No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as offensive weapons under Germany’s Weapons Act (Waffengesetz), making their possession, sale, or use illegal without a special permit. The Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) enforces strict controls, and violations can result in fines or imprisonment. Recent 2026 amendments to the WaffG have expanded restrictions on bladed and projectile weapons, further tightening compliance requirements for collectors and martial arts practitioners.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Germany
- Prohibition under § 42a WaffG: Shuriken are explicitly listed as “other dangerous objects” (sonstige gefährliche Gegenstände), banning their acquisition, possession, or transfer without a weapons permit (Waffenschein) issued by local authorities (Ordnungsamt).
- Permit Exceptions: Only individuals with a legitimate purpose—such as historical reenactment groups approved by the Bundesverwaltungsamt—may obtain permits, subject to background checks and storage compliance (e.g., locked safes).
- Cross-Border Restrictions: Importing shuriken from EU or non-EU countries requires prior approval from the Bundespolizei, which collaborates with customs (Zoll) to intercept unauthorized shipments. Violations trigger confiscation under § 29 WaffG.