Crossbow Regulations Worldwide: A Country-by-Country Guide

Argentina

• Buenos Aires province operates separate hunting licences and annual rules for small game, big game and pest control; municipal closures also apply.
• A provincial hunting licence does not establish that a particular crossbow is an authorized hunting method.

Purchase, possession and import

• Law 24,703 restricts sales of crossbows with a pistol grip, metal bow and adjustable sight supplied with metal-tipped darts or darts sufficiently heavy to cause harm.
• Those specified crossbows may be sold only by gun shops or specialist sporting-goods shops to adults, not by toy shops or similar stores.
• Products within that definition, whether domestic or imported, must carry Spanish instructions, precautions and warnings, including a visible warning against use by minors.

Sources: Law 24,703 and partial-promulgation Decree 1177/1996; Buenos Aires: Caza, temporada 2026.

Authority: Provincial wildlife authorities; Buenos Aires Ministry of Agrarian Development for the provincial example.

Bolivia

• Wildlife covered by the general indefinite closure may not be pursued or captured for ordinary recreational hunting.
• Supreme Decree 25,458 ratifies the closure but allows specified sustainable-use exceptions through express ministerial resolutions backed by studies, management plans and quotas.
• Such exceptions are not a general recreational crossbow-hunting permission.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Recreational hunting under the national wildlife closure: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. The closure applies regardless of crossbow model.

Sources: Aduana Circular 213/1999: Supreme Decree 25,458 and ministry notification; National Museum of Natural History: Red Book of Bolivian Vertebrates, Volume I, 2025.

Authority: National environmental authority, biodiversity and protected-areas directorate.

Bulgaria

• Crossbows are prohibited hunting equipment.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Hunting and Game Protection Act, consolidation supplied by Executive Forest Agency on 3 June 2025; Regional Forest Directorate Sofia: hunting safety and prohibited equipment.

Authority: Ministry of Interior; Executive Forest Agency.

Chile

• Crossbows are expressly authorized for small-game hunting by article 23 of the hunting regulation.
• Ordinary hunting requires the appropriate SAG hunting permit and landowner permission, as well as compliance with species, season, quota and area rules.
• SAG hunting permits last two calendar years and require the applicable examination and fee.
• Crossbows are not among the authorized weapons for big-game hunting: article 24 specifies qualifying firearms.
• Small-game hunting is prohibited within 400 metres of a settlement or isolated rural dwelling.
• The small-game rule expressly names crossbows; firearm calibre, barrel and firearm-registration requirements must not be applied to them.
• Article 23 sets no crossbow-specific draw-weight, overall-length or bolt-size minimum.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Small-game hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Requires the applicable SAG permit, landowner permission and compliance with species, season, quota and area rules.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Big-game hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Only the qualifying firearms specified by article 24 are authorized; no listed BALLISTA crossbow meets that weapon-class requirement.

Sources: Decree 5/1998: Hunting Law Regulation, consolidated text; SAG: Hunting and wildlife-capture permits; SAG: Areas permitidas de caza.

Authority: Servicio Agricola y Ganadero (SAG).

Colombia

• Recreational sport hunting is prohibited, including hunting with crossbows.
• This sport-hunting prohibition is not a ban on crossbow ownership or target shooting.
• Subsistence and other legally recognized non-recreational uses are separate regimes, not a sport-hunting exemption.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Sport hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. The national sport-hunting prohibition covers all these mechanical crossbows; it does not determine purchase, possession, import or target-shooting legality.

Sources: Corte Constitucional, Sentencia C-045/19; Corte Constitucional, Sentencia T-228/26.

Authority: Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible.

Croatia

• Crossbow hunting is prohibited.
• Possession of a crossbow inside hunting grounds, outside a dwelling, can itself count as hunting; exceptional ministry derogations are not ordinary recreational hunting permission.
• All supplied models exceed 450 N: even 130 lb is approximately 578 N.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Domestic purchase and possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Category C (>450 N); applicable age and eight-day police notification. No hunting.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows above 450 N are category C: purchase needs no advance approval, but police notification is required.
• The ordinary age is 21; specified service personnel, active competitive shooting/archery members and hunting-exam holders qualify from 18.
• Notify police within eight days, supplying doctor details and health-information consent.
• Import: For EEA/Swiss category C acquisitions, Croatian prior consent applies when required by the exporting state.
• Import: For third-country acquisitions without purchase approval, border police must endorse the acquisition document and notify the competent authority.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Ministry of Interior: Weapons; Hunting Act, NN 99/2018; Croatian Parliament: first-reading report on Hunting Act amendment proposal P.Z.310.

Authority: Ministry of Interior of Croatia.

Cyprus

• Do not apply sporting-bow exemptions to a crossbow merely because both launch arrows.

