No, nunchucks are classified as prohibited weapons under Chile’s Decreto Supremo N° 83 (2016), enforced by the Carabineros de Chile and PDI. Their sale, import, or possession without special authorization risks confiscation, fines up to 1,000 UTM (~$80,000 USD), or criminal charges under Código Penal Article 141. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Ley de Control de Armas propose stricter penalties, including mandatory psychological evaluations for violators.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in Chile
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Prohibition Status: Nunchucks are explicitly listed in Decreto Supremo N° 83 as “armas prohibidas,” alongside brass knuckles and throwing stars. Civilian ownership is banned unless granted a rare permiso especial for historical or cultural use (e.g., martial arts demonstrations with prior approval from the Subsecretaría de Prevención del Delito).
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Enforcement Agencies: The Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) and Carabineros conduct periodic inspections, particularly at ports and border crossings. Online marketplaces (e.g., MercadoLibre Chile) are monitored for illegal listings, with sellers facing immediate takedowns and potential legal action.
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Penalties & Exemptions: Violations trigger administrative fines (calculated in Unidades Tributarias Mensuales) and criminal proceedings under Ley N° 17.798. Exemptions exist for licensed collectors or cultural institutions, but applicants must prove historical significance and secure endorsements from the Museo Histórico Nacional.