No. Stun guns are classified as prohibited weapons under Argentina’s Ley Nacional de Armas de Fuego, Municiones y Explosivos (Ley 20.429/1973) and its amendments, including Decreto 602/2018. Civilian possession is criminalized, with enforcement prioritized in urban centers like Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Exceptions for security personnel require Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR) authorization, rarely granted to private citizens.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Argentina
- Prohibition Status: Stun guns are explicitly listed as “armas prohibidas” under Anexo I, Ley 20.429, barring civilian ownership.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession risks imprisonment (up to 6 years under Código Penal, Art. 189bis) and confiscation by Policía Federal Argentina or provincial forces.
- Security Sector Exemptions: Only licensed private security firms with RENAR permits may deploy stun guns, subject to annual inspections and storage audits.
Recent enforcement trends (2023–2026) show increased scrutiny in border provinces (Misiones, Salta) due to smuggling risks. The Ministerio de Seguridad has signaled potential legislative updates to align with regional disarmament treaties, though no draft laws currently propose decriminalization. Travelers carrying stun guns face mandatory declaration at customs; failure to disclose results in immediate detention.