Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Costa Rica but subject to strict oversight by the Dirección General de Armas y Explosivos (DGAE) under the Ministerio de Seguridad Pública. Civilian use requires prior authorization, with compliance hinging on purpose, storage protocols, and adherence to 2024 amendments tightening import controls.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Costa Rica
- Authorization Mandate: Obtaining a Permiso de Porte from the DGAE is mandatory; unauthorized possession risks confiscation under Ley de Armas y Explosivos (Ley 7530).
- Storage Protocols: Firearms—including blank-firing models—must be stored in certified safes at registered addresses; violations trigger fines up to ₡5 million ($9,000 USD).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: New DGAE directives (effective January 2026) classify blank-firing guns as “Category B” devices, requiring annual re-registration and mandatory ballistic testing for imported units.
Local enforcement prioritizes traceability; unregistered blank-firing guns used in public spaces (e.g., film sets) must display DGAE-issued placards. Non-compliance with storage or transport rules may result in criminal charges under Código Penal (Art. 346).