‹ Back to the World airgun law map
Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Australia?
Mostly no, or only under severe restrictions.
Treated at or near firearm level, with an effective ban or major criminal-law exposure for ordinary ownership.
Tier 1 — Severely Restricted
Effective civilian ban or extreme criminal penalties for unlicensed possession.
AU
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Australia is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationTreated as firearm
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportFirearm transport rules
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- ALL airguns are firearms regardless of power.
The rules in detail
Classification
Treated as firearm
ALL air guns classified as firearms regardless of power. National Firearms Agreement framework; states/territories implement.
Age rule
18+
Varies by state/territory; typically 18+ for licence.
Possession
Variable
Possession/licensing largely state/territory-based; air rifles/soft air rifles in Category A/B; air handguns in Category H.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers; state-territory registry.
Transport
Firearm transport rules
Cased; full firearm transport rules.
Authority
Unclear
National import controls; state-territory licensing.
Hunting with an airgun
Varies by state/territory; airguns used for pest control where licensed.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Import requires the B709 form from state police BEFORE import. Process is extremely difficult and bureaucratic — most competition shooters and visiting hunters rent locally. Airsoft is banned in most states.
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.