By the terms of the recently-published article L.423-21 regarding the new govenment code on the environment, the practice of hunting in France by (French or foreign) nonresidents who are holding a hunting licence issued abroad, or any other document that could be presented in lieu thereof, is subordinated to the validation of these documents under the rules applying to the delivery of a hunting licence in France.

The European firearm licence entered into force following the European directive of June 18, 1991. It notably allows hunters to go on hunting trips in all European Union countries, with their own arms registered on their European firearms licence, and without any other formalities except those considered mandatory by the country of entry. The prefect is specifically authorized to deliver a European firearm licence to anyone of French nationality, or to foreigners who are residing in France and apply for it. This licence is delivered for 5 years, and its validity has been extended to 10 years for arms of the 5th category not subject to declaration. However, before going on your trip it is wise to verify that the arm you are taking with you is actually authorized in the country you are going to.

Hunters of foreign nationality are permitted to hunt in France on condition that they are in the possession of the European firearms licence in which mention is made of the transported arms. The allowance per hunter is three arms of the 5th category and one hundred cartridges per arm. Moreover, all foreign hunters must be able to prove that they are travelling for hunting purposes. At each request these documents, the European firearms licence and an invitation, must be presented. Note that the European firearms licence is a personal card, bearing the holder’s name, and that the arms inscribed on the card must be owned by the card holder. Sporting arms assigned to the 1st or 4th category in France, cannot be transported for hunting purposes in our country, even if they may legally be used in the hunter’s country of origin.

To accept the loan of an arm before going on a hunting trip in Europe, is a delicate matter and source of complications. In case you need one, it is apparently more sensible to get someone, for example a local hunter, to lend you an arm once you are at the place of destination, or to get one through the travel organisers.

For hunters from countries outside the European Union, the allowance for imported arms is two sporting arms classified in France in the 5th category, and one hundred cartridges per arm. An importation of this type falls under the custom clearance regulations for a temporary admission. French hunters who have the intention to hunt in a country outside the European Union should get the necessary information from the embassy of the country concerned.