Night vision and thermal imaging in Germany: purchase, possession, and use — the 2026 guide

Germany is one of Europe’s most active markets for night vision and thermal imaging—and one of the most misunderstood from a legal standpoint. Unlike France, where the regulatory framework is defined in just a few clear lines, German law distinguishes between several categories of devices, involves two parallel sets of regulations, and includes rules that vary from one federal state to another. Consequently, many potential buyers decide against purchasing out of an abundance of caution, even though the vast majority of use cases—ranging from observation and security to professional and recreational activities—present no legal issues whatsoever.

This guide outlines what German law actually says in 2026, without shortcuts or inaccuracies.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations change frequently and vary by *Land* (federal state); if in doubt, please contact the local *Ordnungsamt* (public order office) or your regional hunting association (*Jagdverband*).

Two distinct laws, two different rationales

This is the point that most articles on the subject gloss over, yet it is the key to understanding everything else.

The *Waffengesetz* (WaffG)—the federal weapons act—applies uniformly throughout Germany. It determines whether a device may be purchased, possessed, and transported, regardless of any specific intended use.

The *Bundesjagdgesetz* (BJagdG) and regional hunting laws (*Landesjagdgesetze*) separately determine whether a device may be used for hunting. These two sets of regulations are independent: a device that is perfectly legal to purchase may still be prohibited for hunting, and this latter rule varies from one *Land* to another.

In other words, the question "Do I have the right to own this device?" and the question "Do I have the right to use it for hunting?" have two distinct answers, provided by two different authorities.

What is unrestricted: portable observation devices

This is the situation for the vast majority of buyers—and applies to head-mounted night-vision monoculars and binoculars, like ours.

According to the official doctrine of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), a night-vision or thermal imaging device that:

• does not have a firearm mounting device, and
• does not have a reticle or integrated sighting device,

...is considered an observation device, just like binoculars, a camera, or a spotting scope. The *Waffengesetz* (Arms Act) simply does not apply to these devices: they can be purchased freely without a permit or declaration, and owned and used without restriction for observation, security, professional purposes, astronomy, or leisure.

This is precisely the category into which an articulated binocular like the LAB-NVS or a monocular like the LNVM falls: they are head-mounted observation instruments, lacking both weapon-mounting capabilities and reticles. Their purchase, possession, and use in Germany require no special authorization.

Items subject to regulation: devices designed for a weapon.

The situation changes radically as soon as a device is designed to be mounted on a firearm (such as a night-vision scope attachment or a night-firing device).

The *Waffengesetz* (Weapons Act) classifies as prohibited items (Annex 2, Section 1, No. 1.2.4.2) any night-vision or thermal imaging device equipped with an image intensifier or electronic converter and a firearm mounting mechanism. In principle, their possession is therefore prohibited—even when not used for hunting.

However, there is a significant exception introduced by the February 2020 reform (§ 40 para. 3 WaffG): holders of a valid hunting license (*Jagdschein*) may acquire, possess, transport, and transfer this type of device, subject to one strict condition: the device must not incorporate its own reticle. A distinction is thus made between:

• *Vorsatzgeräte* / *Aufsatzgeräte* (night-vision or thermal imaging devices mounted in front of or behind an existing daytime riflescope, without an integrated reticle) — permitted for hunters holding a *Jagdschein* (hunting license);
• Nachtzielgeräte (integrated night-vision sights with their own reticle) remain prohibited, including for hunters.

A reform aimed at authorizing integrated thermal scopes at the federal level was proposed by the state of Hesse in 2025 and approved by the Bundesrat in June 2025, but it had not yet been adopted by the Bundestag as of mid-2026. The current rule therefore remains as described above.

Important note regarding storage: as of early 2026, night-vision or thermal imaging devices equipped with a firearm mount must be stored in a certified gun safe (DIN/EN 1143-1 compliant, minimum resistance grade 0), just like firearms and ammunition.

And what about hunting, in practical terms?

Even when a device is legally owned, its use during hunting is subject to regional regulations. The *Bundesjagdgesetz* (Federal Hunting Act) generally prohibits the use of artificial light sources and night-vision devices for hunting. However, in response to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), several federal states (*Länder*) have introduced targeted exemptions for wild boar hunting, typically subject to specific conditions: devices without integrated reticles, shooting only from fixed high seats, capped shooting distances (100 meters in some states), etc.

These exemptions vary from one federal state to another and change frequently—what was permitted in North Rhine-Westphalia is not necessarily allowed in Bavaria or Hamburg. Hunters must always check the regulations in force with their local hunting authority (*untere Jagdbehörde*) before using them in the field.

Buying from France: what you need to know

For a German buyer ordering a portable observation device (monocular or binocular, without a weapon mount or reticle) from a French distributor such as Silicate Systems:

• No customs formalities: France and Germany are both in the European Union, so there are no customs duties or import declarations.
• VAT is already included in the displayed price—no unpleasant surprises upon delivery.
• No prior authorization is required for this type of device, as detailed above.
• The CE certificate and technical data sheet for the NNVT tube can be provided upon request for verification by local authorities or for professional use.

In summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to buy night-vision binoculars in Germany? No, provided the device has neither a weapon mount nor an integrated reticle—as is the case with head-mounted monoculars and binoculars intended for observation.

Can a hunter use a thermal device mounted on their riflescope? Subject to certain conditions: they must hold a valid *Jagdschein* (hunting license), the device must not have its own reticle, and its use for hunting must be explicitly authorized by the relevant *Land* (usually for wild boar, as part of the effort to combat African Swine Fever).

Is German law regarding night vision set to change? A reform championed by Hesse and approved by the Bundesrat in June 2025 proposes authorizing integrated thermal optics at the federal level. It is still awaiting adoption by the Bundestag in mid-2026.

For an overview of European Union regulations regarding night vision and thermal imaging equipment, please consult our article dedicated to EU legislation. Our team remains available to answer any questions specific to your intended use.