‹ Back to the World airgun law map
Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Zambia?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, but the compliance burden is high, often with firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people want.
Tier 2: Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
ZM
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Zambia is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationTreated as firearm
Age rule21+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
The rules in detail
Classification
Treated as firearm
Firearms Act, Cap. 110 (1969): "firearm" excludes an air gun unless declared specially dangerous, and Firearms Regulations reg. 31 declares every air gun with a rifled barrel specially dangerous, so rifled air rifles and air pistols are firearms. Smoothbore air guns fall outside the firearm definition.
Age rule
21+
21+ for firearms generally (s.18(1)); 18+ may buy or possess an air gun of .177 (0.44958 cm) calibre or larger (s.18(2)); under-14s may hold an air gun only under immediate adult supervision (s.18(5)).
Possession
Licence required
Police firearm licence required for rifled-barrel air guns (Firearms Regulations reg. 31). Smoothbore air guns are not licensed firearms.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Hunting with an airgun
Unresolved: hunting tourism is well-developed via outfitters, but airgun use for game was not confirmed.
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
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Temporary import permits arranged through police by outfitters. Imported ammunition charged ~$2/cartridge. Processing times can be lengthy.
Keep exploring
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.