The Airgun Resource Center. Early access
Open a Locker →
The Airgun Resource Center Early access
‹ Back to the World airgun law map
Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in New Caledonia?

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: a permit-free band for low-power airguns, with a licence required above it.

NC

The picture at a glance

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

ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionTiered (below threshold free)
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
  • Import/export of arms remains prohibited unless authorized.
  • Local gun-registration reforms are active after civil unrest.
  • The High Commission issues temporary arrêtés banning the carrying and transport of Category A–D weapons, which includes airguns, in named communes, e.g. Yaté (Feb–Mar 2025) and Bélep (June–July 2025). Territory-wide ammunition quotas have also run month to month since late 2025. Check current arrêtés before travel.

The rules in detail

Classification
Unclear
New Caledonia applies French/Nouvelle-Calédonie weapons rules. Local customs and High Commission guidance states that import/export of arms, ammunition, and their elements remains prohibited unless authorized. Air/spring/gas guns are identifiable under tariff heading 9304.
Age rule
18+
18+ practical adult baseline; the airgun-specific age rule was not confirmed locally.
Possession
Tiered (below threshold free)
French airgun categories apply (Internal Security Code art. R311-2, applied in New Caledonia by art. R345-1): air guns of 2–20 J are Category D, and those of 20 J or more are Category C, which requires declaration. New Caledonia is actively tightening firearms/weapon registration controls, so local High Commission guidance controls.
Transfer / sale
Variable
Acquisition and possession rules are administered through the High Commission. Sellers/possessors of weapons must declare weapons; authorizations are mandatory for certain categories.
Transport
Variable
Transport cased, unloaded, and with all required permits/licences. Airlines require required permits/licences and prior reservation for sporting/hunting weapons.
Authority
Unclear
French national weapons code provisions as adapted to New Caledonia; High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia handles import/export authorization.

Hunting with an airgun

Unresolved / likely category-and-permit dependent.

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

Energy threshold
20 J boundary. Under the French Internal Security Code (art. R311-2, applied in New Caledonia by art. R345-1), air guns of 2–20 J are Category D and those of 20 J or more are Category C (declaration required). Administration and import authorisation go through the High Commission.
Caliber rule
No specific local airgun caliber rule found; French category treatment is primarily power/category based.
Travel note
New Caledonia is not just 'France overseas' for logistics. Import authorization is handled locally through the High Commission.

Local & import notes

Visitor procedure
Import/export of arms, ammunition, and their elements remains prohibited unless authorized. AIMG import authorization requests must go to the High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia; contact the High Commission before travel with any airgun.

Keep exploring

Open the interactive mapSee how this compares across the map and switch between legal and hunting views.→Ballistics toolkitCheck energy, velocity, and range for any airgun and load.→Ammo databaseBrowse 600+ pellets and slugs by caliber and weight.→

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.