Yes, airsoft guns are legal in Chile under strict conditions enforced by the Carabineros de Chile and the Subsecretaría del Interior. Compliance hinges on non-lethal projectile velocity (≤ 1.5 Joules), mandatory orange-tip markings, and registration for semi-automatic models. Violations risk confiscation or criminal charges under Law 17.798 on Controlled Weapons.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in Chile
- Velocity Limit: Projectiles must not exceed 1.5 Joules of kinetic energy, verified via chronograph testing. Exceeding this threshold reclassifies the device as a firearm under Article 2 of Law 17.798.
- Markings Requirement: All airsoft guns must display a visible orange tip (minimum 6mm diameter) on the barrel’s distal end, per Decreto Supremo 108 (2019). Non-compliance voids legal protection.
- Registration & Permits: Semi-automatic airsoft guns require registration with the Registro Nacional de Armas (RNA), while fully automatic or high-capacity models are prohibited. Applications demand background checks and proof of membership in a recognized airsoft federation (e.g., Federación Chilena de Airsoft).
Local enforcement prioritizes public safety amid rising urban airsoft incidents. The Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) conducts periodic inspections in Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, targeting unmarked or high-velocity units. As of 2024, legislative proposals (Boletín 15.234-25) aim to tighten import controls, mandating pre-approval from the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas for all airsoft imports post-2026. Retailers must adhere to Resolución Exenta 1.245 (2023), which bans online sales to unregistered individuals.