Yes, Tasers are legal in Chile under strict conditions. Civilian ownership requires a valid firearm permit from the Carabineros de Chile (National Police), with mandatory background checks and justification for self-defense. Commercial sales are restricted to authorized dealers, and unauthorized possession carries penalties under the Ley de Control de Armas (Decree Law 360/1977) and its 2023 amendments.
Key Regulations for Tasers in Chile
- Permit Mandate: Civilians must obtain a Permiso de Porte de Armas (firearm carry permit) from Carabineros, which includes Tasers in its definition of “prohibited weapons” unless explicitly licensed. The 2023 reform expanded police discretion in denying permits for “non-lethal” devices if deemed high-risk.
- Dealer Licensing: Only businesses registered with the Subsecretaría del Interior and Carabineros may sell Tasers, with inventory tracking enforced under Resolución Exenta 124/2024. Unregistered sales trigger criminal liability under Article 14 of the Arms Control Law.
- Use Restrictions: Tasers may only be deployed in imminent threat scenarios; improper use (e.g., against fleeing individuals) constitutes assault under Código Penal Article 391, punishable by 3–5 years’ imprisonment. Military and police forces require separate authorization under Decreto Supremo 177/2002.