Is it permissible to buy pepper spray for self-defense in Vietnam?

Is it permissible to buy pepper spray for self-defense in Vietnam?

I saw pepper spray for sale on some websites last night. I'm thinking of buying one to carry for self-defense at night because I often go home late at night and the road is quite deserted. I don't know if I'm allowed to keep pepper spray for self-defense? I know it's one of the types of combat gears, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to keep it.

Answer:

According to Clause 11.b Article 3 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, pepper spray is a type of tear gas, which is also a type of combat gears.

According to Clause 1 and 10, Article 5 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, prohibited actions related to management and use of weapons, explosives, explosives precursors and combat gears are:

- Personal possession of weapons, explosives and combat gears, except for cold weapons used for exhibition and heirlooms.

...

- Appropriation, trading, exchange, giving, lending, borrowing, leasing or mortgage of wastes and scraps of weapons, explosives and combat gears.

As regulations above, it is against the law to own and trade in pepper spray. Therefore, you are not allowed to buy pepper spray for self-defense in Vietnam.

Is it allowed to carry nunchaku for self-defense in Vietnam?

I am a student at the University of Law in Ho Chi Minh City. Because of my English class schedule, I often have to study at night and come home very late. I used to learned Binh Dinh traditional martial arts, so I know how to use nunchaku. Can you tell me if I can put nunchaku in my bag to prevent theft and robbery?

Answer:

According to Clause 4 Article 3 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, cold weapons are stipulated as follows:

- Cold weapons means weapons that have simple structures and operating principles and are manufactured in non-industrial and industrial manners, including: daggers, swords, spears, bayonets, knives, scimitars, cones, steel knuckles, maces, bows, crossbows, darts.

According to Clause 2 Article 5 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, prohibited actions related to management and use of weapons, explosives, explosives precursors and combat gears are:

....

2. Illegal research into, manufacture, trading, export, import, storage, transport, repair, use or appropriation of weapons, explosives, explosives precursors and combat gears or components used for assembling weapons and combat gears.

Therefore, based on the legal regulations, the act of storing and using weapons illegally is one of the acts that is strictly prohibited. Nunchaku is one of the crude weapons. Therefore, you are not allowed to carry it on your person, in your bag, or in the trunk of your vehicle.

Are citizens in Vietnam allowed to carry a switchblade for self-defense?

Hello, I often go to work late at night and my area is quite complicated, so I have a small switchblade for self-defense. The other day, I was checked by the mobile force and was fined. I only use it for self-defense and I have no other intentions. Can you tell me if citizens are allowed to carry switchblades for self-defense?

Answer:

According to Clause 4 Article 3 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, cold weapons means weapons that have simple structures and operating principles and are manufactured in non-industrial and industrial manners, including: daggers, swords, spears, bayonets, knives, scimitars, cones, steel knuckles, maces, bows, crossbows, darts.

According to Clause 1 Article 28 of the Law on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears in 2017, entities eligible to be equipped with cold weapons are:

- Vietnam People’s Army;

- Vietnam Civil Defense Force;

- Vietnam Coast Guards

- Vietnam People's Public Security

- Cipher force;

- Foresters and Vietnam Fisheries Resources Surveillance;

- Aviation security force;

- Customs officers working at border checkpoints and specialized forces carrying out tasks of anti-smuggling affiliated to customs to Vietnam Customs.

- Sporting clubs and providers of training in sports that have obtained operating licenses;

- Centers for national defense and security education;

As regulations above, you are not one of the entities eligible to be equipped with cold weapons in Vietnam. Therefore, if your carry a switchblade, you are against the law.

Best regards!