Yes, crossbows are legal in Colombia but subject to strict firearm-equivalent regulations under Decree 2535 of 1993 and Law 1801 of 2016. Civilian ownership requires permits from the Dirección de Armas y Municiones (DAM), with procurement limited to hunting or sport under municipal authorization. Recent 2026 amendments tightened storage protocols, mandating biometric safes for crossbow owners in urban zones.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Colombia
- Permit Mandate: Crossbows are classified as “arms” under DAM oversight; possession without a Licencia de Tenencia y Porte is punishable by fines or confiscation. Permits are issued only to individuals aged 25+ with clean criminal records and verified storage facilities.
- Use Restrictions: Deployment is restricted to licensed hunting zones (e.g., Reserva de la Sociedad Civil) or authorized sport clubs. Transport requires unloaded crossbows in locked cases, with prior notification to local police (Policía Nacional).
- Storage Compliance: 2026 regulations enforce biometric safes for urban owners, while rural users must store crossbows in municipal-approved armories. Violations trigger immediate permit revocation and potential criminal liability under Article 340 of the Penal Code.
Non-compliance risks escalate under Ley 1801, which equates crossbow misuse with firearm offenses. Foreign nationals must obtain Licencia de Armas para Extranjeros from DAM, valid for 12 months. Always verify municipal ordinances, as Bogotá and Medellín impose additional zoning restrictions.