Frequently Asked Questions
The following answers reflect the core of Swiss airsoft law. They do not replace legal advice - but they are sound for everyday use.
Important legal notice
This is not legal advice. The information on this website is for informational purposes only. For legal questions, contact your cantonal weapons office, fedpol, or the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). Laws and ordinances may change - always check the current legal texts on admin.ch.
Official sourcesTranslation in progress
Do I need a weapons acquisition permit (WES)?
No. Airsoft / soft-air guns are expressly exempt from the weapons-acquisition-permit requirement under Art. 10 para. 1 lit. e WG.
Does the German 0.5-joule threshold apply in Switzerland?
No. The German 0.5-joule rule has no relevance in Switzerland. All airsoft guns are subject to the WG regardless of muzzle energy (Art. 4 para. 1 lit. g WG).
From what age may I buy an airsoft gun?
From age 18 (Art. 8 para. 2 WG). Minors may participate under the conditions of Art. 11a WG and Art. 23 WV by means of a loan contract.
How do I transport an airsoft gun correctly?
In a closed bag or case, unloaded, without battery, by the direct route from home to playing field, shop or technician (Art. 28 WG, Art. 51 WV). Small detours (refuelling, snack) are permissible per Zurich Higher Court ruling SB150215.
How must I store the gun at home?
So that it cannot fall into the hands of unauthorised third parties (Art. 26 WG, Art. 47 WV). If you live alone you may store the replica openly. If you live with minors, people from blocked states or people with criminal records, the replica must be stored in a lockable cabinet, safe or locked room.
Do I need a carry permit for club events?
No. Art. 27 para. 4 lit. c WG in conjunction with Art. 28 para. 1 lit. a WG exempts soft-air weapon club events from the carry-permit requirement.
What do I need to watch for in a private second-hand purchase?
Written transfer contract in duplicate (Art. 11 WG), verify identity and legal age of the counterparty, retain both copies for 10 years.
Do I need a special permit to travel to an event abroad?
No. According to BAZG / fedpol confirmation, a transfer contract, Vormerkschein and organiser invitation suffice. For entry into the destination country, the local rules apply (in particular Germany: F-in-pentagon marking, locked container, magazine separate).
How do I import an airsoft gun into Switzerland?
With a fedpol import authorisation that must be applied for BEFORE entry (form: "Application for an authorisation to import …").
Are silencers allowed?
Real silencers (with effect) are forbidden (Art. 4 para. 2 lit. b WG, Art. 5 para. 2 lit. c WG). Pure dummies without dampening effect are tolerated.
May I use a laser pointer / laser sight?
Weapon-mounted laser / IR / night-vision sights are forbidden (Art. 4 para. 2 lit. b WG). Laser pointers of class 2 and above have been generally forbidden in Switzerland since 2019 (V-NISSG, Art. 22 / 23).
How do I behave during a police check?
Stay calm, cooperate, immediately and unmistakably state "airsoft gun" / "soft-air gun", never hastily pull the replica out of the bag, show the transfer contract and any event invitation.
May I wear the Swiss field uniform?
No. Tenue B, combat uniform, combat helmet and respirator mask are off-limits (Art. 21 / 22 VPAA). Permitted are T-shirts, luggage, rank insignia and name tags (without misuse of rank).
May I use the replica in my garden or on the balcony?
No. Use is only permitted on authorised, fenced-off facilities (Art. 27 para. 4 lit. c WG). Shooting from a window or balcony can fulfil Art. 258 StGB (frightening the population).