Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Costa Rica under specific conditions, though their import and sale are tightly controlled by national security regulations.
Balongsongs may be possessed by civilians but require prior authorization from the Dirección General de Armamento del Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (DGAM). Unregistered carry or concealed possession risks confiscation under the Ley de Armas y Explosivos (Law No. 7530). Recent 2026 amendments to the Reglamento a la Ley de Armas further restrict commercial distribution, mandating licenses for dealers and banning online sales.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Costa Rica
- Authorization Requirement: Civilians must obtain a Permiso de Porte de Armas from DGAM to possess balisongs, even for collection purposes. Applications require proof of clean criminal record and valid justification (e.g., professional use).
- Commercial Restrictions: Businesses selling balisongs must hold a Licencia de Comerciante de Armas, issued by DGAM. The 2026 update prohibits online sales and mandates in-person inspections of inventory.
- Concealed Carry Ban: Transporting balisongs in public without explicit DGAM approval constitutes a misdemeanor under Artículo 34 of Law No. 7530, punishable by fines or temporary seizure.