German law & Martial arts Weapons Act - WaffG Keywords: carrying, prohibited weapons, definitions

In extracts, reduced to the relevant paragraphs and sections for the martial artist

Section 1 Purpose of the Act, definitions

(2) Weapons shall mean

1. guns or equivalent objects and
2. portable objects
1. which are by nature intended to remove or reduce humans` ability to attack or defend, in particular cutting weapons and thrust weapons;
2. which, due to their properties, method of operation or how they work, are able to remove or reduce humans` ability to attack or defend, even if not intended for that purpose, and are referred to in this Act.

(3) Handling a weapon or ammunition shall refer to anyone who acquires, possesses, hands over to others, carries, transfers, shoots, manufactures, works on, repairs or trades in weapons or ammunition.

Section 2 Handling weapons or ammunition; list of weapons

(1) Only persons at least 18 years of age shall be allowed to handle weapons or ammunition.

(2) Handling any weapons or ammunition listed in Annex 2 (List of weapons), Part 2 to this Act shall require a licence.

Section 42a Ban on carrying fake guns and certain portable objects

(1) It shall be prohibited to carry

1. fake guns,
2. cutting and thrust weapons pursuant to Annex 1, Part 1, Chapter 2, no. 1.1, and
3. knives with a blade which can be fixed with one hand (one-hand knives) or fixed knives with a blade length of over 12 cm.

Subsection 1 shall not apply

1. for use in connection with photographic sessions, film or television recordings or theatre performances,
2. to transport in a locked container,
3. to carrying of the objects pursuant to subsection 1, nos. 2 and 3, where a legitimate interest applies.

Further provisions shall remain unaffected.

(3) A legitimate interest under subsection 2, no. 3 shall apply in particular when the stated objects are carried in connection with the carrier`s occupation, in order to preserve traditions, for sports or a generally recognized purpose.

Annex 1 to Section 1 - Definitions

Part 1 / Chapter 2 / Portable items

1.1
cutting and thrust weapons which are basically designed to inflict injury by using direct muscle power to cut, thrust, stab, hit or throw,

1.2.6
which are designed or handled so as to inflict injury by choking,

2.1.1
Knives in which the blade is flicked forward and can be fixed in place by exerting pressure on a button or lever (flick knives).

2.1.2
Knives in which the blade drops forward out of the handle under its own weight or with the help of a flicking movement and automatically stays in place when a catch is released (gravity knife).

2.1.3
Knives in which the blade is at right angles to the grip and which is designed to be held or used with a closed fist (fist knife) and

2.1.4
folding knives with a split, swivelling grip (butterfly knives);

Annex 2 to Section 2 - List of weapons

Part 1 / Banned weapons

1.3.1
Cutting or thrust weapons shaped so that they can pass for another object or can be disguised as everyday items,

1.3.2
steel rods, clubs or knuckledusters,

1.3.3
star-shaped discs designed for throwing at a target and inflicting injury (throwing stars),

1.3.8objects which designed or handled so as to inflict injury by choking (e. g. nunchakus);

1.4.1 bis 1.4.3
Knifes as described above

Source: Weapons Act (WaffG) / juris GmbH