From spring 2026, knife manufacturers and retailers will have to comply with new legislation. Here’s what you need to know:
In May 2025, following a series of incidents involving knives, the French Prime Minister announced his intention to introduce deterrent measures and restrict access to certain edged weapons. Since then, two successive regulatory steps have brought about significant changes, without any repercussions on the carrying of our pocket knives. But the media impact is having an impact on the profession.
Targeted knives expanded to category D
The first step was the decree of July 4, 2025 (published in the JO of July 6), which classified several types of weapon in category D of the French Internal Security Code (art. R. 311-2 IV a): butterfly knives, automatic knives, ninja stars and knives incorporating a brass knuckle, when these were manufactured before 1946. These weapons remain legal, but their sale is subject to prefectoral authorization, as was previously the case only for dagger knives. Traders already in business have six months in which to apply for authorization (art. R. 313-8). They may continue their activity until the administration has made its decision. Carrying and transporting are still subject to a legitimate reason, no change.
Knives enter category A
The second stage came with Decree no. 2025-894 and the Order of September 5, 2025. For the first time in France, this decree classifies certain edged weapons in category A1, i.e. weapons which are prohibited by nature. This measure brings French regulations into line with those of neighboring countries such as Belgium and Germany, where double-edged daggers and automatic knives are already prohibited.
Weapons now banned :
Two types of weapons are now classified in category A1 (art. R. 311-2 13° and 14°):
- Knives, cutlasses and machetes with a fixed blade that simultaneously combines a cutting edge, a point and a serrated edge, plus either several holes in the blade or several sharp points. These weapons correspond to the “zombie knives” popularized in Great Britain, where they are covered by specific legislation. Their appearance in French law comes as a surprise, as there are few national news stories linked to them.
- Post-1900 “brass knuckles”, including when combined with a blade. More recent models are therefore totally banned, unlike pre-1946 versions, which remain classified in category D.
The ban does not apply to folding knives, classic daggers or diving knives. These knives, although sometimes having a smooth and a serrated side, do not meet all the cumulative conditions required (several holes, several points). The scope of the measure is therefore limited, and its commercial impact is likely to remain marginal, as most common knives (kitchen, hiking, pocket) remain free to manufacture, trade and hold.
However, the legal consequences are far-reaching. Under article L. 312-2 CSI, the acquisition and possession of category A weapons is prohibited. Possession is punishable by five years’ imprisonment and a €75,000 fine (art. 222-52 CP). Carrying or transporting raises the penalty to seven years’ imprisonment and a €100,000 fine (art. 222-54 CP). Manufacture and sale require approval, the absence of which is also punishable by law. To accompany this ban, the decree of September 5 organizes dispossession: private individuals have three months to hand over the weapons concerned to the State for destruction. Dealers have six months to regularize their situation by applying for approval.
Additional measures: display and sale to minors
The text also introduces a new obligation for retailers: the visible display of prohibitions on sales to minors (new art. R. 313-16-1). This measure adds nothing new in substance – the sale of weapons to minors was already prohibited – but is intended to make the rule clearer and more visible, in the same way as signs concerning the sale of alcohol. Failure to comply with this obligation is punishable by a 4th class fine (€750 for an individual, €3,750 for a legal entity).
Limits and preservation of current uses
Finally, it should be remembered that these new rules do not apply to ordinary knives, fixed or folding, as they do not have the characteristics in question. These objects are not prohibited by their very nature, and may be freely traded and possessed. However, as before, they must be carried or transported for a legitimate reason in a favorable context.
in a nutshell
the reform introduced by the decree of July 4 and the decree of September 5, 2025 marks a turning point, integrating certain edged weapons into category A1 for the first time, on the same footing as firearms. However, thanks to interventions by the Syndicat professionnel NAtional de la Filière ArMurière (SNAFAM) and the Fédération Française de Coutellerie, its scope remains limited, mainly targeting marginal weapons such as “zombie” knives or knives incorporating a brass knuckle. The majority of everyday knives therefore remain subject to the previous regime, preserving the balance between public safety and freedom of use.
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