Purchase, possession and import

• In the Republic of Cyprus, crossbows are excluded from the statutory sporting-bow definition and fall under the non-firearm weapon controls.
• Acquisition, possession and use require the Chief of Police's discretionary authorization under Article 22; the statute specifies a EUR 15 fee and public-order and safety conditions.
• The Police instruct owners to register acquired or imported firearms and other arms within 48 hours at the district police, presenting the arm and relevant documents.
• Import: Importing a non-firearm weapon requires the Chief of Police's import authorization under Articles 29 and 31.
• Import: The ordinary personal-use import route is for permanent residents satisfying Article 5(4) eligibility; it is not automatic permission for a visiting hunter.

Sources: Firearms and Non-Firearms Law 113(I)/2004, consolidated Cyprus Bar legal text; Cyprus Police: official-hosted 2021 consolidated weapons law; Cyprus Police: Firearms Registry.

Authority: Cyprus Police, Firearms Registry.

Denmark

• Ordinary crossbow hunting is prohibited: hunting equipment may not use a device that holds the string pre-tensioned.
• A target-shooting permit or bowhunting qualification does not remove this prohibition.
• The hunting order permits individual exceptional dispensations; these are not ordinary hunting permission.
• The pre-tensioned-string restriction excludes every listed BALLISTA crossbow from ordinary hunting, regardless of draw weight, stock or magazine.
• Hand-bow arrow-weight and broadhead rules do not make a crossbow legal for hunting.
• Light-emitting, electronic light-amplifying or infrared sights designed for crossbows are separately controlled.

Purchase, possession and import

• Police permission is required to acquire, possess, carry or use a crossbow.
• Crossbow permits may be issued to active members of crossbow practice or competition associations with access to a suitable range.
• Collectors may receive permission for crossbows of particular historical or technical interest; this is not a general retail exemption.
• Import: Importing a crossbow requires permission under the Weapons Act.
• Import: For an overseas purchase, arrange both the weapon permission and the police import permission before shipment.
• Import: Permanent export is a separate police application, not an entitlement conferred by the possession permit.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Ordinary hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. All hold the string pre-tensioned, contrary to hunting order section 5(1)(5); possession is a separate licensing question.

Sources: Weapons and Explosives Act, consolidated Act 1736/2021; Circular on Weapons and Ammunition, CIR1H 10066 of 29 October 2025; Apply for permission to import and export weapons and ammunition; Order on weapons and ammunition permitted for hunting, BEK 1479/2023.

Authority: Danish Police, Weapons and Permits.

Ecuador

• Recreational hunting of wildlife is prohibited; crossbows do not provide an exception.
• Recognized subsistence and traditional cultural uses are distinct from recreational hunting.
• Population-control hunting requires environmental authorization specifying areas, periods, methods and quantities.
• These wildlife restrictions do not by themselves prohibit owning a crossbow or shooting targets.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Recreational wildlife hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Wildlife hunting restrictions provide no recreational crossbow exemption. This exclusion does not cover possession or target shooting, or decide eligibility for separately authorized population control.

Sources: Codigo Organico del Ambiente, government-hosted consolidated text; Reglamento al Codigo Organico del Ambiente, Decreto Ejecutivo 752; Official full text: Registro Oficial No. 360, Quinto Suplemento, 2 September 2026; Ley Organica Reformatoria del Codigo Organico del Ambiente; Registro Oficial publication record: Quinto Suplemento No. 360, 2 September 2026.

Authority: Autoridad Ambiental Nacional.

Estonia

• The Hunting Act expressly prohibits hunting with crossbows.
• Permission and arrow specifications for hunting bows do not authorize crossbows.
• Section 18(1)(7) lists crossbows without the former 75 kg draw-force ceiling.
• Use must respect other people's rights and public order.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Adult purchase and possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Ordinary mechanical crossbows under section 18; buyer aged 18 or over. Hunting remains prohibited.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows are weapons in unrestricted civil commerce; adults aged 18 or over may acquire and own them without a weapons acquisition permit.
• The sports exception for persons aged ten or over concerns possession and handling, not an independent right to purchase.
• Import: Section 18(3) limits the Weapons Act provisions applying to unrestricted weapons; its ordinary weapons-import permit chapter does not apply to ordinary crossbows.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Weapons Act, native consolidation effective 30 December 2025 to 30 September 2026; Hunting Act, official English consolidation.

Authority: Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

Finland

• The Hunting Act expressly prohibits crossbows and equivalent bow weapons as hunting methods.
• Permission to hunt with a hand-held bow does not authorize crossbow hunting.
• Public possession of bow-powered weapons is prohibited unless connected with work or another acceptable reason under the Public Order Act.
• Changing the draw weight, stock, magazine or arrow does not overcome the crossbow hunting prohibition.

Purchase, possession and import

• Selling or permanently transferring a bow-powered weapon to a person under 18 requires the guardian's consent.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Ordinary hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Hunting Act section 33(1)(12) expressly excludes crossbows; this does not establish a purchase or ownership ban.

Sources: Public Order Act 612/2003, current consolidated Finnish text; Hunting Act 615/1993, current consolidated Finnish text.

Authority: Finnish Wildlife Agency; Finnish Police for weapons questions.

