No, brass knuckles are classified as prohibited offensive weapons under France’s Code de la sécurité intérieure (CSI), specifically Article R311-2, which bans their manufacture, sale, import, or possession without authorization. The Ministère de l’Intérieur enforces these restrictions, with penalties including fines up to €15,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years for violations. Recent 2026 amendments to the CSI have expanded surveillance of online sales, targeting e-commerce platforms distributing such items.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in France
- Prohibition Status: Brass knuckles are explicitly listed in Annexe 1 of the CSI as armes de catégorie D, making their possession illegal without a carte de collectionneur or autorisation préfectorale.
- Enforcement Bodies: The Gendarmerie Nationale and Police Nationale conduct periodic inspections of armories and online marketplaces, with the Douanes françaises monitoring cross-border shipments.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession triggers criminal liability under Article 222-43 of the Code pénal, with aggravated penalties if linked to organized crime or public disorder.