Is Throwing Stars (Shuriken) Legal in Colombia After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under Colombia’s Decreto 2535 de 1993 and Ley 1801 de 2016, which regulate arms and explosives. Their sale, possession, or use is criminalized unless explicitly authorized by the Ministerio de Defensa Nacional for historical or cultural purposes, with strict oversight by the Policía Nacional.


Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Colombia

  • Prohibited Classification: Shuriken fall under Decreto 2535 de 1993 as “weapons of war,” barring civilian ownership without special permits. Violations may result in penalties under Código Penal (Art. 340-342), including imprisonment.
  • Cultural Exceptions: The Ministerio de Cultura may grant limited exemptions for martial arts or historical reenactments, subject to Policía Nacional verification and registration in the Registro Nacional de Armas.
  • Border Controls: Customs (DIAN) enforces restrictions at entry points, seizing undeclared shuriken under Ley 1801 de 2016, which aligns with international arms trafficking protocols.