BELGIAN LEGISLATION & TIPS
Legal classification (Belgium)
• Freely available weapons: Airsoft replicas and certain air weapons fall under the category of freely available weapons. This means that they can be purchased without a permit by persons aged 18 and over.
Carrying weapons:
• Carrying a freely available weapon is only permitted if a legal reason can be demonstrated.
Transport of weapons is only permitted between:
• Place of residence or stay and the airsoft event.
• Place of residence or stay and a recognised dealer or private individual after purchase or for repair.
Precautions during transport:
• Store the replica in the loading area of the vehicle. Make sure that it is not visible if someone looks in the boot, for example (e.g. sedans, hatchbacks, MPVs)
• Transport the replica unloaded, with batteries, magazines and BBs (pellets) separated from the weapon.
• Use a locked case or a trigger lock for extra security.
• Make sure that the replica is not within reach during transport.
Failure to comply with gun laws can result in serious sanctions, fines and even prison sentences.
Usage:
In the garden (i.e. private property) these may be used, although this may not be visible from the public road. It is advisable to inform your neighbours, so that they are aware of this and do not take the risk of contacting the security services due to panic.
The purchase of airsoft replicas, airguns, is limited to persons +18. Making them available is permitted, for example a father buys them and makes them available to his son/daughter. The son/daughter must be informed by the owner (e.g. father) of the legal provisions in this regard.
In Belgium, shooting birds, cats and other animals is prohibited, unless one has a valid hunting permit and acts within the provisions of the hunting legislation. The use of weapons against animals outside this context is considered animal abuse and is punishable.
For specific information on the applicable legislation and any exceptions, it is recommended to consult the official Belgian firearms legislation and hunting regulations.
In Belgium, the use of weapons, such as air rifles, for combating vermin such as rats and mice is subject to regulations. It is essential to respect Belgian legislation and local regulations when combating vermin. So make sure if you have any doubts as this is the case. Violations can lead to legal sanctions. For specific questions or situations, it is wise to seek legal advice or consult the competent authorities.
In order to be able to handle them safely and not cause accidents, there are four basic rules to help you
1. Every weapon must always be considered loaded (even if you are 100% sure that it is not ready to fire), this will prevent accidents.
2. Never point the barrel of your weapon at something or someone that you do not want to hit.
3. Finger next to the trigger unless the aiming organs are aimed at the target that you want to hit. The startle puts more force on your finger than the resistance of the trigger that can fire a shot if you shoot.
4. You are sure of your target and its surroundings (look beyond your target to make sure there is nothing you do not want/may not hit.
As an additional rule, we would like to advise you to keep your weapon on the safe position as much as possible and only have it ready to shoot when you are really in the action. Especially in the safe zone (at airsoft events), your weapon may not be ready to shoot.
And last but not least (which is sometimes a misconception by private individuals)
Airsoft Replicas / Airguns / ... may not be sold or purchased via the internet.
Many people think that because they are available online abroad, they are allowed to buy them online. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is forbidden for residents of Belgium to purchase them on an online platform. This is under penalty of illegal arms trade (obtaining freely available weapons illegally).