No. Vietnam prohibits civilian ownership of Tasers under Decree 136/2006/ND-CP, classifying them as prohibited weapons. Law enforcement agencies may deploy Tasers under strict operational protocols, but private possession risks criminal liability.
Key Regulations for Tasers in Vietnam
- Prohibited Classification: Tasers are categorized as “dangerous weapons” under Decree 136/2006/ND-CP, banning civilian acquisition, sale, or transport without explicit authorization.
- Law Enforcement Exemption: Only authorized security forces (e.g., Ministry of Public Security units) may use Tasers, subject to internal guidelines and oversight by the Government Inspectorate.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession or use of Tasers may result in administrative fines (up to 50 million VND) or criminal charges under Article 304 of the Penal Code (2015, amended 2017), including imprisonment for up to 7 years.
Recent compliance shifts in 2026 emphasize stricter enforcement, with provincial police departments instructed to audit weapon inventories and prosecute unauthorized imports or sales. The Ministry of Public Security’s Circular 45/2021/TT-BCA further delineates permissible force thresholds for authorized devices, excluding civilian access.