Is the purchase/possession of samurai swords prohibited in Germany?
§2 of the German Weapons Act on whether it is permitted to own a katana:
§ Section 2 Principles of handling weapons or ammunition, weapons list
(1) Only persons who have reached the age of 18 are authorised to handle weapons or ammunition.
(2) The handling of weapons or ammunition listed in Annex 2 (Weapons List) Section 2 to this Act requires a licence.
(3) The handling of weapons or ammunition listed in Annex 2 Section 1 to this Act is prohibited.
(4) Weapons or ammunition with which handling is wholly or partially exempt from the authorisation requirement or from a ban are listed in Annex 2, Sections 1 and 2. Furthermore, Section 3 of Annex 2 lists the weapons and ammunition to which this Act does not apply in whole or in part.
(5) If there is any doubt as to whether an object is covered by this Act or how it is to be categorised in accordance with the definitions in Sections 1 and 3 of Annex 1 and Annex 2, the competent authority shall decide upon application. The following are authorised to apply
1. manufacturers, importers, purchasers or owners of the object, insofar as they can credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest in the decision pursuant to sentence 1,
2. the competent federal and state authorities.
The competent authorities under federal state law shall be heard prior to the decision. The decision shall be generally binding for the area of application of this Act. It shall be published in the Federal Gazette.
Source: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/BJNR397010002.html
Appendix 2 mentioned in the text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/anlage_2.html
In our opinion, swords are not among the prohibited weapons listed in Annex 2 of the Weapons Act and are therefore not prohibited.
Which swords are prohibited?
An exception are the "cutting or thrusting weapons mentioned in 1.3.1, which by their shape are suitable for simulating another object or which are disguised with objects of everyday use". In other words, swords that are disguised as everyday objects, such as walking sticks with an integrated sword blade. These count as prohibited weapons.
A few explanatory words:
Please note that this is in no way legal advice, a recommendation for action or similar!
The most important legal regulations in this context:
