How to Import a Katana to France and Europe: Duties, VAT, and Legal Rules

How do you legally import a katana to France without triggering a weapons seizure at customs, or paying more in duties than the sword is worth? The answer involves three distinct layers: Japanese export law, EU customs classification, and French domestic weapons legislation. Get any one of them wrong and you face a confiscated shipment, unexpected tax bills, or worse. This guide walks through every step, with specific rules for France and the five other major EU markets where our clients regularly import nihonto.

Is a Katana Legal to Own in France?

Yes, owning a katana in France is legal. The relevant framework is the loi du 6 mars 2012 and its implementing regulation, décret n° 2013-700, which reorganised French weapons law into eight categories. A katana, as a single-edged blade weapon with a blade exceeding 22 cm, falls under Category B (armes blanches). Category B weapons may be legally acquired and held for collection purposes without a permit or licence. You do not need to register the blade with any authority, and there is no limit on the number of blades you may own as a collector.

The critical restriction concerns transport rather than ownership. Under French law, transporting a Category B weapon requires that it be stored in a locked case with the blade completely inaccessible. In a vehicle, the case must be in the boot or a separate compartment, not within reach of the driver or passengers. Carrying a katana loose in a bag, unwrapped in a back seat, or anywhere on your person in a public space constitutes unlawful carrying (port illicite d'arme blanche). Penalties run up to one year in prison and a 15,000 EUR fine.

For antique nihonto made before 1900, the practical situation is if anything slightly more straightforward at customs because strong provenance documentation, particularly a Japanese Token Toroku-sho and an NBTHK certificate clearly stating the period, leaves no ambiguity about the item's historical character. The same transport rules apply regardless of age, but French customs officers are well accustomed to Japanese antique swords arriving with formal documentation, and a well-documented piece rarely causes delays.

EU Customs Duties and VAT on Japanese Swords

The EU customs tariff is governed by the Combined Nomenclature (CN). Antique objects over 100 years old, including antique swords, are classified under CN code 9705, which carries a 0% import duty rate. Modern swords and decorative blades are classified under CN 9307, which typically attracts a 2.7% import duty. The correct classification of your nihonto therefore matters considerably, both for cost and for clearance speed.

VAT is a separate charge applied on top of any customs duty, calculated on the customs value of the goods (CIF: cost plus insurance plus freight). It is collected by the EU member state at the point of entry and applies regardless of whether customs duty is 0% or not. Current standard VAT rates for EU countries relevant to nihonto collectors are as follows: France charges 20%, Germany 19%, Italy 22%, Spain 21%, the Netherlands 21%, and Belgium 21%.

To make this concrete: a nihonto priced at $8,000 USD imported to France as a pre-Meiji antique (CN 9705) incurs 0% customs duty, then 20% French VAT on the declared CIF value, which on an $8,000 sword with roughly $200 in insured shipping comes to approximately $1,640 in VAT. Total landed cost before any carrier handling fee: around $9,640. For the same sword classified as CN 9307 (modern), the 2.7% duty of $216 would push the VAT base slightly higher, adding a further $43 or so. Not catastrophic, but misclassification on a $20,000 piece starts to matter.

One point that is non-negotiable: the declared value on the customs invoice must match the actual price paid. Undervaluing a shipment to reduce VAT constitutes customs fraud under EU law and can result in seizure, fines, and in serious cases, criminal proceedings. Carriers such as DHL and FedEx routinely cross-check declared values against market databases for items such as antique weapons.

The Antique Exemption: Does Your Nihonto Qualify?

The EU's antique exemption under CN code 9705 applies to objects that are more than 100 years old at the time of importation. As of 2026, this means any nihonto made before 1926 qualifies. In practical terms for Japanese sword periodisation, this covers the entire Koto period (blades made before approximately 1595), the Shinto period (1596 to 1780), the Shinshinto period (1781 to 1876), and a significant portion of the Meiji-era Gendaito period (1876 to 1926). Gendaito blades made after 1926 do not currently qualify, and Showato (machine-made military swords from the 1930s and 1940s) do not qualify and also face additional scrutiny due to their wartime origins.

The practical challenge is proving age at customs without a laboratory test. This is where Japanese documentation becomes essential. An NBTHK certificate (from the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai, Japan's foremost authentication body) explicitly states the sword's period, school, and in many cases the approximate date of manufacture. When a customs officer in Paris or Frankfurt sees an NBTHK Hozon or Tokubetsu Hozon paper attributing a blade to, say, the Edo period or the Muromachi period, the antique classification is effectively self-evident. The Token Toroku-sho, issued by the Japanese prefectural Board of Education, further confirms the sword's legal registration in Japan and its physical characteristics including blade length and signature.

