A Proscribed Charmable Object is a classification established by the Voldemort-controlled Ministry of Magic to designate any object, particularly those that could be mistaken for a Muggle artifact, that has been magically enchanted. The decree was intentionally broad, making it illegal to charm a wide range of everyday items. Arthur Weasley explained to his son Ron Weasley that even trivial enchantments, such as making a toast rack shoot toast at people, were now forbidden. The primary targets of the law, however, were objects that could be used for communication or as concealed weapons by those opposing Voldemort's regime. A key example of an item that would fall under this proscription is the set of enchanted fake Galleons created by Hermione Granger for Dumbledore's Army, which were used for covert communication.
The main purpose of this decree was to exert control and suppress resistance during the Second Wizarding War. By outlawing the charming of mundane objects, the Ministry of Magic aimed to prevent its enemies, such as the Order of the Phoenix, from creating and using clandestine communication devices, disguised magical weapons, or other subversive tools. This measure was part of a wider strategy of surveillance and oppression implemented by the new regime, which included other draconian measures like the Taboo curse placed on Lord Voldemort's name.
This legal classification was introduced shortly after Lord Voldemort's supporters seized control of the Ministry of Magic on 1 August 1997. The decree is first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Arthur Weasley discusses the new, oppressive work environment at the Ministry with Ron Weasley at The Burrow. Mr. Weasley expressed his frustration with the new law, noting its wide-reaching and paranoid nature. The existence of this decree serves to illustrate the immediate and pervasive changes under the new dark regime, transforming the magical government into a police state that monitored even the most minor infractions of magical law. It highlights the increased danger for families like the Weasleys, who were known to be sympathetic to Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, and underscores the atmosphere of fear and suspicion that dominated the wizarding world during Voldemort's final ascent to power.