WorldWide Airsoft Regulations part 3

[CrankJJ]

Netherlands

The law places full restrictions on Airsoft Weapons, rendering possession illegal. When one looks at the Dutch law on this subject, airsoft is not explicitly mentioned, and the characteristics of airsoft weapons would place the weapons in Category I of the Dutch gun laws (legal to own and operate without a license). However, the Dutch Ministry of Justice can make exceptions, which it has for airsoft weapons, (The reason given is that the weapons look so realistic, that they can be used for intimidation), placing airsoft weapons that are 1:1 replicas and/or realistic in Category IV (illegal without any possibility of acquiring a permit). The sport itself has the same legal status as paintball, but since Airsoft players prefer 1:1 realistic replicas the Dutch players travel to Belgium instead.

New Zealand

Single-shot and semi-automatic (all automatic weapons require a special restricted endorsement) air-powered weapons are legal to possess and use in New Zealand, provided that the person is either over 18 years of age, or 16 with a firearms license. A person under 18 may not possess an air gun but may use one under the direct supervision of someone over 18 or a firearms license holder.

It is illegal to use these weapons in any manner that may endanger or intimidate members of the public (pointing, brandishing, etc) except where there is reasonable cause, such as an Airsoft game.

Police, New Zealand, Airguns Factsheet, <http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/infosheet04.html>. Retrieved on 24 July 2007

Norway

The Arms control legislation (Våpenforskrift) requires:

* One to be at least 18 years old to buy, hand over, possess and use airsoft guns.
* A firearms certificate is not required.

Philippines

Organized airsoft started in 1985, and interest in the hobby had gone up and down, several times over the past 20 years. The airsoft gaming community initially conducted their games in secrecy, but in the recent years has reached the mainstream due to the tremendous surge of newbies, owing to the advent of cheap China-made airsoft guns. Airsoft teams are mostly clan organized, with a number of groups claiming representation, to a certain extent, of the local airsoft community, organizing and coordinating between local teams, especially during big events where hundreds of players from teams all over the country converge on selected venues for friendly tournaments.

Letter of Instruction 1264, a Presidential Directive, signed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1982, bans the import, sale and public display of gun replicas, but purchase of airsoft guns and the movement of airsoft players are largely untouched by the government, with only a few confiscated shipments marring that record. No direct regulations have been placed on the airsoft community, and players of all ages and background are welcomed to play.

Philippine law considers any contraption a firearm if it fires a projectile larger than 5.5 mm in diameter, however, local media has suggested that airsofting will soon be considered officially legal provided there are a few exceptions like the proposed ordinance of repainting the replica gun to make it look less realistic and more distinguishable from an authentic firearm (similar to laws in the United States). However given the structure of the Philippine government and their method of operation, such a ratification may take several years to be processed.

As of 24 July 2006 the-then Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Oscar Calderon has signed a Memo approving a petition for classification of airsoft guns as air guns under current PNP Rules and Regulations dated 29 January 1992, and thus providing an opportunity for legal ownership and transport of airsoft guns under specific conditions. Despite the approval of the memo its validity is still a subject of debate. Under Philippine law, a memo from the Chief PNP amending the PNP Rules and Regulations cannot over rule/repeal or amend a Presidential directive. Only the Legislative body, the Supreme Court or the present President can do so. Since the PNP has the authority to classify what constitutes a gun replica and airsoft guns were deemed different from replicas there maybe no need to repeal LOI 1264 in order to achieve full legalization of airsoft in the Philippines.

At present, the current PNP Chief Director, General Avelino Razon Jr has signed a revised version of the 2006 Memo and has given the airsoft community 6 months to comply with revised rules and regulations. Airsoft guns must now be registered and airsofters must also sequester a permit to legally transport their guns to authorized game sites. Unregistered airsoft guns may be confiscated.

Poland

Airsoft guns fall into the same category as paintball guns and air-powered weapons up to 17 Joules and are available to people over 18 years of age, registration of any sort is not required. This, however, is not strictly enforced and many cheap spring replicas may be found in toy shops (due to common practice of labelling them as "toys"). Generally, the police considers airsoft replicas toys rather than "non-lethal weapons". The Polish airsoft community has formulated "Airsoft Rules", an unofficial set of rules regarding airsoft as a whole. While they are not enforced in any specific way, abiding "Airsoft Rules" is a sign of "playing fair" and belonging to the community. Excerpts from "Airsoft Rules":

* Eye protection must be worn at all times during the game.
* Brandishing replicas in public places is not allowed. Doing so may lead to ejection from the community.
* Local law enforcement (police, Forest Guard etc.) must be informed earlier about every airsoft game taking place in the area.
* Players between 16 and 18 years of age are able to participate in airsoft games only with written permission from their parents.

Portugal

Airsoft is legal in Portugal under the name of Softair. Softair falls into a specific category designated as "Arma de softair" or in English "softair gun". According to the new Guns and Ammunitions Act (DR - Lei n.°5/2006 de 23 de Fevereiro - Regime Jurídico das armas e suas munições) some of the main excerpts are:

* Any softair gun must be totally or partially painted in fluorescent red or yellow color;
* Maximum energy level at muzzle exit must not exceed 1.3 Joules (or 374 fps);
* Softair gun purchase is limited to:
o Minimum age of 18;
o Only for sport practice;
o Buyer/gun owner must be registered in a softair federation;
* Softair players/gun owners don't need to possess Public Liability insurance;
* Other special limitations may apply to softair gunsmiths and players.

This information is an excerpt of the law, for further information refer to full document (DR - Lei n.°5/2006).