On the customs declaration, the description should be written clearly: "Antique Japanese sword, [Edo / Muromachi / Shinto period], for private collection, over 100 years old, CN 9705." Vague descriptions such as "decorative sword" or "Japanese weapon" invite misclassification and delays. Precision here takes thirty seconds and can save days of customs hold.

Import Rules by Country: Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium

Germany governs blade weapons under the Waffengesetz (WaffG). A katana is classified as a Hieb- und Stichwaffe (a cutting and thrusting weapon). Ownership for collection purposes is legal and does not require a permit. Transport law mirrors France: the blade must be in a locked container not accessible to the driver or passengers. Germany applies 0% duty for antiques and 19% VAT.

Italy permits the private ownership and collection of antique edged weapons without a special licence. Blades must be stored and transported in a locked case. Italian customs is generally straightforward with properly documented antique nihonto. Italy applies 0% antique duty and 22% VAT, the highest in this group.

Spain regulates armas blancas under the Ley de Armas (Real Decreto 137/1993). Katana-class weapons are regulated but legal for collection. Customs declaration with full documentation is strongly recommended to avoid administrative delays at Spanish ports of entry. Spain applies 0% antique duty and 21% VAT.

Netherlands regulates blade weapons under the Wet wapens en munitie (Wwm). Collecting antique edged weapons is legal with proper secure storage. Transport is restricted and requires a locked, inaccessible container. Dutch customs processes antique nihonto regularly given the volume of collector imports through Amsterdam. 0% antique duty, 21% VAT.

Belgium operates under a relatively permissive framework for antique collection items. Secure locked storage is the key requirement for owners. Belgian customs at Brussels Airport and Antwerp port handle antique weapon imports routinely. 0% antique duty, 21% VAT.

How to Import: The Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm documentation before paying. Before committing to a purchase, verify that the seller holds and will provide the Token Toroku-sho (刀剣登録証), any applicable NBTHK certificate, and can obtain a METI export permit. A legitimate dealer in Japan will confirm this as routine. If any of these are unavailable, reconsider the purchase.
2. Agree on the shipping method. Air freight via DHL Express or FedEx is strongly recommended. Both carriers have experience handling antique weapons, provide tracking, and offer adequate insurance options. Sea freight is not suitable for nihonto: humidity in container shipping poses a serious risk to carbon-steel blades, even in shirasaya.
3. Ensure proper packaging. The blade should be in its shirasaya (plain wood scabbard), wrapped in uchiko cloth or similar, inside a padded inner case, inside a robust outer shipping carton. If the sword ships with its full koshirae (lacquered saya, tsuka, fittings), each component should be individually padded and secured against movement. Improper packaging can damage a blade that survived 400 years in Japan.
4. Customs declaration at shipment. The seller completes the commercial invoice and customs declaration, stating the accurate sale price, describing the item as "Antique Japanese sword, [period], for private collection, over 100 years old," and declaring CN code 9705 for antique pieces (or 9307 for modern gendaito). Copies of the Token Toroku-sho and NBTHK certificate should be attached to the outside of the shipment in a document pouch.
5. Pay VAT at point of entry. The carrier (DHL, FedEx, or equivalent) will typically advance the VAT payment to customs on your behalf and collect it from you as a disbursement before releasing the package. This is standard procedure. Budget for this before the shipment departs Japan.
6. Retain all documents permanently. Keep the original Token Toroku-sho, NBTHK certificate, customs clearance paperwork, and commercial invoice in a dedicated folder. These documents follow the sword for life. Should you ever resell, donate to a museum, or need to cross a border with it, these papers are your legal cover.

Timeline: Air shipment from Japan typically takes 10 to 20 days depending on the route and season. Customs clearance in France adds 2 to 5 business days. Total time from purchase confirmation to blade in hand: typically 2 to 4 weeks.

What can go wrong: Missing Token Toroku-sho is the most serious failure mode. French and German customs have been known to seize and hold blades indefinitely when this document is absent, with return to Japan often the only resolution. An incorrect CN code results in a higher duty bill and potential re-assessment delays. Understating the declared value, while tempting given VAT rates, carries criminal liability and risks permanent confiscation.

