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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Algeria?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, but the compliance burden is high, often with firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people want. Watch the restricted access rule in particular.
Tier 2: Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
DZ
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Algeria is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule16+
PossessionRestricted access
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- Airguns over 10 J are not on the list of arms an individual can be authorised to hold (Decree 98-96 art. 60).
- Firearm imports are broadly banned/restricted.
- Local Arabic/French legal confirmation is needed before publication as final.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Executive Decree 98-96 of 18 March 1998 (implementing Ordinance 97-06 of 21 Jan 1997), art. 4, places gas/compressed-air arms in the 7th category ('armes de tir, de foire ou de salon'): over 10 J muzzle energy (sub-cat. 2) and 2–10 J (sub-cat. 4), unless the Defence Minister classes a model in the 4th category (sub-cat. 13). Art. 5: anything under 2 J is not an arm.
Age rule
16+
16+ for a 2–10 J air arm: individuals 'including minors aged at least sixteen' may be authorised, minors only with the consent of the person holding parental authority (Decree 98-96 art. 60-5°).
Possession
Restricted access
Acquisition and possession of any arm is prohibited except by authorisation (Decree 98-96 art. 50). Individuals may be authorised by the wali to hold one 2–10 J air arm (arts. 60-5°, 61). Air arms over 10 J (7th cat., sub-cat. 2) are listed only for approved shooting clubs (art. 56), not for individuals. Under 2 J is not an arm (art. 5).
Transfer / sale
Variable
Manufacture, import and commerce of 4th–8th category arms need Interior Ministry authorisation (Decree 98-96 art. 9). Executive Decree 26-92 of 31 Jan 2026 (JO No. 12) now regulates the gunsmith trade in hunting arms, bladed arms, 'armes de tir, de foire ou de salon' and historical arms: Algerian nationals or Algerian-run entities only, applicant 25+ with professional qualifications and/or at least 5 years' experience, and a personal, non-transferable 5-year renewable wali authorisation after a security-commission review. Stock acquisition also needs wali authorisation.
Transport
Variable
Transport only with documentation, unloaded and cased, tied to lawful hunting/sport purpose.
Authority
Unclear
National arms/security framework; import controls enforced by Algerian customs and security authorities.
Hunting with an airgun
Qualified / restricted.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Do not bring an air rifle into Algeria without written customs/security authorization. The U.S. trade guide states Algeria bans firearm imports, and no traveler airgun exemption surfaced.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.