France

• Crossbows cannot be used for hunting: authorized hunting bows must be drawn and held drawn solely by the archer's own force.
• Changing crossbow draw weight, length, stock or bolt does not overcome the hunting-method prohibition.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Domestic adult purchase and recreational possession only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Ordinary mechanical configurations; adult purchaser, legitimate transport and safe use. This is not import clearance or hunting permission.

Purchase, possession and import

• Adults may purchase ordinary recreational crossbows; sales to minors are prohibited.
• The Interior Ministry's November 2025 position is that crossbows are unclassified weapons by nature, not expressly category C or D.
• Carrying or transporting a crossbow requires a legitimate reason; handling must meet appropriate safety conditions.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Mechanically retained draw does not satisfy Article 8; ownership is a separate question.

Sources: Interior Ministry answer to written question 01570 on crossbow classification, 6 November 2025; Order of 18 August 2008 on bow hunting, consolidated.

Authority: Ministry of the Interior, Service central des armes et explosifs.

Germany

• Federal law prohibits shooting ungulate game, wolves or harbour seals with bolts or arrows, including finishing shots.
• Federal and state hunting law must both be considered; states may extend or limit the statutory method restrictions.
• Permit-free ownership is not hunting permission.
• The crossbow acquisition exemption is separate from the 7.5-joule and F-mark provisions for specified air or spring guns.
• Permission-free ownership does not authorize shooting in every location.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Adult purchase and possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Age 18+, ordinary mechanical crossbow configuration and no individual weapons prohibition; not a hunting or unrestricted public-use approval.

Purchase, possession and import

• Adults aged 18 or over may acquire and possess ordinary crossbows without a weapons acquisition or possession permit.
• An individual weapons prohibition can still prevent acquisition or possession.
• Import: Crossbows are expressly exempt from Weapons Act permission for bringing them into, through or out of Germany.
• Import: This is not an exemption from customs formalities, foreign destination law or applicable export-control rules.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting ungulates, wolves and harbour seals: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Federal Hunting Act section 19(1)(1) prohibits bolts and arrows for these animals. This is not a nationwide all-species ownership or hunting classification.

Sources: German Weapons Act, current consolidated text; Federal Hunting Act, consolidated through the Act of 29 March 2026.

Authority: Competent local weapons authority and state hunting authority.

Greece

• The sporting exemption depends on the actual competition rules and equipment, not simply on a product being sold as a crossbow.

Purchase, possession and import

• The national administrative register provides a police possession-permit procedure for crossbows and bolts exclusively for archery.
• Article 4 of Joint Ministerial Decision 604423/2023 exempts qualifying target crossbows and bolts from purchase and possession permits when the athlete holds a valid shooting-athlete card and the equipment meets the event rules.
• The same article provides a guardian or qualifying relative route for a minor athlete, with adult responsibility for storage and transport.
• Import: The official commercial import procedure for crossbows and arrows requires Hellenic Police authorization and is addressed to licensed weapons dealers.

Sources: National administrative register: possession of crossbows and arrows exclusively for archery; Official Gazette B 106, 17 January 2023, Joint Ministerial Decision 604423; gazette facsimile hosted by a shooting club; National administrative register: current sporting-weapons possession procedure; EUGO: authorization to import specified bladed weapons, bows, crossbows and arrows.

Authority: Hellenic Police, local Security or Police Directorate.

Guatemala

• Hunting requires CONAP registration, an annual hunting licence and the applicable hunting authorization.
• Follow the authorized species, dates and quotas; obtain written permission to hunt on private land.
• Foreign hunters must hunt with a recognized registered local hunter and hire a local guide.
• The Hunting Law permits sporting weapons; the Arms and Ammunition Law expressly classifies crossbows as sporting weapons.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Import without a DIGECAM licence: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Article 37(k) exempts ordinary crossbows from the DIGECAM import licence.
• Import without a DIGECAM licence: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). The exemption expressly includes arrows; it does not approve any arrow configuration for hunting.

Purchase, possession and import

• The Arms and Ammunition Law classifies crossbows as sporting non-firearm weapons.
• Import: Article 37(k) expressly permits importing crossbows, bows, arrows and their spare parts without a DIGECAM licence.
• Import: This exemption concerns the DIGECAM import licence, not hunting authorization.

Sources: Decreto 15-2009, Ley de Armas y Municiones; Guatemala submission hosted by WTO; Decreto 36-2004, Ley General de Caza; CONAP: Registro de cazador y primera licencia de caza; WTO Import Licensing Procedures: Guatemala Arms and Ammunition Law.

Authority: CONAP (hunting); DIGECAM (weapons).

Hungary

• Crossbows are prohibited hunting equipment.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Act LV of 1996 on game protection, management and hunting, consolidated 1 March 2026; Prosecution service: poacher used a crossbow.

Authority: Hungarian Police; prosecution service.

