The supply and sale of machetes across Victoria is now permanently banned.
From 1 September 2025, it is illegal to own, carry, use, buy or sell a machete in Victoria unless you have an exemption or official approval.
Machetes are now classified as a prohibited weapon under Victoria’s Control of Weapons laws.
This means you must not sell a machete unless:
Possession without exemption or valid approval can lead to:
- up to 2 years in prison, or
- a fine of more than $47,000.
Find out more information at vic.gov.au/machete-ban.
Previous interim ban on the supply of machetes
An interim ban on the supply of machetes across Victoria applied from 28 May 2025 to 31 August 2025 under the Australian Consumer Law.
The interim supply ban applied to all machetes, defined as large broad-bladed cutting knives. Machetes can vary in shape and size. Examples include but are not limited to the images below.
All items classified as a machete were covered. The ban used the ordinarily understood definition of a machete and included photos to help guide interpretation.
Example images of machetes under the interim ban:
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.
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 was unlawful for online retailers to sell machetes into Victoria during the interim ban, and it was also unlawful to export machetes from Victoria under the ban.
Read the interim ban order: