Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Mexico for civilian possession and use, but their sale and carry are subject to federal and state-level restrictions. The 2022 General Law on Firearms and Explosives (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos) does not explicitly ban balisongs, yet local ordinances and municipal regulations may impose additional controls. The Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) oversees compliance, while state governors enforce supplementary measures, particularly in high-security zones.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Mexico
- Federal Restrictions: Balisongs are not classified as prohibited weapons under Article 10 of the Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, but their sale to minors is illegal per Article 11. Public carry without justification (e.g., self-defense) may trigger scrutiny under Article 12, which regulates “dangerous instruments.”
- State and Municipal Variations: Entities like Mexico City, Nuevo León, and Jalisco have enacted local decrees requiring permits for carrying folding knives with blades exceeding 8 cm or locking mechanisms. Violations may result in fines or confiscation under municipal public safety codes.
- Commercial Controls: Retailers must register inventory with SEDENA’s Directorate of Arms and Munitions (DAM) and adhere to 2024 amendments mandating secure storage and transaction logging for knives classified as “utility tools” with blade lengths over 10 cm.