What does the european parliament say on airsoft guns?

Some of you may know that the EAA - European Airsoft Association is intervening in the European Union for airsoft guns not to be classified as standard firearms. The latest reports are that the situation is developing positively, but the pressure remains. The point is that the proposed change will have to be approved first.  Since last November, the EU has been considering a change to the firearms directives that would specifically define replicas - including airsoft guns - as real firearms. This change would also apply to weapons that resemble military weapons.

The result of passing such a law would be that the vast majority of airsoft guns would be banned from public use by this change. The few types of guns that would not be restricted, would be very difficult to obtain - they would have to be registered. The authors of this proposal would thus essentially wipe airsoft out of EU countries - which would be Armageddon for airsoft fans.

Where is airsoft heading?

The European Airsoft Association was founded precisely for the purpose of such situations. It has spent the last 5 months doing everything it can to save airsoft in Europe.

The EAA is working with people in the airsoft industry and with manufacturers as it seeks to mobilize thousands of players to contact their local European Parliament representatives. It has already participated in a number of meetings with members of parliament and commissions.

At every meeting, airsoft as a sport is pointed out and efforts are made to get others to see the pointlessness and impracticality of the proposal. We are trying to make sure that airsoft specifically is not restricted in this proposal.

The EAA representative - President Joachim - has been to Brussels several times and attended the recent symposium.

Before efforts to save airsoft began, the EU was not even aware that replica guns had legal uses. After the campaign, airsoft is now seen positively even by members of the European Parliament.

The initial draft was considered by Vicky Ford MP and the EAA worked with her team to ensure that the much-needed change to the draft was added to her report on the draft. The report was published in early April and right at the beginning of the document is this paragraph:

"(3b) The term firearm should continue to exclude such devices which fire pellets, bullets and projectiles by means of a non-chemical and non-flammable reaction, for example by means of compressed air or other gas. This exemption should also apply to so-called airsoft guns as well as to objects which only resemble firearms in appearance (replicas, imitations). In both cases, such devices could not be converted into a firearm, nor could they contain components that could be used in firearms. Member States should be able to regulate such devices independently by their own national law."

This is great news! The airsoft community has been heard and has proven it can defend itself!

It is very important to understand that airsoft has not yet won, because the European Parliament still has to vote in order to approve the proposal. In any case, the goal is now within reach.  If the proposal is approved, airsoft guns will be defined in European law as a 'non-firearm'. Our favorite sport and hobby will once again be safe.

There was a similar issue with blank grenades, which would also have been restricted by this law, but our concerted effort to highlight and raise awareness of airsoft helped make the proposed change more specific and allow airsoft enthusiasts to continue to enjoy their hobby.

If you want to learn more about this issue - keep an eye on www.euroairsoft.org and the FB page https://www.facebook.com/euroairsoft. And if you are a fan of airsoft, check out our wide range of airsoft guns.