Yes, airsoft guns are legal in Austria but strictly regulated under federal firearms laws. Owners must comply with the Waffengesetz (Weapons Act), requiring a valid firearms license, age verification (18+), and secure storage. Recent 2026 amendments mandate mandatory background checks and registration for all airsoft replicas mimicking real firearms.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in Austria
- Licensing Requirements: A Waffenbesitzkarte (firearms ownership card) is mandatory for airsoft guns exceeding 0.5 joules of muzzle energy. Lower-powered replicas may be exempt but must still meet storage standards.
- Visual Distinction: Airsoft guns must be visibly marked with fluorescent orange tips (minimum 1 cm diameter) or other Bundesministerium für Inneres (BMI)-approved identifiers to prevent confusion with real firearms.
- Storage Protocols: Unloaded airsoft guns must be stored in locked containers, separate from ammunition, and reported to local Bezirkshauptmannschaft (district authority) upon acquisition or transfer.
Local enforcement prioritizes public safety, with penalties for non-compliance including fines up to €10,000 or confiscation. The BMI’s 2026 directive further tightens controls on online sales, requiring sellers to verify buyer licenses via the Waffenregister.