Ireland

• The Wildlife Act prohibits hunting any wild bird, wild mammal or protected wild animal with an arrow, dart, spear or similar device, however propelled.
• A firearm certificate does not authorize ordinary crossbow hunting.
• Crossbows are independently named in the firearm definition; the one-joule airgun threshold is not a crossbow exemption.
• Neither a heavier draw weight nor a different stock, magazine or broadhead removes the ordinary hunting prohibition.

Purchase, possession and import

• A crossbow is a firearm in Irish law and requires a restricted firearm certificate for ordinary civilian possession and use.
• Apply to the Garda Chief Superintendent; a good and sufficient reason is required and certification is not automatic.
• A firearm certificate cannot be granted to a person under 16.
• Import: Arrange the restricted firearm certificate for the specific crossbow before importing it.
• Import: The current revised Act records a section 17 import-licence exemption for a person holding a valid firearm certificate for that weapon under section 21(1) of the Firearms Act 1964.
• Import: The Justice Department also publishes individual-import procedures using IMP3 for EU origins and IMP4 for non-EU origins, with a copy of the firearm certificate; confirm the applicable shipment procedure with that unit before dispatch.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting wild birds, wild mammals and protected wild animals: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Wildlife Act section 34(1)(a) prohibits arrow-propelling hunting methods; this is not a possession ban.

Sources: Firearms Act 1925, Law Reform Commission revised Act updated 1 September 2026; Garda Commissioner's Guidelines on Firearms Licensing, 2018; Department of Justice: Import firearms; Wildlife Act 1976, Law Reform Commission revised Act.

Authority: An Garda Siochana, Chief Superintendent; Department of Justice for import procedures.

Italy

• Crossbow hunting is prohibited; the Interior Ministry expressly rejects hunting as a lawful reason for carrying a crossbow.
• Outside the home or designated shooting area, transport the crossbow unloaded in a suitable case.
• Sporting use belongs in appropriately structured and visibly designated shooting areas.
• The circular requires approved sporting bolts with ordinary ogival points; fixed or retractable blades and harpoon-type points are prohibited.
• The circular also excludes systems that double the number of shots or otherwise alter the power parameters prescribed for sporting practice.

Purchase, possession and import

• The Interior Ministry treats modern crossbows of any size, and their bolts, as freely held sporting instruments rather than proper weapons.
• Carrying outside the home requires a justified sporting or other legitimate purpose; free possession is not unrestricted public carry.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbow hunting is prohibited regardless of model.
• Sporting crossbow setup: 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine). The supplied broadhead has fixed blades; the Interior Ministry circular requires ordinary ogival sporting points and prohibits bladed points.

Sources: Interior Ministry circular of 16 December 1995: Regime giuridico della balestra.

Authority: Ministry of the Interior / local police Questura.

Latvia

• The Hunting Law expressly prohibits hunting with crossbows and bows.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Hunting Law.

Authority: State Police; State Forest Service.

Lithuania

• Hunting with crossbows, bows and other string weapons is expressly prohibited by Hunting Law article 15-1(8).
• Lawful possession or a sporting permit does not authorize crossbow hunting.
• The statutory classification criterion is total draw force, expressed in newtons.
• The statutory expert commission decides whether models are weapons and assigns their category; catalog specifications are not an official classification decision.
• Article 7(2) prohibits ordinary possession of category A, B or C weapons without identification numbers and provides for marking and registration or deactivation.

Purchase, possession and import

• String weapons with total draw force from 500 N through 1200 N are category B; those exceeding 1200 N are category A.
• For sport, category B weapons may be purchased and kept by permanent Lithuanian residents aged 18 or over who are shooting-sport participants and obtain a possession permit.
• Eligible permanent residents aged 16 or 17 may acquire, but not purchase, and keep category B sporting weapons with a possession permit and written parental or guardian consent.
• Lithuanian citizens applying for the category B sporting permit must also complete the statutory civil-resistance course where required by article 13(15).
• Category A weapons are generally prohibited in civilian circulation, subject to specific statutory exceptions; classification as A is not an ordinary consumer licensing route.
• The category A sporting exceptions in article 13(14) and 13(14-1) cover article 3(6)-(8), not the powerful string weapons listed in article 3(18).

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Every supplied model is a crossbow, which is expressly prohibited as hunting equipment. This exclusion does not classify the model for purchase or possession.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). Changing the bolt or broadhead does not remove the express crossbow hunting prohibition; this is not an arrow ownership ban.

Sources: Official register: Weapons and Ammunition Control Law IX-705; Weapons and Ammunition Control Law IX-705, article 3: Category A; Weapons and Ammunition Control Law IX-705, article 4: Category B; Weapons and Ammunition Control Law IX-705, article 7: Prohibitions; Weapons and Ammunition Control Law IX-705, article 13: Acquisition and possession requirements; Hunting Law IX-966, article 15-1: Prohibited hunting equipment.

Authority: Lithuanian Police and the statutory weapons-classification expert commission; Ministry of Environment for hunting.

