No, spearguns are illegal in Vietnam under the 2017 Law on Firearms, Explosives, and Support Tools for National Security. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) classifies spearguns as “combat tools” requiring special permits, which are denied to civilians. Recent 2026 draft amendments to Decree 167/2018/ND-CP reinforce this stance, explicitly banning spearguns for recreational use. Violations may result in confiscation, fines up to VND 50 million, or imprisonment under Article 304 of the Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Vietnam
- Prohibition for Civilians: The MPS’s Circular 45/2019/TT-BCA prohibits civilian ownership of spearguns, classifying them as “military-grade equipment.” Only state-approved entities (e.g., law enforcement, military) may possess them.
- Permit Requirements: Even for permitted users, spearguns must be registered with provincial police under Decree 167/2018. Permits are issued only for “legitimate purposes” (e.g., marine research), not sport or hunting.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Unauthorized possession triggers administrative fines (VND 20–50 million) or criminal charges under Article 304, with sentences up to 7 years for trafficking. Customs seizures at borders (e.g., Cam Ranh, Da Nang) are common for undeclared imports.
Compliance Note: Foreigners importing spearguns must declare them to Vietnamese customs; failure to do so risks permanent confiscation and deportation. The 2026 amendments may introduce stricter border controls, including mandatory pre-approval from the MPS for any speargun-related equipment.