Is it Against the Law to Purchase a Sex Doll?

Owning a sex doll may seem like a normal thing in modern times, especially for men living in a modern world where society is gradually liberalizing and more and more people are striving to challenge religious beliefs.

The world of human sexuality is diverse and continually evolving, with various avenues for exploring one's desires and preferences. Among the modern innovations that have gained attention in recent years are sex dolls, meticulously crafted lifelike replicas designed to fulfill intimate needs and fantasies. However, along with the rise in popularity of sex dolls comes questions about their legality. Is it illegal to buy a sex doll? 

The world of sex dolls has stirred intrigue and fascination, but many individuals find themselves wondering about the legalities surrounding the purchase and ownership of these intimate companions. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the complex legal landscape to answer the burning question: Is it legal to buy sex dolls?

In many countries there are no clear laws prohibiting the purchase and possession of sex dolls, however, in some regions and countries, sex dolls can still get people into serious trouble, either being seized for destruction or breaking the law. Perhaps out of religion or belief, they believe that human beings are sacred and should coexist with human beings, and these artificial humanoid characters are low-level, tasteless, and a huge taboo.

In which countries is it illegal to buy and own sex dolls? Here is a list of 15 countries that explicitly make sex dolls illegal.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the second largest tourist destination in the Middle East, with more than 20 million tourists a year visiting the beautiful sand dunes and ancient tombs. However, in addition to banning alcohol and eating pork, the country also bans adult sex dolls. Adult dolls and other related items are prohibited under Islamic law as they are products of sinful desires.

But there are also so-called "halal shops" in Mecca, but instead of selling sex dolls, they sell items such as scented candles, essential oils and face creams, designed to improve the atmosphere and increase attractiveness.

Iraq and Iran

Both Iraq and Iran are Muslim countries with absolutely zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs and sex dolls. Since both countries were strict and tended to keep their laws and administration a secret from the outside world, the punishment was relatively light, but confiscation was inevitable.

In one incident in 2017, Iraqi troops discovered a basement filled with alcohol, soft drugs and sex dolls, and determined that both Iraqi and Iranian citizens were involved in the trade. The exact details of the punishment were not released to the public, but it is safe to say that the men will not be released easily.

Kuwait

According to Facsimile, human dolls will be legalized in Kuwait, however, that has not happened until 2021. According to reports, the customs once found the relevant express, but it was destroyed immediately, and the person who ordered the goods was taken away for questioning and imposed a financial fine for breaking the law.

Mauritius

Middle Eastern countries are not the only regions in the world with so-called "abstinence" laws. Africa also has clear laws prohibiting the import of love dolls.

Mauritius is an island nation known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and animals like monkeys and turtles roaming the streets. It is currently one of the most popular countries to visit, however, the locals are very strict about what is brought into the country, and sex dolls are one of the prohibited items. In Mauritius, if you are caught buying a sex doll, you may face up to a year in prison and risk 100,000 Mauritian rupees (about 2,500 U.S. dollars).

Mexico

Didn't expect to see this country on the list, did you? In my impression, Mexico is a passionate country, but there are some things you can't do in Mexico, one of which is buying sex dolls.

On the other hand, similar stores exist in Mexico, however, you can only buy underwear and some fetish items there, such as various leather goods and eye masks.

Maldives

Tropical islands are definitely everyone's dream travel destination, but in the Maldives, real dolls are also banned. In fact, it will be confiscated during express inspection, and the authorities may even sentence you to jail. A man was once sentenced to 6 months in prison for possessing dolls.

Panama

The laws in Panama are a bit odd, to say the least. It's unclear whether sex dolls are actually illegal or what the penalties are for breaking the law. However, no love dolls appear to exist in the country, nor do companies in the industry claim to have sold their products to Panama.

Thailand

Thailand and Mexico are two of the most surprising countries. Because sex dolls are not allowed in this country known as "the city that never sleeps" and "men's paradise", but they have the largest "third group" in the world.

Thailand is rich in culture, adventure, and food, and you might think their society is liberal because ladyboys are so common there. But no, sex dolls are illegal here, it is listed as a prohibited item in Thailand, and although the punishment is not very severe, there is still a certain fine.

Vietnam

In 2011, the Vietnam General Administration of Customs announced that sex doll-related products would not be allowed to enter the country.

Although the country's laws have been "softened" and there are related shops, in the short term, the country is still repulsive, even if the punishment is not as severe as some of the countries mentioned above.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a very popular tourist destination because shopping is surprisingly cheap.

While it may seem like a laid-back place, both possession and sale of sex dolls are illegal under Malaysian penal law. Unlike Vietnam and Thailand, in Malaysia, if you are caught carrying any adult doll related items, you will be fined and jailed for up to 3 years.

Alabama, USA

Adult dolls seem to be a problem, even in some parts of the US. The sale of sex dolls has been criminalized under state statutes enacted in 1998, which define a love doll as any doll product designed or marketed for human stimulation.

Norway (children's dolls under 125cm)

If you live in Norway, you are allowed to buy large size sex dolls, but if you don't want to end up paying huge fines or even going to jail for 3 years, there is a law to be aware of.

Back in 2017, Norway's Supreme Court signed a law banning citizens from buying miniature sex dolls under 125 centimeters, amid concerns that small, real-life dolls pose a risk of child abuse.

India

India, an exotic country and the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, has no shortage of strange laws when it comes to products like sex dolls.

The Indian Penal Code states that any book, picture, person or object which should be considered obscene if it elicits inappropriate thoughts and actions will be prohibited. This means that adult nude dolls can be either legal or illegal, depending on how they look and are marketed.

Brazil

Brazil is yet another surprising country, the country of origin of the passionate samba, that would reject sex dolls. But it must be said that there are no clear laws and regulations in the country that clearly state the legality of sex dolls.

Real sex dolls are not available for purchase in Brazil, a related website explicitly states that they are illegal, but no further information. On the other hand, there is another article that says that Brazil and Norway have similar laws where only adult dolls that meet a limited size are available for purchase.

Getting information on sex dolls in Brazil can be a bit difficult, so if you know Brazil and the laws regarding the legality of real dolls, share them in the comments!

In conclusion, the legality of buying sex dolls is a complex and region-specific matter. In many countries, owning and purchasing sex dolls for personal use is legal, as long as the dolls do not depict childlike features or promote harmful activities. However, legal boundaries may differ, and some regions may have specific restrictions or regulations in place. It is crucial for individuals to research and understand the laws in their respective countries to ensure compliance and a hassle-free experience with their intimate companions. As with any purchase, awareness of legal considerations is key to embracing the pleasure and companionship that sex dolls offer within the bounds of the law.

In the evolving landscape of human intimacy, sex dolls have become a point of discussion, sparking debates on legality, ethics, and societal implications. While owning a sex doll is generally not illegal in many jurisdictions, it's essential to be aware of the specific laws and regulations that apply in your region. Additionally, it's important to consider the ethical and moral dimensions associated with sex dolls and their potential impact on personal relationships and societal norms. As the conversation around sex dolls continues, it's crucial to engage in open dialogue, informed by both legal knowledge and thoughtful consideration of the broader implications.