaders and repeaters. A magazine that fits both handguns and long guns counts as a handgun magazine unless its owner may possess a long gun in which it can be used. Existing possession is only protected if a magazine acquired before 13 June 2017 was reported by 1 September 2021; otherwise the only option is an exemption from the Federal Criminal Police Office on application (WaffG § 58 Abs. 17; § 40 Abs. 4).

Legal reference: WaffG Anl. 2 Abschn. 1 Nr. 1.2.4.3/1.2.4.4; WaffG § 58 Abs. 17; § 40 Abs. 4 · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG and your authority have the final say.

Austria only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for semi-automatic centerfire weapons are prohibited if they hold more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (other gun) (§ 17 Abs. 1 Z 9 und 10 WaffG 1996). The authority may grant an exemption; sport shooters who lawfully own a category B firearm are entitled to the exemption for the firearm, and magazines for a firearm held under such a permit need no separate one (§ 17 Abs. 3 und 3c, § 58 Abs. 13 WaffG 1996). Anyone who lawfully owned such magazines when the ban took effect and reported this within two years is granted an exemption.

Legal reference: § 17 Abs. 1 Z 9 und 10 WaffG 1996; § 17 Abs. 3 und 3c, § 58 Abs. 13 WaffG 1996 · Checked 09/2026 · WaffG 1996 and your authority have the final say.

Switzerland only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for semi-automatic centerfire weapons holding more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (long gun) are high-capacity loading devices (Art. 4 Abs. 2bis WG). Only someone entitled to acquire the corresponding firearm may acquire them – usually with a cantonal exemption permit, for example for sport shooting or as a collector; anyone who acquired them lawfully may keep them. A firearm equipped with such a magazine counts as a prohibited weapon (Art. 5 Abs. 1 lit. c, Art. 16b, Art. 28c WG).

Legal reference: Art. 4 Abs. 2bis WG; Art. 5 Abs. 1 lit. c, Art. 16b, Art. 28c WG · Checked 09/2026 · WG and your authority have the final say.

Poland not covered by firearms law

The firearms act does not mention magazines: it lists the essential parts of a firearm exhaustively, and the magazine is not among them (art. 5 ust. 2 uoBiA). It therefore sets no capacity limit.

Legal reference: art. 5 ust. 2 uoBiA · Checked 09/2026 · uoBiA and your authority have the final say.

Czechia only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for centerfire firearms that hold more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (long gun) are over-limit magazines (příloha 1 bod 3.5 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.). The rules for ammunition category S2 apply to them: handling only with a firearms permit or firearms license plus an exemption granted for named reasons, for example to sport shooters with a year of training or competition records, to collectors or for professional purposes (§ 9 odst. 5, § 49, § 150 odst. 6 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.). Anyone who lawfully acquired them under the old law may keep them; in the firearm, the new rules apply.

Legal reference: příloha 1 bod 3.5 z. č. 90/2024 Sb.; § 9 odst. 5, § 49, § 150 odst. 6 z. č. 90/2024 Sb. · Checked 09/2026 · z. č. 90/2024 Sb. and your authority have the final say.

Estonia only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for semi-automatic centerfire firearms holding more than 20 (pistol) or more than 10 rounds (rifle) may only be acquired, possessed and carried for named purposes (RelvS § 20¹ lg 7): a shooting discipline that requires them – with proof of club membership and competition –, historical re-enactment, collecting, the Defence League or national defense. Hunting and self-defense are not among them; they may only be used at a shooting range or shooting ground. Anyone who had a firearm with such a magazine registered in their name before 1 March 2020 may keep it on the previous terms — only that person, and only until they dispose of the firearm (RelvS § 28 lg 1 p 2¹; § 91 lg 24).

Legal reference: RelvS § 20¹ lg 7; RelvS § 28 lg 1 p 2¹; § 91 lg 24 · Checked 09/2026 · RelvS and your authority have the final say.

Lithuania only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for semi-automatic centerfire firearms holding more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (long gun) are prohibited in civilian circulation (GŠKĮ 7 str. 3 d. 1 p.). Only someone who lawfully owns such a category A firearm may acquire and own them, and only for that firearm (GŠKĮ 11 str. 3 d.); permits for such firearms go, for example, to athletes with competition records, members of a shooting organization, the Riflemen's Union and soldiers. Hunters and collectors are not named.

Legal reference: GŠKĮ 7 str. 3 d. 1 p.; GŠKĮ 11 str. 3 d. · Checked 09/2026 · GŠKĮ and your authority have the final say.

Finland only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for semi-automatic centerfire firearms holding more than 20 (short firearm) or more than 10 rounds (long firearm) count as firearm parts (ampuma-aselaki 3 § 2 mom.); acquiring and owning them requires a permit. A permit is only granted to sport shooters with at least twelve months of club membership, for reservist training (long firearms only), to collectors, for professional reasons and for demonstrations – not for hunting. Anyone who already holds a permit for the corresponding particularly dangerous firearm needs no separate one to acquire them (ampuma-aselaki 44 b §; 19 § 1 mom. 4–5 k.).

