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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Madagascar?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want.
Tier 2 — Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
MG
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Madagascar 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
- Tourist weapon introduction authorization does not replace a hunting permit.
- Conservation and protected-species concerns make hunting analysis unusually sensitive.
- Airgun-specific classification needs local confirmation before publication as final.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Law No. 69-011 of 22 July 1969 and Decree No. 70-041 govern weapons. Madagascar classifies arms by category and requires authorization for introduction/import. The surfaced law does not provide a clean modern airgun carveout, so airguns should be treated as weapons requiring authorization unless local authority confirms otherwise.
Age rule
18+
18+ practical adult baseline; exact airgun-specific age rule unresolved.
Possession
Variable
Possession of arms is authorization-based. If an airgun is classified as an arm, possession must be supported by the relevant authorization; tourist introduction authorization is temporary and does not replace a hunting permit.
Transfer / sale
Variable
Import, export, and arms commerce are authorization-controlled. Do not treat sale or private transfer of airguns as free without local confirmation.
Transport
Variable
Temporary introduction authorization also functions as transport and possession authorization for the approved period. Otherwise transport should be treated as controlled, cased, and documented.
Authority
National statute
National law; Ministry of Interior / provincial authority and security services administer introduction and possession controls.
Hunting with an airgun
Unresolved / likely not airgun-friendly.
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
Persons wishing to introduce arms into Madagascar must apply for authorization; tourists staying under three months may receive temporary introduction authorization for third-category arms at arrival, but this does not serve as a hunting permit. Airgun treatment should be pre-cleared before travel.
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.