Crossing the border with airsoft guns

Temporary export from Switzerland

Swiss authorities (BAZG / fedpol) have confirmed since 2015 and again in 2019: temporary export of an airsoft gun for a sports event abroad requires no "special permit" - but an orderly document trail.

• •Transfer contract or proof of ownership (copy suffices)
• •Vormerkschein (BAZG document covering re-import without duty / VAT)
• •Temporary export permit (if required by the destination country)
• •Written invitation from the foreign organiser with date, place, responsible person

Import into Switzerland

To import an airsoft replica into Switzerland from abroad you need a fedpol authorisation ("Application for an authorisation to import weapons, weapon accessories, essential or specially designed weapon parts or ammunition by private persons").

Special case Germany

Germany treats soft-air guns under the German Weapons Act - with significantly stricter rules. Anyone travelling to Germany with Swiss equipment must comply with German regulations.

• •F-in-pentagon marking required for airsoft guns above 0.5 joules
• •Unloaded transport mandatory, magazine stored separately
• •Transport in a locked container, in practice comparable to security level 3 / 4
• •Do not open the container during refuelling or short stops
• •So-called "6-second rule" (no access within 6 seconds) as rule of thumb for locks - multi-step locks recommended

Other countries

France, Italy and Austria each have their own rulebook. Before every foreign trip, clarify:

• •Is taking the gun allowed at all (or generally forbidden)?
• •What muzzle-energy limits apply?
• •What marking is required (often a conspicuous orange tip)?
• •What documents must be carried?

Practical border-crossing checklist