No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under China’s Public Security Administration Punishments Law (2021 revision) and the Regulations on the Administration of Arms (2023). Their manufacture, sale, or possession without special authorization from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) constitutes a criminal offense under Article 128 of the Criminal Law. Local Public Security Bureaus (PSBs) enforce these rules, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The 2026 draft amendments to the Firearms Regulation further tighten restrictions, explicitly banning “bladed throwing weapons” in public spaces.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in China
- Prohibition Status: Shuriken are listed as “controlled tools” under the Regulations on the Administration of Arms, requiring MPS approval for legal possession. Unauthorized ownership is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment under Criminal Law Article 128.
- Local Enforcement: Provincial PSBs conduct periodic inspections of antique shops, martial arts schools, and online marketplaces. Violations detected in Guangdong or Zhejiang often result in stricter penalties due to regional anti-violence campaigns.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The upcoming Firearms Regulation amendments expand the definition of “lethal weapons” to include shuriken, mandating their immediate confiscation in public areas and stricter licensing for collectors.