Luxembourg

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows launching projectiles with a mechanical propulsive force above 10 kg are category B.31 weapons. Purchase and possession require prior authorization from the Minister of Justice.
• A sporting arms permit covers the listed equipment, direct transport to an authorized range or competition, and shooting there. Membership of a shooting association or federation is required.
• Import: Import from outside the EU/EEA requires prior written authorization. EU transfers also fall within the authorization regime; arrange the applicable paperwork before shipment.

Sources: Law of 2 February 2022 on arms and ammunition, Articles 2, 7, 24, 29 and 48.

Authority: Ministry of Justice, Arms Service.

Malta

• Every listed BALLISTA model has a stated peak draw weight of 130-360 lb and therefore exceeds the 60 lb licensing threshold.
• Target Shooter Licence A requires locked storage and controlled transport to and from a licensed range.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Licensed target acquisition and use only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Schedule II crossbow licensed under Target Shooter Licence A; comply with club, range, storage and transport conditions. Not free purchase or hunting approval.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows with peak pulling weight over 60 lb fall in Schedule II, Part II, item 1 of the Arms Act.
• Target Shooter Licence A authorizes acquisition, possession and target use of that class; club membership, medical fitness, safety training and third-party insurance apply.
• Collector Licence A permits acquisition and possession for collection; it is not itself a target-shooting or hunting licence.
• Import: An arms dealer licence authorizes imports of arms proper under the Act; a dealer may deliver an arm only to a purchaser holding the corresponding licence.

Sources: Malta Arms Act, Chapter 480, current official consolidation; Arms Licensing Regulations S.L. 480.02, including Legal Notice 77 of 2026.

Authority: Commissioner of Police / Weapons Board.

Mexico

• Crossbow hunting is conditional on the weapon being authorized by the hunting area's management plan and applicable law.
• A hunting licence alone authorizes neither weapon carrying nor wildlife harvest.
• Obtain the landholder's consent and the authorized harvest allocation for the species, property and dates.
• Hunters residing abroad must hire a hunting service provider who accompanies them throughout the expedition.
• Use the crossbow and arrow configuration authorized for the particular hunt; a national hunting licence is not equipment approval.

Sources: Reglamento de la Ley General de Vida Silvestre; PROFEPA: White-tailed deer hunting enforcement in Nuevo Leon, 16 November 2017.

Authority: SEMARNAT (wildlife authorizations); PROFEPA (enforcement).

Netherlands

• Crossbows are not an authorized hunting method under the exhaustive list in article 11.71 of the Activities in the Living Environment Decree.
• Other hunting weapons, including bow-and-arrow equipment, must not be used or carried in the field while hunting.
• Transport is distinct from carrying: keep the weapon packaged so it cannot be used immediately.
• A heavier crossbow or different arrow does not create a hunting exception.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Adult purchase and private possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Age 18+ and ordinary category IV crossbow classification. This covers the supplied mechanical configurations, not public carrying, hunting or modified/disguised weapons.

Purchase, possession and import

• Ordinary crossbows are category IV weapons; adults aged 18 or over may acquire and possess them without an individual firearms possession permit.
• There are narrow association-sport exemptions for minors; these are not unrestricted retail permission.
• Lawful possession is distinct from public carrying, which is generally prohibited.
• Import: Category IV crossbows do not require a Weapons and Ammunition Act consent or exemption for entry into or departure from the Netherlands.
• Import: This weapons-law exemption does not waive ordinary customs formalities or the destination country's law.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. No crossbow is among the authorized hunting methods; lawful adult possession does not authorize hunting.

Sources: Dutch Customs VGEM handbook: Weapons and Ammunition Act; IPLO: permitted hunting methods.

Authority: Dutch Customs; IPLO for environmental hunting rules.

New Zealand

• Crossbow hunting on public conservation land requires a DOC hunting permit and compliant equipment.
• DOC permit conditions do not authorize access across private land without the landowner's permission.
• DOC public-land minimums: 68 kg (150 lb) draw, 400 mm complete arrow length and 22 mm multi-bladed head diameter.
• Use non-barbed arrows without poison, explosive or other chemical substances in the head or shaft, and a working positive mechanical safety.
• Do not place a hunting arrow in a loaded crossbow until the target is located.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Conditional DOC public-conservation-land hunting equipment screen; not possession or supply approval: BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Meets rated draw threshold; verify a working positive mechanical safety, use the matching eligible arrow below and satisfy all DOC conditions.
• Non-magazine Reverse, Reverse L and Reverse T; DOC hunting only: STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines). 406 mm overall; finished hunting setup must satisfy all DOC head and arrow conditions.
• Hawkwing; DOC hunting only: STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing). Model-specific 16-inch overall STING Helical; verify finished length and all DOC head and arrow conditions.
• PIERCER 2-vane 20-inch for MEGABAT; PIERCER 3-vane 20/22-inch for MEGABAT Reverse; DOC hunting only: PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). Use the correct model pairing and satisfy all DOC head and arrow conditions.