Legal reference: ampuma-aselaki 3 § 2 mom.; ampuma-aselaki 44 b §; 19 § 1 mom. 4–5 k. · Checked 09/2026 · ampuma-aselaki and your authority have the final say.

Italy only with a permit or exemption

Magazines holding more than 20 rounds for handguns or more than 10 for long guns may only be manufactured, imported and sold for the armed forces or for export, subject to sporting use (art. 2, secondo comma, L. 110/1975) – regardless of ignition type or action. Only sport shooters belonging to a shooting federation recognized by CONI or to the Tiro a Segno Nazionale may acquire and own them; every such magazine must be reported within 72 hours (art. 12 co. 4 D.Lgs. 104/2018; art. 38 TULPS). For anyone who lawfully owned one on 13 June 2017, the previous law applies.

Legal reference: art. 2, secondo comma, L. 110/1975; art. 12 co. 4 D.Lgs. 104/2018; art. 38 TULPS · Checked 09/2026 · L. 110/1975 and your authority have the final say.

France only with a permit or exemption

Magazines for handguns holding more than 20 rounds and for semi-automatic centerfire long guns holding more than 10 rounds are prohibited category A items (R311-2 I 8° à 9° ter CSI); for rimfire long guns and centerfire manually operated rifles the limit is more than 30. Sport shooters can acquire magazines of up to 30 rounds for their category B semi-automatic centerfire long guns on presenting the authorization for that firearm; larger ones, and handgun magazines of more than 20 rounds, only with the federation certificate for a discipline that requires them. No magazine without the possession document for the firearm, and at most ten per firearm (R312-45, R312-45-1 CSI).

Legal reference: R311-2 I 8° à 9° ter CSI; R312-45, R312-45-1 CSI · Checked 10/2026 · Code de la sécurité intérieure and your authority have the final say.

Spain prohibited

Magazines for centerfire guns – semi-automatics and repeaters alike – that hold more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 cartridges (long gun) are prohibited: advertising, buying, selling, possessing and using them (art. 5.1 e RA). Only museums, cultural institutions and collectors are exempt, under the conditions for collections (art. 107 RA).

Legal reference: art. 5.1 e RA; art. 107 RA · Checked 10/2026 · Reglamento de Armas and your authority have the final say.

Denmark only with a permit or exemption

Anyone who holds a permit or club endorsement for a particularly dangerous weapon – pistol, revolver, semi-automatic or automatic – may not acquire or hold detachable magazines that hold more than 10 cartridges and fit semi-automatic centerfire guns or repeaters; if the permit covers pistols, the limit is 20 (§ 10 a våbenbekendtgørelsen). The police may grant an exemption in special cases. Detachable magazines themselves require a permit but have no limit on numbers (§ 1 Stk. 1 Nr. 2 våbenloven; § 51 våbenbekendtgørelsen).

Legal reference: § 10 a våbenbekendtgørelsen; § 1 Stk. 1 Nr. 2 våbenloven; § 51 våbenbekendtgørelsen · Checked 10/2026 · våbenbekendtgørelsen and your authority have the final say.

Sweden only with a permit or exemption

Detachable magazines for semi-automatic centerfire firearms holding more than 20 cartridges – more than 10 if they fit a firearm with a barrel over 30 cm or an overall length over 60 cm – count as a vapenmagasin and require a possession permit (1 kap. 9 §, 2 kap. 1 § vapenlagen (2026:408)). Anyone entitled to possess a matching firearm for shooting or collecting may hold the magazine without a separate permit; it may only be transferred to someone entitled to hold it (6 kap. 1 §, 6 kap. 4 § vapenlagen (2026:408)). For hunting, no permit is granted for a semi-automatic rifle chambered for centerfire rifle ammunition or for pistol ammunition above 9 mm if a detachable military-type magazine holding more than 10 cartridges can be inserted without special equipment or modification (4 kap. 11 § vapenlagen (2026:408)).

Legal reference: 1 kap. 9 §, 2 kap. 1 § vapenlagen (2026:408); 6 kap. 1 §, 6 kap. 4 § vapenlagen (2026:408) · Checked 11/2026 · vapenlagen and your authority have the final say.

Slovakia prohibited

Anyone who holds a centerfire handgun – semi-automatic or repeater – may not hold a magazine for more than 20 cartridges that can be inserted into it; for a centerfire long gun the limit is 10 – unless an exemption for acquisition and possession has been granted (§ 8 ods. 6 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.). With such a magazine inserted or built in, the weapon itself is a prohibited category A weapon (§ 4 ods. 2 písm. m až p zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.). The Ministry of the Interior grants sport shooters (group E) the exemption if their sports federation confirms that they have actively trained or competed in the past 12 months and that the weapon meets the specifications of an internationally recognized discipline (§ 8 ods. 3 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.). The exemption is granted only if it does not endanger public safety or public order, and it may be limited in time (§ 8 ods. 4 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.).