Documentation You Need Before the Sword Ships

1. Token Toroku-sho (刀剣登録証): MANDATORY. This is the Japanese government registration card issued by the relevant prefectural Board of Education. It confirms the sword is legally registered as a cultural object under Japan's Firearms and Swords Control Law (銃刀法). Without it, the export from Japan is illegal, and EU customs may refuse entry. Every nihonto that has been legally owned in Japan since 1950 has this card. The card includes blade length, curvature, and the smith's signature if present.
2. NBTHK Certificate (where applicable). Certificates issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai at Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, or Juyo Token grade are internationally recognised proof of authenticity and period. At customs, this document transforms the import from "unspecified sword" to "authenticated Edo-period cultural artefact." It is also valuable protection against future disputes over authenticity.
3. Export Permit from METI (Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). All nihonto exports from Japan require an export permit under Japan's Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Your dealer applies for and obtains this permit before the sword can legally leave Japan. At Tokyo Nihonto, this is part of our standard shipping process and requires no action from the buyer.
4. Commercial Invoice. A detailed invoice from the seller stating the accurate purchase price in a clearly denominated currency, the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, and a precise description of the item. This becomes the basis for customs valuation and VAT calculation.
5. Shipping Insurance Documentation. High-value nihonto should be insured for the full replacement cost. Carriers typically offer declared value coverage up to a maximum; additional marine cargo insurance may be worth considering for pieces above $15,000. Keep copies of the insurance certificate with your other documents.

Critical warning: If a seller cannot or will not provide the Token Toroku-sho, do not proceed with the purchase. The absence of this document means the sword is either unregistered (illegal to own in Japan), a replica, a non-Japanese blade misrepresented as nihonto, or from a legally compromised source. No legitimate nihonto dealer in Japan ships without this card. It is not a formality: it is the legal backbone of the entire transaction.

At Tokyo Nihonto, we handle all Japanese-side paperwork including the Token Toroku-sho handover, METI export permit application, and shipper's customs declaration, and provide buyers with complete documentation scans before the sword leaves our hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to import a katana into France?

Yes. Importing a katana into France is legal for private collection purposes. The sword must clear EU customs correctly (with proper CN classification and accurate declared value), and once in France it must be stored and transported in a locked, inaccessible case under the loi du 6 mars 2012. Full documentation from Japan, including the Token Toroku-sho, is required for clean customs clearance.

Do I pay customs duties when importing a nihonto to Europe?

Antique nihonto over 100 years old qualify for 0% EU import duty under CN code 9705. Modern swords classified under CN 9307 attract a 2.7% duty. VAT is separate and always applies on top, regardless of the duty rate, at the standard rate of the destination country.

What VAT rate applies to antique swords imported into France?

France applies its standard VAT rate of 20% to imported antique swords. There is no reduced rate for antiques or cultural artefacts on import. VAT is calculated on the CIF value (cost of the sword plus insurance and freight). A reduced VAT rate of 5.5% can apply to resale of certain artworks within France, but this does not apply at the point of import.

Can I carry a katana in my car in France?

Yes, but only under strict conditions. The blade must be inside a locked case, and that case must be stored in the boot or a compartment not accessible to the driver or any passenger. Carrying a katana within reach, even in a bag, constitutes unlawful carrying and can result in up to one year in prison and a 15,000 EUR fine.

Does the NBTHK certificate help with French customs?

Yes, significantly. An NBTHK certificate, issued by Japan's leading sword authentication body, explicitly identifies the sword's period, school, and authentication grade. This confirms the antique status to customs officers, supports the CN 9705 classification for 0% duty, and reduces the likelihood of delays or additional scrutiny. It is not legally required, but it is the most effective single document for smooth clearance.

What is a Token Toroku-sho and why do I need it to import a katana?

The Token Toroku-sho (刀剣登録証) is the Japanese government registration certificate for a specific sword, issued by a prefectural Board of Education. It is legally required for a nihonto to be owned in Japan, and for it to be legally exported. EU customs increasingly expects to see this document for nihonto imports. Without it, a shipment may be held, returned to Japan, or confiscated.

How long does shipping from Japan to France take?

Air freight via DHL Express or FedEx from Japan to France typically takes 10 to 20 days in transit. Add 2 to 5 business days for customs clearance in France. Total time from purchase to delivery is usually 2 to 4 weeks. Delays most commonly occur when documentation is incomplete or customs requests additional information about the shipment.

Key Takeaways

• Importing a nihonto to France and the EU is legal and straightforward when documented correctly. The process is not difficult; it is simply precise.
• Antique nihonto over 100 years old (Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto, and early Gendaito periods) qualify for 0% EU import duty under CN code 9705. VAT still applies at your destination country's standard rate.
• The Token Toroku-sho is not optional. It is the legal foundation of every legitimate nihonto transaction and the key document for customs clearance in Europe.
• French and European weapons law permits katana ownership for collection purposes without a licence. Transport requires a locked case with the blade completely inaccessible.
• Work with a dealer who handles Japanese-side paperwork, including the METI export permit and documentation package, before the sword leaves Japan.

Further reading from our blog:

• NBTHK Certificates Explained
• How to Import a Katana to the USA
• How to Care for Your Nihonto After It Arrives

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