Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Airsoft Rifles/Pistols and Airsoft Game Sites and Airsoft Teams

December 4, 2007

FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES DIVISION PNP CIRCULAR NO. 11-07

REVISED RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION, SALE, POSSESSION, CARRYING OF AIRSOFT RIFLES/PISTOLS AND OPERATION OF AIRSOFT GAME SITES AND AIRSOFT TEAMS

I

References

a. Memo Circular 08 entitled Rules and Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Sale, Possession and Carrying of Airsoft Rifle/Pistol dated September 27, 2006.

b. Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Sale, Possession and Carrying of AirRifles/Pistols dated January 29, 1992.

c. Executive Order No. 256 entitled "Schedule of Fees" dated December 21, 1995.

d. Standard Operating Procedure Number 13 entitled "Licensing of Firearms" dated October 2001. CHDTIS

e. Memorandum Circular Number 99-009 entitled "Manufacture and Repair of Firearms" dated March 16, 1999.

f. Memorandum Circular Number 07 entitled "Recognition/Operation of Gun Clubs" dated June 2006.

II

Purpose

This Circular prescribes the rules and regulations governing the manufacture, dealership, importation, exportation, sale, possession, and carriage of airsoft rifles/pistols and operation of airsoft teams and game sites.

III

Scope

This Circular shall apply to all natural and juridical persons who intend to manufacture, deal, import, export, sell, possess and carry airsoft rifles/pistols which has been classified as a special type of gun. This Circular also sets the provision for the establishment and operation of airsoft teams and game sites. DHEcCT

IV

Definition of Airsoft Rifle/Pistol

Airsoft Rifle/Pistol defined herein used includes battery operated, spring and gas type powered rifles/pistols which discharge plastic or rubber pellets only as bullets or ammunition. This differs from replica as the latter does not fire plastic or rubber pellet.

V

Restriction

Airsoft Rifle/Pistol as herein classified as special type of air gun, shall be used in sporting activities such as war game simulation only. All airsoft rifle/pistol shall not exceed 550 feet per second velocity using a 20 gram BB. Otherwise, an airsoft rifle/pistol exceeding the prescribed limit shall not be eligible for registration. CDHAcI

VI

Manufacture and Sale

All natural and juridical persons who intend to manufacture or sell airsoft rifle/pistol shall apply for a license to manufacture or license to deal airsoft rifles/pistols under the existing rules and regulations of the Philippine National Police thru Firearms and Explosives Division of the Civil Security Group as provided for under the provision of Revised Memorandum Circular Number 99-009.

VII

Markings

Upon the one-time registration with the FED-CSG, PNP, for those airsoft rifles/pistols with no serial numbers, a barcode sticker bearing a permanently assigned unique serial number shall be affixed on a conspicuous part of the airsoft rifle/pistol. Said barcode sticker shall remain valid for the lifetime of the gun. HAaScT

Those airsoft rifles/pistols with existing serial numbers shall be registered using their individually affixed serial numbers.

Duplication of serial numbers and/or falsification of barcode stickers shall be deemed as a violation of this Circular which shall result to the revocation of any airsoft license issued to the holder.

Airsoft rifle and pistols must be painted with bright red or orange color at the tip of the muzzle, not less than 6.35 centimeters in length.

VIII

Registration

Any person who desires to possess airsoft rifle/pistol shall file his application in accordance with PNP SOP Number 13 entitled "Licensing of Firearms" except that minimum age shall be 18 years of age for airsoft rifle/pistol. The one time registration for airgun shall be applied to airsoft rifle/pistol. In case of transfer of ownership to a qualified citizen, the required procedure in the transfer of regular air gun shall apply. A licensed airsoft rifle/pistol holder shall not transfer physical possession of his registered airsoft rifle/pistol until the application for license to possess airsoft rifle/pistol is approved by FED-CSG.

IX

Transport of Airsoft Rifle/Pistol

A Permit To Transport (PTT) airsoft rifle/pistol shall be required for the transport of all airsoft rifles/pistols from the place of residence to any game or exhibition site. Application for a Permit To Transport (PTT) airsoft rifle/pistol shall be filed at the FED-CSG for Metro Manila applicants and their respective Municipal, City, Provincial Police Offices or at FESAGS. IcHSCT

The Permit To Transport airsoft shall cover a maximum of five (5) airsoft units, whether rifles, pistols or a combination of both. The permit shall be valid nationwide for a period of one year, except in areas where there is prevalence of crime and lawlessness.

While in transit, all airsoft rifle/pistols shall be placed in secured bags or cases.

X

Import and Export of Airsoft

Any person engaged or intending to engage in the import and export of airsoft rifles/pistols shall first secure the corresponding import or export permit from the Philippine National Police through the FED-CSG prior to actual import and export of said items. EDSAac

XI

Airsoft Teams

Airsoft teams shall seek accreditation with the FED-CSG. Each airsoft team shall have a minimum of ten (10) registered owners of airsoft rifle/pistol, a permanent address, a president, and shall abide by the Code of Conduct, Safety, and Rules of Engagement for Games which shall be formulated by the Airsoft Association of the Philippines for airsoft players which shall be applicable and binding upon all, during games.

XII

Airsoft Game Sites

Prior to the use of a particular area as airsoft game site, the operator or the duly authorized person in charge of the proposed airsoft game site shall request in writing with the Chief of Police, who has jurisdiction over the said area for the conduct of any war game, simulation, shooting competition or exhibition of airsoft rifles/pistols. CTSDAI

XIII

Miscellaneous Provisions

Existing manufacturers or dealers and present holders of airsoft rifle/pistol shall have a grace period of six (6) months from date hereof to apply for manufacturer or dealers license and to present their air rifle/pistol to the Firearms Management Branch (FMB), Firearms and Explosives Division-Civil Security Group for testing and payment of corresponding fees.

All licensed dealers of airsoft rifle/pistol shall secure the necessary permits prior to the conduct of airsoft/pistol show or exhibition.

XIV

Rescission Clause

All rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby rescinded or modified accordingly.

XV

Penal Clause

Any violation of the above provisions shall be a ground for cancellation of the Certificate of Registration issued by FED and confiscation of the item/s without prejudice to the filing of civil/criminal charges as evidence warrants.

XVI

Effectivity

These rules and regulations shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: December 4, 2007

 

(SGD.) AVELINO I. RAZON, JR.Police Director General

Published in the National Administrative Register, Vol. XIX No. 1 (January-March 2008).