No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under Vietnam’s 2017 Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives, and Support Tools. Their possession, sale, or use—even for decorative purposes—violates Decree 167/2018/ND-CP, which enforces strict penalties including fines up to 50 million VND or imprisonment. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) actively monitors compliance, with recent 2026 inspections targeting online marketplaces and antique dealers.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Vietnam
- Prohibited Status: Shuriken fall under “other dangerous tools” per Article 5 of the 2017 Law, barring civilian ownership without explicit MPS approval—a near-impossible threshold for foreign or historical items.
- Penalties for Violation: Decree 167/2018 imposes administrative fines (5–50 million VND) for unauthorized possession, with criminal charges (Article 304 of the Penal Code) applicable for trafficking or use in violent acts.
- Customs Enforcement: The General Department of Customs (2025–2026 directive) mandates confiscation of shuriken at borders, requiring importers to prove exemptions via cultural heritage certificates—rarely granted for functional weapons.