[Medical certificates and the new firearm regulation in France]

Presse Med. 2015 Mar;44(3):298-304. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.06.029. Epub 2014 Dec 18.
[Article in French]

Abstract

France has adopted a new firearms regulation. Firearms are now classified into four categories (A, B, C, and D). The administrative procedure for acquisition and possession of firearms of categories B and C requires medical advice. The medical certificate must be dated less than a month, and detail a state of health compatible with the acquisition and possession of a firearm. There are no guidelines mentioning the conditions that can lead to incompatibility. Compatibility does not apply to the handling and use of the firearm. If the applicant is undergoing or has undergone treatment in a psychiatric institution, he must also produce a medical certificate issued by a psychiatrist. The hunting license application requires a medical certificate mentioning a state of physical and mental health compatible with the possession of a firearm. Its validity is acquired for life. The practice of shooting sports or skeet requires an annual medical certificate of non-cons in reference to the rules of sports federations.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Firearms / classification
  • Firearms / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • France
  • Government Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Medical Records / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Mental Competency / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sports / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Sports / psychology