NOTES AND LEGAL WARNINGS

Notes and legal warning

In accordance with recent legislative developments, we present this information to clarify the current provisions regarding the possession and use of cutting tools in Italy.

New Security Decree and Knives –Law No. 54 of 24 April 2026

Decree-Law No. 23 of 24 February 2026 (the "Security Decree") has been converted, with amendments, into Law No. 54 of 24 April 2026, published in the Italian Official Gazette No. 95 of 24 April 2026.

Distinction between Possession, Transport, and Carrying

• POSSESSION (Possesso): Refers to the ownership/detention of a cutting tool in a private place (home, premises, shop, or warehouse). This does not require specific justification.
• TRANSPORT (Trasporto): Identifies the movement of a cutting tool, appropriately secured, between two locations, in a manner that is not immediately available or ready for use and in a condition of non-immediate access (e.g., in a backpack, suitcase, toolbox, non-accessible containers, or the car trunk). Transport is permitted for a justified reason, contextual consistency, or valid motivation.
• CARRYING (Porto): Occurs when you are carrying a cutting tool, ready for use outside home (in hand, in a pocket, on a belt, in the passenger compartment, or in a backpack within reach/immediately usable). Carrying is permitted exclusively for a justified reason that is valid, current, concrete, and consistent with the context.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

1. Folding knives with a single edge and sharp point, with a blade of 5 cm or more, equipped with a blade lock or one-hand opening, are permitted for possession. Possession, transport, and carrying are allowed only with a concrete and consistent justified reason. Carrying such items outside home without a justified reason is a criminal offense, punishable by 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment.
2. Fixed-blade knives with a single edge and sharp point, with a blade of 8 cm or more (including kitchen knives, carving knives, technical knives, and work tools), are permitted for possession. Transport and carrying are allowed only with a concrete and consistent justified reason. Carrying outside home without a justified reason is a criminal offense, punishable by 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment.
3. Double-edged knives (daggers/stilettos), switchblades (automatic), butterfly knives (balisongs), and disguised or concealed knives are permitted for possession and transport only with a concrete and consistent justified reason. Carrying (Porto) is strictly prohibited, and no justified reason is recognized for this category. Please note that, for some of the categories listed above, the purchase and possession may be subject to specific authorization titles (Firearms License or Police Clearance/Permit) and to reporting to the competent authorities, in accordance with current legislation on cold weapons.

Warning: The blade length thresholds introduced by the decree identify specific cases but do not replace the general principle of “justified reason”, which remains the determining factor. The 5 cm and 8 cm thresholds serve to identify specific cases subject to more severe penalties.

If a blade is shorter than 5 cm (or 8 cm for fixed blades), it does not mean it can be carried freely: a justified reason must still exist.

In the final law, folding knives with a single edge and sharp point (blade ≥ 5 cm, with lock or one-hand opening) are now governed by Art. 4 of Law 110/1975. This means carrying them outside home is a criminal offense without a justified reason. It is not a generalized freedom to carry, but a requirement to have a concrete, current motive. Even with a legitimate motive, it is always advisable to transport the knife closed, not immediately available for use, and in a manner consistent with the activity being performed.

PROTECTION OF MINORS AND LIABILITY

The sale or transfer of such tools to individuals under the age of 18 is strictly PROHIBITED (ref. Art. 4 c. 8 and Art. 4-bis c. 1 of Law 110/1975).

• Age Verification: At the time of purchase, the retailer is obliged to request a valid ID, except in cases where the customer is clearly of age. Refusal to provide ID prevents the completion of the sale. This regulation also applies to e-commerce sales through technical updates to websites and platforms using effective age verification systems.
• Minors: A minor cannot be the legitimate recipient or have autonomous and stable possession of a cutting tool. Use is permitted only under the direct responsibility and supervision of a parent or legal guardian, limited to the time and methods strictly connected to lawful activities, with custody immediately returned to the adult upon completion.

Sanctions:

• Parents/Guardians: If a minor commits an offense related to illegal carrying (Art. 4 c. 8 and Art. 4-bis c. 1), the person exercising parental responsibility is subject to an administrative fine ranging from €200 to €1,000.
• Retailers: Merchants who sell to minors face a fine from €500 to €3,000 and a potential closure of the business for up to 15 days for the first violation. In case of repeat offenses, the fine increases and the business license may be revoked.

Note: The possession and carrying of cutting tools are regulated by laws that vary significantly by national jurisdiction. It is the user’s responsibility to consult with competent authorities and review the laws in force in their state of residence.