Transport

Transporting airsoft guns in Switzerland

Transporting an airsoft replica is allowed in Switzerland - but only under clear conditions: concealed, unloaded, by the direct route from home to playing field, shop or technician.

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 sources

Translation in progress

This page was machine-translated from the German original and may contain inaccuracies. The German version and the official legal text on admin.ch always take precedence.

Basic rules (Art. 28 WG, Art. 51 WV)

•Direct route: from home to airsoft field, technician or shop - and back.
•Container mandatory: a suitable bag or case. A vehicle boot does not count as a container.
•Concealed: the gun must not be recognisable from outside the bag/case.
•Do not handle or display in public space.

Small detours - what is allowed?

According to a Zurich Higher Court ruling (SB150215 of 8 September 2015, recital 3.4), small detours are tolerable - e.g. refuelling or a short snack stop - provided it is clear that the purpose is not to circumvent the carry-permit requirement.

Yardstick: the impression on bystanders

Ultimately, it comes down to your own behaviour and the impression created on bystanders and guests. A brief petrol-station or restaurant stop is unproblematic - an afternoon city stroll with an airsoft bag is not.

Conduct en route

•Civilian clothing for outbound and return travel (usually required by organisers anyway).
•Do NOT take the replica out of the container at restaurant or petrol stops.
•No demonstrations or showing off to acquaintances in public.
•Carry a copy of the transfer contract.

Magazine and battery

The law strictly only requires for firearms that no ammunition be loaded. For airsoft replicas this duty does not formally apply.

Strongly recommended nonetheless

Never transport the replica with a mounted magazine or inserted battery. During a control, this could otherwise raise suspicion that the loaded, ready-to-use and possibly even ready-to-hand replica could be misused. Magazine and battery belong separately in the bag.

Conduct during a police check

•Stay calm, cooperate, communicate transparently.
•Immediately and unmistakably state: "This is airsoft equipment, I am on my way to an airsoft sports event."
•Never hastily pull the replica out of the bag without being asked to.
•Show transfer contract and, if available, club or event invitation.
•Always use the correct terms ("airsoft gun", "soft-air gun", "airsoft equipment") - never "pistol", "rifle" or "gun".

Transport checklist

Item	Status
Replica in suitable bag/case	Mandatory
Magazine and battery stored separately	Strongly recommended
Civilian clothing	Recommended
Transfer contract (copy)	Recommended / often required
Club or event invitation	Recommended
Direct route observed	Mandatory