There is currently an interim ban in place on the sale of machetes across Victoria.
This ban was made under the Australian Consumer Law and came into effect from 12 midday on Wednesday 28 May 2025.
The interim ban applies to all machetes, being large broad-bladed cutting knives and is a ban of all sales of machetes in or into Victoria, both in store and online. There are no exemptions while the interim ban is in place.
Later this year, legislation will come into effect to introduce a permanent ban on the possession, use and sale of machetes in Victoria under Control of Weapons laws.
What are banned machetes?
The interim sale ban applies to all machetes, defined as large-bladed cutting knives. This definition aligns with the proposed permanent ban set to take effect later this year.
All items classified as a machete are covered. The ban uses the ordinarily understood definition of a machete and includes photos to help guide interpretation.
The interim ban does not affect the legitimate use of existing goods owned by community members.
The Victoria Government Gazette includes the definition of a machete.
Example images of machetes:
Consumer Affairs Victoria enforcing the ban
We will work with affected retailers to help them comply with the ban. We understand that retailers will need to quickly remove products that are now subject to the ban and store them securely. However, the regulator will take a zero-tolerance approach to the active, ongoing selling of machetes.
Maximum penalties for breaching an interim product safety ban are $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for companies.
CAV has a range of powers to monitor and enforce product safety bans including to conduct inspections, issue warnings, fines, seize banned products or issue civil or criminal court action.
To report a business selling these products while the interim ban is in place, call CAV on 1300 55 81 81, report online via www.consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us or use our online form:
Report machete sales
No exemption to ban
The Australian Consumer Law does not allow exemptions to the ban on the sale of machetes during the interim ban period. It is a total ban on sales.
Once Victoria’s new permanent Control of Weapons laws take effect, exemptions may be permitted for legitimate uses such as agriculture.
What should retailers do with existing stock?
Retailers are advised to store excess stock in a safe location until the disposal, amnesty and exemption schemes for banned machetes starts when the prohibition comes into force later this year.
Does the ban apply to online sales or only in store?
Product safety bans under the Australian Consumer Law apply to all supply or offers to supply in Victoria, whether sold in person or online. This means it is unlawful for online retailers to sell machetes into Victoria during the interim ban, and it is also unlawful to export machetes from Victoria under the ban.
Machetes will be prohibited weapons later this year
Machetes will be classified as prohibited weapons under Victoria’s Control of Weapons Act from later this year. The interim machete sale ban will expire at this time. There may be some legitimate use and sale of machetes under exemptions later this year. Any exemptions will be subject to ministerial approval.
Find out more information at vic.gov.au/machete-ban
Read the interim ban order:
• Interim ban order on the supply of machetes in Victoria (PDF, 463KB)