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Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in Bolivia?

Yes, with conditions.

Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.

Tier 3 — Moderate

Threshold-based licensing — permit-free band for low-power, licence required above.

BO

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Bolivia is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
  • Air/gas projectile weapons are expressly defined as 'Otras Armas.'
  • Implementing regulation matters.
  • Visitor import should be pre-cleared.

The rules in detail

Classification
Unclear
Law No. 400, Ley de Control de Armas de Fuego, Municiones, Explosivos y Otros Materiales Relacionados, defines 'Otras Armas' as non-firearms that function by air or compressed gas using darts or projectiles, with further treatment by regulation.
Age rule
18+
18+ practical minimum placeholder; firearm/weapon authorization details should be confirmed under current regulation.
Possession
Variable
Air/gas weapons are not firearms under the statutory definition, but they are expressly captured as 'Otras Armas' and subject to regulation. Treat as controlled rather than free.
Transfer / sale
Variable
The law regulates import, commercialization, transport, transit, and related activities for firearms and other related materials; air/gas weapon treatment should be verified under the implementing regulation.
Transport
Variable
Transport should be cased, unloaded, and documented. Postal transport of firearms, ammunition, explosives, classified raw materials, fireworks, and related materials is prohibited; do not mail airguns without local legal clearance.
Authority
National statute
National law administered by Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Government, and Bolivian Police structures depending on category/activity.

Hunting with an airgun

Unresolved.

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

Energy threshold
No joule threshold found; air/gas weapons are defined by propulsion type rather than energy.
Caliber rule
No specific airgun caliber rule found.
Travel note
Airguns are explicitly named in law, so treat Bolivia as regulated even where the exact procedure is fuzzy.

Local & import notes

Visitor procedure
Do not import a PCP or other airgun without written customs/police/Ministry guidance. Temporary import rules are clear for firearms in official/diplomatic/sporting contexts, but airgun visitor import was not cleanly surfaced.

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.