No, butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in Argentina under the Ley Nacional de Armas de Fuego y Municiones (26.197/2006) and Decreto 60/2019, which classify them as “prohibited weapons” without exceptions. Civilian possession, sale, or import is criminalized, with enforcement prioritized by the Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR) and provincial security forces. Recent 2026 amendments to Código Penal Art. 189bis further tightened penalties, including mandatory confiscation and fines up to ARS 500,000 for violations.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Argentina
- Prohibition Status: Classified as “armas blancas prohibidas” under Decreto 60/2019, barring civilian ownership entirely.
- Penalties: Violations trigger Art. 189bis of the Penal Code, risking 1–6 years imprisonment and asset seizure by RENAR.
- Enforcement: Provincial police and customs (AFIP) conduct routine inspections at borders and urban checkpoints, with 2026 directives mandating digital tracking of confiscated blades.