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Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in South Africa?

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.

ZA

The picture at a glance

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

ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule21+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute

The rules in detail

Classification
Threshold-based
Firearms Control Act 2000: dual threshold. Below 5.6 mm caliber: no energy limit, no licence. 5.6 mm and above but under 8 J: also no licence. Above both: full firearms licensing.
Age rule
21+
21+ for firearms licence.
Possession
Licence required
Below dual threshold: free for adults. Above: full firearms regime.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Free below threshold; through licensed dealers above.
Transport
Cased
Cased; SAPS inspection at international airports for items below 5.6 mm (serial numbers recorded).
Authority
National statute
National statute.

Hunting with an airgun

Hunting with airguns is legal; provincial regulations govern species and energy.

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
Dual: <5.6 mm OR <8 J licence-free
Caliber rule
5.6 mm caliber threshold + 8 J energy threshold.
Travel note
PHASA pre-issued permit is the smoothest path.

Local & import notes

Visitor procedure
Form SAPS 520 for all firearms imports. Pre-issued permits (21–45 days advance via PHASA, $150/permit) or on-arrival processing (3+ hours during hunting season). Max 4 firearms / 200 rounds each. Permit free at point of entry.

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, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.