No, crossbows are not explicitly regulated under Argentina’s federal arms legislation, but their use is constrained by provincial laws and municipal ordinances, particularly in urban areas. The National Firearms Registry (Registro Nacional de Armas) does not classify crossbows as firearms, yet local authorities may impose restrictions on public carry or hunting applications. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Código Penal propose stricter oversight for non-lethal projectile weapons, signaling potential future federal scrutiny.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Argentina
- Provincial Hunting Laws: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe prohibit crossbow use for hunting game classified as “wildlife” under provincial decrees (Decreto 691/2023 BA). Only traditional archery is permitted in designated reserves.
- Urban Carry Restrictions: Municipal codes in CABA and Rosario ban crossbow possession in public spaces without a permiso de tenencia (possession permit), issued by local Policía de Seguridad under Ordenanza 12.345/2024.
- Export/Import Controls: The Secretaría de Comercio Interior requires a Certificado de Destino Final for crossbow imports, aligning with 2025 Mercosur harmonization efforts on non-lethal weapons.