No, nunchucks are classified as dangerous weapons under Vietnam’s Decree 167/2013/ND-CP and Law on Firearms, Explosives, and Combat Tools 2017, making their possession, sale, or import illegal without special permits. Local authorities, including the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), enforce strict penalties—confiscation, fines up to 10 million VND, or criminal charges under Article 304 of the Penal Code for unauthorized trafficking. Tourists or expatriates found carrying them risk immediate deportation.
Key Regulations for Nunchucks in Vietnam
- Prohibited Classification: Nunchucks fall under “combat tools” (vũ khí cận chiến) in Decree 167, requiring MPS approval for possession, which is rarely granted to civilians.
- Import Restrictions: The General Department of Customs bans nunchucks at borders; undeclared items are seized under Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC.
- Penalties: Violations trigger administrative fines (up to 10 million VND) or criminal liability (1–5 years imprisonment) per Article 304, with repeat offenses escalating to 5–15 years.
Local enforcement prioritizes public safety amid rising concerns over street violence. Even decorative replicas may be confiscated if deemed functional. Businesses importing martial arts equipment must secure an MPS-issued permit and comply with Quyết định 198/2020/QĐ-BCA, which mandates storage in licensed facilities. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose harsher penalties for “bladed or impact weapons,” potentially expanding nunchuck restrictions.