No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as offensive weapons under Sweden’s Weapons Act (1988:258) and Ordinance (1988:973) on Certain Offensive Weapons, rendering their possession, sale, or use illegal without a permit. The Swedish Police Authority enforces these restrictions, with penalties including fines or imprisonment under Chapter 4, Section 1 of the Criminal Code. Recent 2026 amendments to the Weapons Ordinance have tightened controls on historical martial arts implements, explicitly targeting shuriken as dual-use items.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Sweden
- Prohibition under Weapons Act: Shuriken are deemed “offensive weapons” per Section 1, Chapter 2 of the Weapons Act, barring their acquisition without a vapenlicens (firearms license) or skjutvapenstillstånd (sporting weapon permit).
- Permit Requirements: Exemptions require proof of historical, cultural, or martial arts relevance, with applications reviewed by the Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police Authority). Permits are rarely granted for shuriken.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession or use may result in prosecution under Chapter 4, Section 1 of the Brottsbalken (Criminal Code), with sentences up to 2 years imprisonment for aggravated offenses.
The Konsumentverket (Swedish Consumer Agency) also monitors online marketplaces, collaborating with customs (Tullverket) to intercept imports. Museums and licensed collectors may store shuriken under strict inventory controls, but public display remains restricted.