Legislation on crossbows

This informative page does not exempt you from inquiring about your rights and duties as an owner or user of a crossbow, bow, or white weapon.

Law and permit for crossbows in France

Referring to decree n° 2013-700 of July 30, 2013, implementing law n°2012-304 of March 6, 2012, crossbows and their projectiles are considered white weapons. They are classified in category D-2 of the decree mentioned above. It is therefore a 6^th category weapon, like knives, clubs, and brass knuckles. Who can possess a crossbow and what about carrying or transporting this weapon?

Acquisition of the crossbow

Acquisition and possession are unrestricted (except for persons under 18). They do not require a permit. To buy a crossbow, you just need to present an ID card, to be sent by email at the time of ordering for online purchases, to prove you are of legal age.

No declaration, shooting license, or hunting permit needed.

Possession of a crossbow

The possession of a category D weapon is under the responsibility of its owner. The storage of a weapon by an individual is not considered as carrying a weapon. Its storage location must not change constantly. Carrying a weapon refers to transporting a weapon ready for use in a public place. Whether it's in hand, in a bag, or in a vehicle.

Carrying a weapon ready for use is strictly forbidden.

Carrying or transporting the crossbow

It is possible to transport a weapon if it cannot be used immediately (in the case of a crossbow, the string must be dismounted, and the bow as well if possible). Provided that the weapon, in this case the crossbow, is dismantled and placed in a bag or a case to avoid frightening passersby or causing general panic. Also be careful to be able to justify a reason for transport if you need to frequently move around with a crossbow.

Professional or legitimate justification is required for carrying/transporting the crossbow, at the risk of incurring a fine and heavy penalty if checked.

Legislation on crossbow hunting

Crossbow hunting is totally forbidden in France as in other European countries such as Germany. The fact that the string retention is mechanical makes the crossbow very different from the bow where the user holds the string. Moreover, crossbows prove to be much more powerful than bows and much easier to use. Nevertheless, these two weapons have one thing in common: they make no noise.

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

Law and permit for crossbows 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 white weapons, with the difference that in Belgium only gunsmiths can sell crossbows.
• You must also present an ID card when purchasing to prove that the buyer is of legal age.
• It is forbidden to transport them ready for use, as in France.
• Regarding hunting, we have not yet been able to obtain an answer at this level, please check with hunting clubs or prefectures.

Crossbow hunting, new eco-friendly hunting trend

Crossbow hunting and bow hunting are activities that interest more and more enthusiasts. They already count thousands of practitioners in France. While the practice is ancestral, it has become trendy again in recent years for many reasons. These types of hunting are considered more ecological because, unlike firearms and their cartridges, the crossbow or bow has no impact on nature. It leaves no lead. Game animals also have more chances to 'escape'. For hunters, crossbow hunting is even more exciting since you must be within 20 m of the target to shoot and capture animals.

Only bow hunting is allowed in France, crossbow hunting is strictly forbidden. To legally engage in this new eco-friendly hunting trend, one must go to other countries such as Canada and most North American states.

The best crossbows for hunting

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