No, airsoft guns are illegal in China under the Regulation on the Administration of Arms and Ammunition (2023 revision), which classifies them as “imitation firearms” prohibited for civilian ownership. The Public Security Bureau (PSB) enforces strict penalties, including confiscation and criminal charges for possession or use. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Firearms Control Law further tighten restrictions, explicitly targeting airsoft replicas to curb public safety risks.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in China
- Prohibition of Possession: Civilian ownership of airsoft guns is banned nationwide, with no exceptions for recreational use. The PSB classifies them as “non-lethal but dangerous” under Article 4 of the Regulation on the Administration of Arms and Ammunition.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession may result in administrative detention (up to 15 days) or criminal prosecution under Article 125 of the Criminal Law, with sentences up to 3 years for illegal trafficking.
- Customs Enforcement: The General Administration of Customs (GAC) seizes airsoft imports at ports, citing violations of the Import and Export Regulations of Arms and Ammunition. Online sales are monitored via the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)’s real-name verification system.
Local PSB units conduct periodic inspections in urban areas, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where airsoft culture persists underground. The 2026 amendments propose mandatory biometric tracking for any firearm-related paraphernalia, including airsoft accessories. Violators face enhanced surveillance under the Social Credit System, risking travel bans or business license revocations.