No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as offensive weapons under Portuguese law, making their possession, sale, or use illegal without proper authorization. The Regulamento de Armas (Decreto-Lei n.º 5/2021) explicitly prohibits bladed or pointed throwing weapons, with enforcement overseen by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) and Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR). Violations may result in confiscation, fines, or criminal charges under Article 266 of the Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Portugal
- Prohibition Status: Shuriken are deemed “armas brancas” (edged weapons) under Article 3(1)(d) of Decreto-Lei n.º 5/2021, banning their acquisition or carriage in public spaces.
- Authorization Exceptions: Only licensed collectors or martial arts practitioners (with PSP-approved permits) may possess shuriken, subject to storage in secure safes and annual inspections.
- Enforcement & Penalties: Unauthorized possession carries fines up to €3,740 (Article 266(1)(a)), while use in public may escalate to criminal liability under anti-violence statutes.
Recent 2026 amendments to the Regulamento de Armas tighten controls, requiring digital registration of all restricted weapons and mandatory background checks for permit applicants. The Autoridade Nacional de Armas (ANA) now cross-references ownership data with EU firearms databases to curb illegal trafficking.