Yes, crossbows are legal in Vietnam for hunting and sport under strict licensing, but their use is tightly controlled by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and provincial authorities. Civilian ownership requires permits, with restrictions on blade types and projectile velocity. Recent 2026 amendments to the Law on Management and Use of Weapons tighten oversight, mandating biometric registration for owners.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Vietnam
- Licensing Mandate: Crossbow ownership requires a license from the MPS, with applicants undergoing background checks. Permits are non-transferable and tied to specific models.
- Prohibited Features: Crossbows with fixed blades exceeding 3 cm or draw weights over 150 lbs are banned. Electric or automatic cocking mechanisms are also prohibited.
- Usage Restrictions: Hunting crossbows must comply with provincial wildlife protection laws. Use in urban areas or near military zones is criminalized under Decree 136/2020/ND-CP.
Crossbows classified as “cold weapons” under Vietnam’s Law on Firearms and Explosives face dual oversight. The MPS collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to audit hunting licenses, particularly in the Mekong Delta, where illegal crossbow poaching has surged. Violations—such as unlicensed possession or use in restricted zones—carry penalties up to 5 years imprisonment under Article 304 of the Penal Code. Sport shooters must register crossbows with local police stations, with annual inspections verifying compliance.