Purchase, possession and import

• A crossbow does not require a firearms licence.
• The Ninja pistol crossbow, Barnett Phantom and pistol crossbows without a firing-mechanism safety catch are prohibited from supply.
• Carrying requires a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, such as transport to archery practice or lawful hunting.
• Import: Crossbows covered by the unsafe-goods notice are prohibited imports, not goods made lawful by an ordinary firearms permit.
• Import: The unsafe-goods prohibition depends on the product's identity and safety-catch design; the actual equipment must be assessed before import.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• DOC public-conservation-land hunting only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine. 130 lb is below DOC's 150 lb minimum; a stock does not change draw weight.
• DOC public-conservation-land hunting only: BAT Reverse with Magazine. Its dedicated 268 mm bolts are below the 400 mm complete-arrow minimum; standard STING bolts are incompatible.
• DOC public-conservation-land hunting only: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine). 325 mm and 268 mm overall respectively: both are shorter than DOC's minimum.

Sources: New Zealand Police: What are the rules relating to crossbows?; MBIE Product Safety: Pistol crossbows; MBIE Product Safety: Unsafe goods notices; DOC: Bow and cross bow hunting; DOC: Hunting permit conditions; DOC: Hunting in conservation areas, New Zealand.

Authority: Department of Conservation; New Zealand Police; MBIE Product Safety and New Zealand Customs.

Nicaragua

• NTON 05 016-02 expressly permits crossbows for sport hunting, subject to its safety and wildlife restrictions.
• Hunt only where the applicable management regime permits it and within the authorized species, season and bag limits.
• Do not hunt within 2 kilometres of settlements, main transport routes, airports or airstrips.
• Hunting from motor vehicles or motorized or sailing boats is prohibited.
• Unauthorized structural or functional modifications are grounds for police seizure.
• Police possession/use authorization also applies to sporting use; it is not itself wildlife-hunting authorization.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Permit controlled crossbow product class only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. These products belong to the crossbow class requiring prior DAEM authorization and registration. This is not model certification, unrestricted purchase permission or a finding of technical fitness for hunting.

Purchase, possession and import

• Prior National Police authorization is required to acquire, possess or use a crossbow.
• Register through the local DAEM office with identity document, purchase invoice and the crossbow for inspection.
• Possession or use by children under 16 is prohibited, except supervised sporting events or competitions.
• Import: Customs must require police authorization for entry of crossbows and their accessories, including arrows.
• Import: Commercial importers must register with DAEM and obtain authorization before importing.

Sources: La Gaceta No. 84, 9 May 2014: Police Disposicion 008-2014 and crossbow manual; official gazette facsimile hosted by Biblioteca Enrique Bolanos; La Gaceta No. 186, 2 October 2002: NTON 05 016-02, Norma Tecnica Obligatoria Nicaraguense de Caza Deportiva; official gazette facsimile; Asamblea Nacional: consolidated Ley 510 in the Digesto Juridico de Orden Interno.

Authority: National Police DAEM (crossbows); MARENA (wildlife).

Peru

• The enacted national hunting-weapons list expressly includes crossbows for big game, with deer as its example.
• Sport hunting requires both a hunting licence and the relevant authorization.
• Only weapons authorized by the applicable regional hunting calendar may be used, with its species, season, quota and geographical conditions and the rights of landholders respected.
• The crossbow row in Resolution 073-2018 lists firearm system, calibre and minimum barrel length as not applicable; firearm dimensions are not crossbow thresholds.

Sources: SERFOR Executive Resolution 073-2018-MINAGRI-SERFOR/DE; DS 019-2015-MINAGRI: Wildlife Management Regulation, UNODC legal-text repository.

Authority: SERFOR and the competent regional forestry and wildlife authority (ARFFS).

Poland

• Crossbows are not lawful ordinary hunting weapons; the shooting rules admit specified hunting firearms.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbow possession requires a permit from the competent district police commander.
• The ordinary minimum permit age is 21; acquisition also requires the appropriate purchase certificate.
• Register the crossbow within five days of acquisition.
• Import: A Polish citizen importing from outside the EU needs a Polish consular certificate in advance and a written declaration at the EU external customs border.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Weapons and Ammunition Act, consolidated text 2024/485; Regulation of 15 November 2011 amending hunting conditions; Hunting conditions amendment of 22 September 2025, effective 2 January 2026; Sejm ELI: Weapons and Ammunition Act status and amendment relationships; Animal Health Act of 21 November 2025.

Authority: Polish Police, competent district commander.

Portugal

• Mainland Portugal expressly permits crossbow hunting subject to hunting credentials, the applicable licence, permitted species, places and seasons.
• Hunters need a hunter card or a qualifying exemption and hunting liability insurance; the stated minimum cover for hunting with a hunting weapon is EUR 100,000.
• Qualifying non-residents obtain a non-resident hunting licence and must document their foreign hunting entitlement and applicable exemption conditions.
• Poisoned, explosive and barbed bolts are prohibited for hunting.
• For big game, Article 80(1)(c) prohibits points with fewer than two blades and a cutting width below 25 mm; a setup meeting both thresholds avoids that prohibition.
• Outside hunting or hunting-related activity, carry the crossbow in a case or bag; the exception covers moves between waiting places no more than 100 m apart.

