Crossbow legislation

This informative page does not exempt you from informing yourself about your rights and duties as the owner or user of a crossbow, bow or bladed weapon.

Crossbow law and licensing in France

Referring to decree no. 2013-700 of July 30, 2013 implementing law no. 2012-304 of March 6, 2012, crossbows and their projectiles are considered edged weapons. They are classified in category D-2 of the aforementioned decree. They are therefore a ^6th category weapon in the same way as knives, truncheons and brass knuckles. Who can own a crossbow, and what about carrying or transporting it?

Crossbow acquisition

They arefree to acquire and possess (except for people under 18). No license is required. To purchase a crossbow, all you need to do is present a form of identification, which you can send by e-mail when you place your order if you are buying online, to prove that you are of legal age.

You don't need to register, nor do you need a shooting license, let alone a hunting permit.

Crossbow ownership

The possession of a category D firearm is the responsibility of its owner. The storage of a firearm by a private individual is not considered to be the carrying of a firearm. Its storage location must not change constantly. Carrying a weapon means transporting it ready for use in a public place. Whether carried by hand, in a bag or in a vehicle.

Carrying ready-to-use weapons is strictly forbidden.

Carrying or transporting a crossbow

It is possible to carry a weapon if it cannot be used immediately (in the case of a crossbow, the string must be dismantled, and the bow too, if possible). The only condition is that the weapon, in this case the crossbow, must be dismantled and placed in a bag or case to avoid frightening passers-by, or even causing a general panic. If you're going to be carrying a crossbow around a lot, you'll need to be able to justify why you're doing so.

Professional or legitimate proof is required to carry/transport a crossbow, otherwise you risk a fine and a heavy penalty in the event of an inspection.

Crossbow hunting legislation

Hunting with a crossbow is totally forbidden in France, as in other European countries such as Germany. The fact that the string is held back mechanically makes the crossbow very different from the bow, where the user holds back the string. In addition, crossbows are far more powerful than bows, and much easier to use. Nevertheless, these two weapons have one thing in common: they make no noise.

You can't hunt with a crossbow; you can only practice in shooting clubs or authorized areas, respecting a maximum shooting distance of 30 m.

Crossbow law and permits in Belgium

The use of crossbows is subject to regulations in Belgium. What do we know about local legislation concerning these weapons?

• As in France, in Belgium crossbows are considered to be edged weapons, with the difference that in Belgium only gunsmiths can sell crossbows.
• You'll also need to show proof of identity to prove that you've reached the age of majority.
• It is forbidden to transport them ready-to-use, as in France.
• For hunting, we haven't yet been able to obtain a response at this level, so please contact hunting clubs or prefectures.

Crossbow hunting, the new eco-friendly hunting trend

Crossbow hunting and bow hunting are activities that are attracting more and more enthusiasts. There are already thousands of practitioners in France. Although the practice is ancestral, it has become trendy again in recent years for a number of reasons. These types of hunting are considered more environmentally friendly, because unlike firearms and their cartridges, the crossbow or bow has no impact on nature. It leaves no lead behind. Game is also more likely to "escape". For hunters, crossbow hunting is even more exhilarating, since you have to be 20 m from the target to shoot and capture the animals.

Only bow hunting is permitted in France, and hunting with a crossbow is strictly forbidden. To legally indulge in this new eco-friendly hunting trend, you need to travel to other countries such as Canada and most North American states.

The best crossbows for hunting

Hattila offers a wide range of crossbows, arrows and accessories to help you start or improve your crossbow hunting skills. Discover our selection of the best crossbows for hunting.