You can buy things on AliExpress that are illegal in Spain. However, when it reaches customs, the legal problem is yours, not the online store’s.
A few months ago, Víctor, a Spanish user of AliExpress, shared his experience on Forocoches about what seemed like an innocent online purchase—a switchblade knife, which he bought for less than 20 euros. However, this purchase eventually resulted in an 800-euro fine from the Civil Guard.
In recent years, e-commerce platforms based in China, like AliExpress, Temu, and Shein, have experienced an unprecedented boom, despite the need to handle international shipping. They are popular in Spain due to their competitive prices… but a purchase can turn into a nightmare if local regulations are not considered when buying products.
A clear example of this is the problems arising from the purchase of prohibited products, like switchblade knives, which have already led to significant fines being imposed in Spain.
According to Víctor, he placed the order in 2022, expecting to add a new item to his collection of weapons, which already included objects like an airsoft rifle and a Nepalese knife. However, the switchblade never arrived at his home. What did arrive (a year later) was a certified letter with the fine.
The issue lies in the fact that switchblades are classified as “prohibited weapons” in Spain under Royal Decree 137/1993. This decree explicitly prohibits the manufacture, trade, storage, and possession of such weapons without the corresponding authorization.
Furthermore, this regulation was reinforced by the 2015 Citizen Security Law, which extends the ban to non-automatic knives if they have a blade longer than 11 centimeters. Víctor’s switchblade, with an 8-centimeter blade, was intercepted by the customs surveillance service, which triggered the fine.
“Fine paid and receipt sent to the Civil Guard.
It cost me dearly, but lesson learned.”
Fines: What Risk Do Consumers Face?
Víctor’s case is not an isolated incident: another user from the same forum shared his surprise when, a year and a half after ordering a classic stiletto knife that never arrived, he was hit with a 400-euro fine. In this case, the fine was triggered by an item that cost around 10 euros. The price of the knife, of course, was irrelevant in light of the illegality of its acquisition.
These kinds of sanctions are not rare. In fact, fines can vary depending on the severity of the violation, ranging from 300 euros to 30,000 euros, depending on the type of weapon and the circumstances.
In many cases, buyers are unaware that what they are purchasing, even though it is easily available online (after all, AliExpress is not doing anything illegal by sending the product from China), is subject to specific regulations in Spain.
Who Is Responsible: The Buyer or the Platform?
In situations like these, consumers may feel frustrated and wonder if the e-commerce platform should take some responsibility. However, companies like AliExpress wash their hands of such situations: according to the platform’s policies, their business model is based on offering products globally, but they are not responsible for the legality of the items in each country.
This gap leaves the consumer responsible for ensuring that what they buy complies with the laws of the country where they live, especially when it comes to items that may be subject to regulations, like weapons or certain electronic devices.
How to Avoid Problems with Online Purchases
To avoid situations like those described, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of local regulations before making any purchase on e-commerce platforms.
- Avoid sensitive products: Even if the product seems harmless, if it belongs to a sensitive category like weapons, knives, or certain devices, it’s better to reconsider the purchase.
- Read the provider’s terms: International sellers often do not include clear warnings about the legality of their products in certain countries. Therefore, it’s recommended to research the product before adding it to your cart.
- Keep records of purchases: If a problem arises, having proof of the purchase and the context can be helpful, both in claims with the platform and with authorities.
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