Is Tasers Legal in Mexico After the 2026 Law Changes?

No, Taser stun guns are classified as prohibited weapons under Mexico’s Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos). Their possession, sale, or use without explicit authorization from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment under Article 11 of the law. Civilian ownership remains effectively banned, with exceptions granted only to licensed security personnel or under extraordinary circumstances reviewed by SEDENA.


Key Regulations for Tasers in Mexico

  • Federal Prohibition: Tasers fall under “prohibited arms” (armas prohibidas) per Article 11, Section IV, of the Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, alongside automatic firearms and explosives. Unauthorized possession carries penalties of 3 to 10 years’ imprisonment.
  • SEDENA Authorization: Only military, law enforcement, or private security firms with SEDENA-issued permits may legally acquire Tasers. Permits require proof of operational necessity, background checks, and compliance with storage protocols (e.g., locked safes, inventory logs).
  • 2026 Compliance Shifts: Draft amendments to the Reglamento de la Ley Federal de Armas propose stricter penalties for prohibited arms trafficking, including Tasers, with fines up to MXN 500,000 and mandatory asset forfeiture for repeat offenders. SEDENA’s 2024 operational guidelines further restrict Taser use to “lethal-force scenarios” only.