Legal reference: § 8 ods. 6 zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z.; § 4 ods. 2 písm. m až p zákona č. 190/2003 Z. z. · Checked 11/2026 · zákon č. 190/2003 Z. z. and your authority have the final say.

Netherlands only with a permit or exemption

In the Netherlands magazines are accessories (hulpstukken) subject to the rules for the firearm (Art. 3 Wwm); without a verlof of your own you may possess them only for firearms you are allowed to possess (Art. 18(1)(g) Rwm). A large magazine (category A 6/7) is available only for a recognized discipline and with compulsory membership (Art. 7 Bwm; Art. 43a Rwm); anyone who possesses one without a verlof for it loses both verlof and hunting license (Art. 7 Wwm, Art. 8.104(1)(e) Bkl). For hunting, the magazine of a single-barrel shotgun holds no more than two cartridges, and so does that of a rifle unless it is operated by hand, shot by shot (Art. 11.79(3), (4) Bal).

Legal reference: Art. 3 Wwm; Art. 7 Bwm; Art. 43a Rwm · Checked 11/2026 · Wwm and your authority have the final say.

Ireland prohibited

You may not acquire a magazine for a centre-fire semi-automatic firearm that holds more than 20 rounds (short firearm) or more than 10 rounds (long firearm) (reg. 16 S.I. 209/2022). If you possess such a magazine that fits a centre-fire semi-automatic or repeating firearm, the Gardaí revoke your certificate for the Category B firearm (s. 2F Firearms Act 1925). If it is inserted in, or part of, a centre-fire semi-automatic firearm, that firearm is a Category A weapon under the EU Firearms Directive – acquiring or possessing it is an offence (s. 2D Firearms Act 1925). For rim-fire, a magazine of more than ten rounds makes the long firearm restricted (Art. 4(2)(c) S.I. 21/2008); a .22 LR target pistol holds no more than five (Art. 4(2)(e) S.I. 21/2008).

Legal reference: reg. 16 S.I. 209/2022; s. 2F Firearms Act 1925 · Checked 11/2026 · S.I. 209/2022 and your authority have the final say.

Belgium only with a permit or exemption

In Belgium you may possess magazines only for the weapons subject to licensing that you may possess yourself; they are sold to you only on presentation of your license, hunting license or sport shooter license (Art. 22 Wapenwet). Magazines above the capacity set by the minister are prohibited weapons (Art. 3 Wapenwet).

Legal reference: Art. 22 Wapenwet; Art. 3 Wapenwet · Checked 11/2026 · Wapenwet and your authority have the final say.

Norway only with a permit or exemption

Detachable magazines for licensed guns holding more than five rounds (shotgun), ten (rifle) or twenty (pistol) need a license of their own (våpenforskrifta § 2-5); the police grant it to sport shooters on the basis of years of membership, training sessions and open competitions (våpenforskrifta § 4-4), and under their practice never for hunting (RPOD-2022-8 pkt. 2.6). Holders send the police a competition overview every five years (våpenforskrifta § 11-3); without open competitions in that time the police revoke the license. Magazines you acquired before 1 October 2020 you may keep without a license; anyone who takes them over from you needs one (våpenforskrifta § 14-1 no. 9).

Legal reference: våpenforskrifta § 2-5; våpenforskrifta § 4-4 · Checked 11/2026 · våpenforskrifta and your authority have the final say.

Luxembourg only with a permit or exemption

If you have a magazine for centerfire semi-automatics or for repeaters that holds more than 20 (handgun) or more than 10 rounds (long gun), your authorization for category B weapons is withdrawn (Art. 25 loi du 2 février 2022) – unless you hold an authorization for a weapon it fits. The wording does not say whether centerfire also applies to repeaters; the app applies the strict reading. Inserted into a centerfire semi-automatic, such a magazine makes it a prohibited category A.7 weapon (Art. 2 of the Law of 2 February 2022), unless the weapon was already on your authorization before 13 June 2017 (Art. 66 of the Law of 2 February 2022). You store magazines like weapons (Art. 39 loi du 2 février 2022).

Legal reference: Art. 25 loi du 2 février 2022; Art. 39 loi du 2 février 2022 · Checked 11/2026 · loi du 2 février 2022 and your authority have the final say.

Hungary only with a permit or exemption

In Hungary you acquire a magazine holding more than twenty cartridges for a centerfire semi-automatic or more than ten for a long gun only with the license for such a gun (Ftv. 3. § (3)); without a license the acquisition is a petty offense (Szabs. tv. 183. § (1) b)). Which license that is, the wording leaves open: on the narrow reading only the one for a category A 6 semi-automatic – that is, with the large magazine fitted – which sport shooters can get after twelve months of club membership; on the broad reading the one for the semi-automatic the magazine fits. And by the wording the limit of ten applies to every long gun, while category A 6 draws it only for centerfire semi-automatics. Which reading the police apply, the app has not settled – ask before buying.

Legal reference: Ftv. 3. § (3); Szabs. tv. 183. § (1) b) · Checked 11/2026 · Ftv. and your authority have the final say.