Yes, batons are legal in Peru but strictly regulated under the Ley N° 30020 (2013) and Decreto Supremo N° 005-2014-IN, requiring permits from the Ministerio del Interior for possession. Recent 2026 amendments mandate biometric registration for baton owners, aligning with anti-violence policies. Unauthorized carry risks confiscation or criminal charges under Código Penal Article 206.
Key Regulations for Baton in Peru
- Permit Requirement: Mandatory for civilians; issued only to security personnel, private investigators, or those with “justified need” (e.g., rural landowners). Applications processed by the Dirección de Control de Armas (DCA).
- Restricted Types: Telescopic batons exceeding 40 cm or those with concealed blades are prohibited. Only non-extendable rubber or wooden batons under 60 cm are permitted without special authorization.
- Carry Conditions: Open carry is banned in urban areas; concealed transport requires a locked case. Violations trigger fines up to 18 UIT (S/ 8,640 in 2026) or 3-year imprisonment under Ley N° 31012 (2020).
Local police (PNP) conduct periodic inspections, particularly in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, where illegal baton trafficking has surged. Foreigners must obtain permits via their consulate, with additional scrutiny under Decreto Legislativo N° 1219 (2015). Failure to declare batons at customs (e.g., at Jorge Chávez Airport) results in immediate seizure.