Sources: Decree-Law 202/2004, current consolidated hunting regulation including Decree-Law 71/2024; ICNF: hunting licences, including non-residents; ICNF hunting calendar, including the 2026-2027 season.

Authority: ICNF for hunting; Policia de Seguranca Publica for weapons.

Romania

• The Hunting Law prohibits crossbow hunting and entering hunting grounds with crossbows.
• Sport/recreational use must be in delimited non-public or specially arranged/signposted spaces without endangering people.
• Public carrying/use is prohibited; transport unloaded in a case, bag or packaging.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Domestic purchase and possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Age 18, eligible residence/status, prior notification, authorized seller and five-day registration. Foreign entry requires the applicable authorization.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows are category D.2 non-lethal weapons subject to prior police notification.
• Eligible Romanian citizens, qualifying EU residents and foreigners legally staying in Romania may purchase from authorized dealers from age 18.
• Present the crossbow to police within five days after purchase to obtain the holder certificate.
• Import: Foreigners bringing legally held notification-category weapons need advance authorization to introduce them into Romania; applicants must be 18 and explain the reason in writing.
• Import: The unrestricted entry rule for category E does not cover category D crossbows.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Law 272/2021 amending Law 295/2004; Ministry of Interior: prior notification for acquiring a non-lethal weapon; Law 295/2004, consolidated through 27 March 2026; Hunting and Game Protection Law 407/2006.

Authority: Romanian Police, Weapons, Explosives and Dangerous Substances Service.

Slovakia

• Hunting with crossbows is prohibited.
• The exception for bows of at least 220 N in enclosed game reserves applies to bows, not crossbows.
• All supplied models exceed 150 N.
• Carry identification when handling the weapon; visible carrying or transport in publicly accessible places is prohibited, subject to the statutory cultural-activity exception.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Adult purchase and possession: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. D(e), above 150 N; buyer over 18 with full legal capacity. No hunting.

Purchase, possession and import

• Mechanical weapons with draw force above 150 N are category D(e).
• Adults over 18 with full legal capacity may acquire D(e) weapons without the purchase permit or registration required for certain other D subcategories.
• Import: Sections 41-42 require weapons transport certificates for categories A-C and specified D subcategories; D(e) mechanical crossbows are outside that certificate requirement.
• Import: This exemption does not waive customs obligations or the exporting country's rules.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Act 190/2003 on firearms and ammunition, effective 1 July 2025; Act 274/2009 on hunting, effective 1 June 2026.

Authority: Slovak Ministry of Interior, Police Corps.

Slovenia

• Bows and crossbows are prohibited for hunting both in the wild and in hunting enclosures.
• Exceptional ministerial derogations for research or specifically justified cases are not ordinary hunting permission.
• Target use is permitted at a range or another secured place where people and property are not endangered.
• Minors may use string weapons under adult supervision.
• Do not carry or transport weapons visibly or alarmingly in public.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Adult purchase and target shooting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Adult purchase of D.7 crossbows; protected target site and public-carry restrictions. No ordinary hunting.
• Weapons act ammunition exemption only: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). D.7 ammunition exemption only; supplied compatibility still applies. No hunting or blanket import approval.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows are category D.7 string weapons.
• Adults may acquire and possess these weapons without a special permit.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Crossbows are not permitted for ordinary hunting.
• Crossbow hunting: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt or broadhead makes otherwise prohibited crossbow hunting lawful.

Sources: Weapons Act ZOro-1, NPB6, applicable from 13 December 2025; Game and Hunting Act, ZAKO3780 NPB9, 2026 consolidation.

Authority: Slovenian Ministry of Interior.

Spain

• Hunting rules vary by autonomous community.
• Andalusia permits crossbows in authorized hunting methods with the weapons licence, individual ownership guide, hunting licence and liability insurance.
• The Balearic Islands prohibit crossbows for hunting.
• Andalusia big-game arrows must weigh at least 30 g complete and have fixed or removable cutting blades at least 22 mm wide.
• Andalusia requires wood, aluminium or multidirectional multilayer carbon shafts; barbed, extraction-preventing, explosive, poisoned or paralysing points are prohibited.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Licensed domestic possession only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Type E licence and an individual guia de pertenencia for the actual crossbow; not free purchase, import clearance or nationwide hunting approval.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows are category 7.2 weapons and require a type E weapons licence for possession, carrying and use.
• Each crossbow requires an individual guia de pertenencia.
• First-time type E applicants must pass theoretical and practical tests; the licence normally lasts five years and remains conditional on eligibility.
• Import: Third-country customs declarations must identify the weapon specifically; customs clearance requires Guardia Civil involvement and release through the Intervencion de Armas.
• Import: Arrange the category 7.2 registration and circulation documentation with the receiving Intervencion before dispatch; a domestic E licence alone is not customs clearance.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Balearic Islands hunting only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. The regional hunting law expressly prohibits crossbows.
• Andalusia big-game hunting only; supplied dedicated-bolt system: BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine. The only specified compatible bolts weigh 9.72 g, below 30 g.
• Andalusia big-game hunting only: 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine). The supplied 150-grain (9.72 g) bolt is below the 30 g minimum. This magazine bolt does not use the STING insert system.

