No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited offensive weapons under France’s Code de la Sécurité Intérieure (CSI), Article R311-2. Their sale, acquisition, or possession without authorization is illegal, with enforcement overseen by the Ministère de l’Intérieur and Préfectures. Exceptions exist solely for historical or cultural artifacts with prior approval.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in France
- Prohibited Weapons Classification: Shuriken fall under catégorie D (offensive weapons) per CSI Article R311-2, requiring authorization for possession. Unauthorized ownership risks confiscation and criminal penalties under Article 222-54 of the Code Pénal.
- Authorization Process: Applications for legal possession must be submitted to local Préfectures or Sous-Préfectures, demonstrating a legitimate reason (e.g., historical collection). Approval hinges on compliance with Décret n°2013-700 (2013), which tightened controls post-2015 terror threats.
- Cross-Border Restrictions: Importing shuriken without prior Douanes Françaises approval (under Article 38 of the Code des Douanes) constitutes a customs offense, punishable by fines up to €300,000 or imprisonment. The 2026 Loi Sécurité Globale may further restrict replica imports.