No, balisongs are classified as controlled knives under China’s Public Security Bureau (PSB) Weapons Management Regulations, making their possession, sale, or carry without authorization illegal nationwide. The 2023 amendments to the Regulations on the Administration of Knives (effective 2026) explicitly prohibit folding knives with spring-assisted or gravity-operated blades, including balisongs, unless owned by licensed entities like military or state-approved collectors. Travelers risk confiscation or criminal charges under Article 32 of the Criminal Law for undeclared transport.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in China
- Controlled Classification: Balisongs fall under “controlled knives” per the PSB Weapons Management Regulations, requiring special permits for possession or trade.
- 2026 Compliance Deadline: The updated Regulations on the Administration of Knives (2023) bans spring-assisted or gravity-operated folding knives, including balisongs, unless held by licensed military, police, or state-approved entities.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession may result in confiscation, fines up to ¥10,000, or criminal liability under Criminal Law Article 32 for “illegal possession of dangerous tools.”