Sources: Royal Decree 137/1993, consolidated Arms Regulation; Guardia Civil: application or renewal of a type E weapons licence; Andalusia Decree 126/2017, consolidated in-force version of 13 March 2026; Balearic Law 6/2006 on hunting and inland fishing, consolidated.

Authority: Guardia Civil, Intervencion de Armas y Explosivos; regional hunting authority.

Sweden

• Crossbows may not be used for hunting in Sweden.
• A target-shooting possession permit is not permission to hunt.
• The low-powered air/spring-weapon exemption is not a crossbow exemption.
• The Weapons Act excludes projectiles intended for crossbows from its ammunition provisions.

Purchase, possession and import

• Crossbows are treated as firearms under the Weapons Act 2026:408, effective 1 June 2026.
• Acquire and possess a crossbow only under the appropriate police weapon permit for the approved purpose and weapon.
• For the normal target-shooting route, applicants are 18 or older and need an association certificate following at least six months of active membership; limited age exceptions exist.
• Import: An import permit is required unless a specific statutory exemption applies; possession permission alone is not a blanket import exemption.
• Import: Declare an overseas online crossbow purchase to Swedish Customs whether it comes from inside or outside the EU; the carrier must have the required documents.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. The Swedish crossbow hunting prohibition covers every listed model, not merely low-powered or magazine models.

Sources: Weapons Act 2026:408, Swedish Parliament consolidated text; Swedish Police: target-shooting weapon permits; Swedish Customs: weapons and dangerous objects bought online; Swedish Police Legal Department handbook on weapons cases, RA 2024:1.

Authority: Swedish Police, Weapons Licensing.

United Kingdom

• Crossbows cannot be used to hunt animals; lawful ownership or target shooting does not authorize hunting.
• The Crossbows Act and corresponding Northern Ireland Order exclude draw weights below 1.4 kg; every listed BALLISTA model exceeds that threshold.
• Public carrying remains subject to offensive-weapon and pointed-article law; adult ownership is not unrestricted permission to carry.

✅ Permitted crossbows and arrows

• Domestic adult purchase and possession only; not hunting or consignment import approval: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. Ordinary mechanical crossbows fall under the age-controlled ownership regime; purchaser must be 18 or older. Public-carry restrictions still apply.

Purchase, possession and import

• Buyers and hirers must be at least 18; selling or hiring crossbows or their parts to under-18s is an offence.
• Under-18 possession requires supervision by someone aged 21 or over; this does not permit an under-18 purchase.
• Ordinary crossbow purchase and ownership do not require a crossbow licence or registration under the current regime.
• The March 2026 announcement proposes licensing existing owners and prohibiting sales; it is not itself an operative sales ban.
• The Crime and Policing Act 2026 is enacted, but its crossbow sale and delivery provisions in sections 36-41 are still marked prospective in the official legislation database on the check date.
• Import: The Open General Import Licence authorizes imports subject to its exceptions and other applicable prohibitions, including sanctions.
• Import: For an ordinary mechanical, non-barrelled crossbow, the firearm-specific import licensing provisions must not be treated as a crossbow licence requirement.
• Import: This is a general statutory import framework, not individual clearance of a BALLISTA consignment; confirm the exact goods, origin and destination with the Import Licensing Branch before shipment.

❌ Prohibited crossbows, arrows and uses

• Hunting only: BAT, BAT with L-Stock, BAT with T-Stock, BAT Reverse, BAT Reverse with L-Stock, BAT Reverse with T-Stock, BAT with Magazine, BAT Reverse with Magazine, Hawkwing, MEGABAT, MEGABAT Reverse. The prohibition covers crossbow hunting, irrespective of draw weight, stock or magazine. It is not an ownership ban.
• Crossbow hunting only: STING 13-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING 16-inch hunting arrows (BAT / BAT Reverse without magazines), STING Helical 16-inch arrows (Hawkwing), 10.5-inch broadhead bolts (BAT / BAT Reverse with Magazine), PIERCER 20-inch, 2-vane arrows (MEGABAT), PIERCER 20/22-inch, 3-vane arrows (MEGABAT Reverse). No bolt configuration makes prohibited crossbow hunting lawful; this is not a ban on possessing these arrows.

Sources: Controls on the use of crossbows on public safety grounds: government response; Crossbows Act 1987, current official revised XML; The Crossbows (Northern Ireland) Order 1988, current official revised XML; Crime and Policing Act 2026: revised commencement metadata; Hunting and shooting wildlife: Overview; Open General Import Licence, effective 21 October 2022; Import controls, updated 18 September 2026; Police National Legal Database Q339: What are the rules relating to crossbows?.

Authority: Home Office; local police for possession and carrying; Department for Business and Trade Import Licensing Branch for imports.