No, switchblades are prohibited under Chile’s Ley de Control de Armas y Explosivos (Decreto Supremo 594/1984), classifying them as “armas blancas prohibidas” without exception. Civilian possession, manufacture, or importation is criminalized, with penalties up to 5 years imprisonment under Código Penal Art. 141. The Carabineros de Chile and PDI enforce compliance, while the Subsecretaría de Prevención del Delito monitors compliance trends ahead of 2026 legislative reviews.
Key Regulations for Switchblades in Chile
- Prohibition Status: Switchblades fall under Decreto Supremo 594/1984 as prohibited “armas blancas,” explicitly banning automatic-opening mechanisms. Civilian ownership is void, regardless of blade length or intent.
- Penalties: Violations trigger Código Penal Art. 141, with sentences ranging from 3 to 5 years for illegal possession or trafficking. Confiscation of weapons and accessories is mandatory.
- Enforcement Agencies: Carabineros de Chile (uniformed police) and PDI (investigative police) conduct inspections, while the Subsecretaría de Prevención del Delito tracks compliance gaps in anticipation of 2026 amendments tightening restrictions.