Are Katanas Legal in Australia? Complete Sword Laws Guide by State (2026)
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Short answer: Yes, katanas are legal to own in most Australian states — but the rules vary significantly depending on where you live. Victoria and South Australia have the strictest laws, requiring permits or outright prohibiting sword ownership, while NSW, Queensland, and Tasmania allow ownership without a licence. Public carry is illegal everywhere without a lawful excuse.
This guide breaks down Australian sword laws state by state, covering ownership requirements, import regulations, storage rules, and recent 2025 law changes that every collector needs to know.
Overview of Australian Sword Laws
Australia does not have a single national law governing sword ownership. Instead, each state and territory has its own weapons legislation, creating a patchwork of rules that can be confusing for collectors and enthusiasts.
At the federal level, the Australian Border Force (ABF) regulates the import of swords into the country. A B709 Import Permit is generally required to bring a katana into Australia from overseas. However, once the sword is in the country, state and territory laws determine what you can legally do with it.
The key distinction across all jurisdictions is between ownership at home (generally legal with some exceptions) and carrying in public (illegal everywhere without a "reasonable excuse").
Types of Swords Under Australian Law
- Standard swords and katanas — including decorative, functional, and martial arts blades
- Concealed or disguised swords — such as sword-sticks or blades hidden in walking canes (prohibited everywhere)
- Swords with mechanisms — spring-loaded or retractable blades (prohibited everywhere)
Even blunt or decorative katanas are classified as swords in states like Victoria, so do not assume a non-sharpened blade is exempt from regulations.
Sword Laws by State: Complete Breakdown
Below is a detailed breakdown of katana and sword ownership laws in each Australian state and territory, verified as of March 2026.
New South Wales (NSW)
Swords are legal to own in NSW without a licence or permit. Under the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998, standard katanas are not classified as prohibited weapons.
Concealed swords (sword-sticks) are prohibited weapons requiring a permit from NSW Police.
Public carry: Maximum penalty of $5,500 or 2 years imprisonment. Carrying with intent to harm: up to 14 years.
Victoria (VIC) — Strictest State
Victoria has the strictest sword laws in Australia. Under the Control of Weapons Act 1990, all swords — including blunt and decorative ones — are prohibited weapons.
To legally own a katana in Victoria, you need either:
- A Chief Commissioner's Prohibited Weapons Permit (CCP), or
- A Governor in Council exemption (GIC) through an approved organisation like the SCA
Penalties: Up to 2 years imprisonment. Near licensed premises: up to 4 years. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse.
Queensland (QLD)
Swords are legal to own in Queensland without registration or a licence. Under the Weapons Act 1990, katanas do not need to be registered.
Public carry: Maximum penalty: 2 years and/or $2,500.
South Australia (SA) — Major 2025 Changes
As of 1 July 2025, swords became prohibited weapons in South Australia under Phase 2 knife crime reforms.
Penalties: Up to $20,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment.
Exemptions: Police officers, lawful business, religious purposes, sporting/recreational purposes, heirlooms or collections.
Western Australia (WA)
Swords are classified as controlled weapons under the Weapons Act 1999. The regulations specifically list katana and wakizashi.
Recent changes (December 2024): New "edged weapon" category with stricter controls.
Penalties: Prohibited weapon: up to 3 years. Controlled weapon in public: 2 years/$2,000.
Tasmania (TAS)
Swords do not require a licence or exemption in Tasmania. Legal for collection, display, re-enactments, and martial arts.
Public carry: $1,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment.
Northern Territory (NT)
Regulated under the Weapons Control Act 2001. Public carry: 3 months and/or $5,000.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Standard swords are not prohibited weapons in the ACT. Concealed blades are prohibited.
Public carry: 2 years and/or $5,500.
How to Legally Buy a Katana in Australia
The easiest way to purchase a katana in Australia is through a reputable Australian-based retailer like Kensei Forge.
- Check your state laws using this guide
- If in Victoria: Obtain a CCP or join an approved organisation first
- If in South Australia: Ensure you qualify for an exemption
- Choose your katana — Browse our anime sword collection or design a custom katana
- Arrange secure storage at home
Importing Katanas into Australia
Federal Requirements (Australian Border Force)
- A B709 Import Permit is generally required
- Purchase invoice and proof of state eligibility needed
- Concealed blade swords cannot be imported
Our recommendation: Buy from an Australian retailer. At Kensei Forge, we handle all compliance with fast Australian delivery.
Safe Storage and Transport Guidelines
Storage at Home
- Store on a proper katana stand or wall mount out of reach of children
- In Victoria, secure storage is a legal requirement
Transporting Your Katana
- Wrap securely in cloth or a dedicated sword case
- Place in the boot of your vehicle
- Take the most direct route
- Carry documentation of your destination
Exemptions for Collectors, Martial Artists, and Re-enactors
Martial Arts Practitioners
If you practise kendo, iaido, or kenjutsu, you have a lawful excuse to possess and transport a sword. Keep your dojo membership current.
Historical Re-enactors
Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) can obtain exemptions, especially in Victoria.
Collectors
In Victoria, joining the Historical Edged Weapons Guild or Sword Collectors Guild provides a pathway to legal ownership.
Penalties: State Comparison
| State | Ownership Without Permit | Public Carry |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Legal | $5,500 / 2 years |
| VIC | Up to 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| QLD | Legal | 2 years / $2,500 |
| SA | $20,000 / 2 years | $20,000 / 2 years |
| WA | Up to 3 years | 2 years / $2,000 |
| TAS | Legal | $1,000 / 6 months |
| NT | Varies | 3 months / $5,000 |
| ACT | Legal | 2 years / $5,500 |
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