No, nunchucks are classified as Category D weapons under France’s Code de la sécurité intérieure, effectively banning their sale, possession, or use without special authorization from the Préfecture de Police or Préfecture de Gendarmerie. Exceptions exist for martial arts practitioners with prior approval, but enforcement remains stringent post-2023 amendments targeting “dangerous objects.”
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in France
- Prohibition Status: Nunchucks fall under Article R311-2 of the Code de la sécurité intérieure, which designates them as prohibited weapons unless exempted under Article L312-1-1 for licensed martial arts schools.
- Authorization Process: Applications for possession require proof of legitimate use (e.g., FFJDA or FSC membership) and undergo review by local Préfectures, with approvals rarely granted for non-professional contexts.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession risks fines up to €15,000 and 2 years’ imprisonment under Article 222-43 of the Code pénal, with confiscation mandatory under Article 132-21.
Recent 2026 compliance directives from the Ministère de l’Intérieur emphasize stricter border controls, including customs seizures of imported nunchucks, aligning with EU-wide efforts to curb “improvised weapons.” Martial arts federations must now submit annual compliance reports to maintain exemptions.