QuestionsQuestions (FED PNP CIRCULAR NO. 11)
The circular covers rules and regulations on the manufacture, dealership, importation, exportation, sale, possession, and carriage (carrying/transport) of airsoft rifles/pistols, as well as the operation/accreditation of airsoft game sites and airsoft teams.
An airsoft rifle/pistol includes battery-, spring-, or gas-powered rifles/pistols that discharge plastic or rubber pellets as bullets/ammunition. It differs from a “replica,” which does not fire plastic/rubber pellets.
Airsoft rifles/pistols used as a special type of air gun for sporting activities (war game simulation only) must not exceed 550 feet per second (fps) using a 20 gram BB.
An airsoft rifle/pistol exceeding the prescribed 550 fps limit is not eligible for registration.
Applications must be filed for a license to manufacture or license to deal with the Philippine National Police through the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Civil Security Group (FED-CSG).
The circular states that licensing will be under the existing rules and regulations of Revised Memorandum Circular No. 99-009 (including reference to memoranda and SOPs listed in the circular).
Upon one-time registration with FED-CSG, PNP, a barcode sticker bearing a permanently assigned unique serial number must be affixed on a conspicuous part of the airsoft rifle/pistol, and it remains valid for the lifetime of the gun.
They must be registered using their individually affixed serial numbers.
Airsoft rifles 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.
Duplication of serial numbers and/or falsification of barcode stickers is deemed a violation of the circular and will result in the revocation of any airsoft license issued to the holder.
Minimum age is 18 years old for airsoft rifle/pistol possession.
In case of transfer of ownership to a qualified citizen, the transfer procedure for a regular air gun applies. Also, a licensed airsoft rifle/pistol holder shall not transfer physical possession until the application for license to possess is approved by FED-CSG.
A PTT is required for transport of all airsoft rifles/pistols from the place of residence to any game or exhibition site. Application is filed at FED-CSG for Metro Manila applicants and their respective Municipal/City/Provincial Police Offices or at FESAGS.
The PTT covers a maximum of five (5) airsoft units (rifles, pistols, or combination). The permit is valid nationwide for one year, except in areas with prevalence of crime and lawlessness.
While in transit, all airsoft rifles/pistols must be placed in secured bags or cases.
Any person engaged in or intending to engage in import and export must first secure the corresponding import or export permit from PNP through FED-CSG prior to the actual import/export.
An airsoft team must seek accreditation with FED-CSG and have at least ten (10) registered owners, a permanent address, a president, and must abide by the Code of Conduct Safety and Rules of Engagement for games formulated by the Airsoft Association of the Philippines.
The operator or duly authorized person must request in writing with the Chief of Police who has jurisdiction over the area for the conduct of a war game/simulation/shooting competition or exhibition.
They are given a six (6) month grace period from the effectivity date to apply for the manufacturer/dealer license and to present their air rifles/pistols to the Firearms Management Branch (FMB), Firearms and Explosives Division-Civil Security Group for testing and payment of corresponding fees.
Any violation is a ground for cancellation of the Certificate of Registration issued by FED and confiscation of the item/s, without prejudice to filing civil or criminal charges as evidence warrants.