Rules for Airsoft Rifles/Pistols Use and Handling

Legal basis and cited references

The circular implements prior firearms licensing and airsoft-related regulatory frameworks by reference to existing PNP regulations.
Prior issuances cited for licensing and firearms-related procedures include PNP SOP No. 13 (“Licensing of Firearms”) dated October 2001 under Section I(d).
Prior issuances cited for manufacture and related controls include Memorandum Circular No. 99-009 (“Manufacture and Repair of Firearms”) dated March 16, 1999 under Section I(e).
Prior issuances cited for recognition and operation of gun clubs include Memorandum Circular No. 07 (“Recognition/Operation of Gun Clubs”) dated June 2006 under Section I(f).
The circular also references fee scheduling and earlier airsoft regulatory issuances, including Memo Circular 08 dated September 27, 2006 and Implementing Rules and Regulations dated January 29, 1992 under Section I(a) and Section I(b).
Fee-related reference is made to Executive Order No. 256 (“Schedule of Fees”) dated December 21, 1995 under Section I(c).

Purpose and policy focus

The circular prescribes rules governing the manufacture, dealership, importation, exportation, sale, possession, and carriage of airsoft rifles/pistols.
The circular prescribes rules governing the operation of airsoft game sites.
The circular prescribes rules governing the operation and accreditation of airsoft teams.
The circular classifies airsoft rifles/pistols as a special type of air gun for purposes of control and compliance.

Definitions and what counts as airsoft

An “airsoft rifle/pistol” includes battery operated, spring, and gas type powered rifles/pistols.
An airsoft rifle/pistol is characterized by discharging plastic or rubber pellets only as bullets or ammunition.
Airsoft rifle/pistol is defined in distinction from a replica, which does not fire plastic or rubber pellets.

Coverage: who must comply

The circular applies to all natural and juridical persons who intend to manufacture, deal, import, export, sell, possess, and carry airsoft rifles/pistols.
The circular applies to persons and groups seeking establishment and operation of airsoft teams and game sites.
Airsoft game site operations are covered when an area is proposed for war game simulation, shooting competition, or exhibition of airsoft rifles/pistols under Section XII.

Substantive restrictions on airsoft use

Airsoft rifles/pistols, classified as special type of air gun, must be used only in sporting activities such as war game simulation under Section V.
Airsoft rifles/pistols must not exceed 550 feet per second velocity using a 20 gram BB under Section V.
An airsoft rifle/pistol exceeding the prescribed limit under Section V is not eligible for registration.

Licensing for manufacture, dealing, and possession

Persons intending to manufacture or sell airsoft rifles/pistols must apply for a license to manufacture or a license to deal.
Licenses for manufacture or dealing are obtained under existing PNP rules through the Philippine National Police via the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Civil Security Group (FED-CSG) under Section VI.
Possession requires a registration application filed in accordance with PNP SOP No. 13 (“Licensing of Firearms”).
The minimum age for airsoft rifle/pistol possession is 18 years of age under Section VIII.
The one-time registration for airguns is applied to airsoft rifles/pistols under Section VIII.
A licensed airsoft rifle/pistol holder must not transfer physical possession of a registered airsoft rifle/pistol until the application for a license to possess is approved by FED-CSG under Section VIII.
Transfer of ownership to a qualified citizen follows the required procedure for transfer of a regular air gun under Section VIII.

Markings, serial numbers, and color requirement

For airsoft rifles/pistols with no serial numbers, a one-time registration with FED-CSG, PNP authorizes the affixing of a barcode sticker with a permanently assigned unique serial number on a conspicuous part of the airsoft rifle/pistol.
The barcode sticker validity extends for the lifetime of the gun.
Airsoft rifles/pistols with existing serial numbers must be registered using their individually affixed serial numbers.
Duplication of serial numbers and/or falsification of barcode stickers constitutes a violation that results in the revocation of any airsoft license issued to the holder under Section VII.
Airsoft rifles and pistols must be painted with bright red or orange color at the tip of the muzzle, with a length of not less than 6.35 centimeters.

Transport and limits under Permit to Transport

A Permit To Transport (PTT) airsoft rifle/pistol is required to transport airsoft rifles/pistols from a place of residence to any game or exhibition site under Section IX.
PTT applications are filed with the FED-CSG for Metro Manila applicants and with the respective Municipal/City/Provincial Police Offices or FESAGS for other applicants under Section IX.
A PTT covers a maximum of five (5) airsoft units, whether rifles, pistols, or a combination of both.
The PTT is valid nationwide for one year, except in areas with prevalence of crime and lawlessness under Section IX.
While in transit, all airsoft rifles/pistols must be placed in secured bags or cases under Section IX.

Import and export permit requirement

Any person engaged or intending to engage in import and export of airsoft rifles/pistols must first secure the corresponding import or export permit from the PNP through FED-CSG prior to actual import and export under Section X.

Airsoft teams: accreditation and conduct

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

Airsoft game sites: written request and police jurisdiction

Prior to using an area as an airsoft game site, the operator or duly authorized person in charge must request in writing with the Chief of Police having jurisdiction over the area under Section XII.
The request is for conduct of any war game, simulation, shooting competition, or exhibition of airsoft rifles/pistols under Section XII.

Grace period for existing manufacturers and dealers

Existing manufacturers and dealers and present holders of airsoft rifle/pistols are granted a grace period of six (6) months from the circular’s date to apply for a manufacturer or dealer license.
During the grace period, they must present air rifles/pistols to the Firearms Management Branch (FMB), Firearms and Explosives Division—Civil Security Group for testing and for payment of corresponding fees under Section XIII.

Penalties and consequences for violations

Any violation of the circular’s provisions is a ground for cancellation of the Certificate of Registration issued by FED under Section XV.
Violations also result in confiscation of the item/s under Section XV.
Confiscation and cancellation are without prejudice to the filing of civil/criminal charges as evidence warrants under Section XV.

Rescission and final operative clauses

All rules and regulations inconsistent with the circular are rescinded and promodified accordingly under Section XIV.
All inconsistent rules are superseded by the circular’s regime under the rescission clause.
The circular includes a penal clause under Section XV to enforce compliance via cancellation, confiscation, and possible civil/criminal charges.