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Are these Airsoft rifles legal in China now?

2 Answers
Buster Smith
Buster Smith, Serious Player since 2001. Airsoft Tech since 2006 (USA)

As of the time of this answer, airsoft guns are considered to be firearms in China, and by law, they are illegal for civilians to possess in China.

China defined a firearm as “guns that are propelled by gunpowder or pressurized air, and that use tube-like equipment to shoot metal balls or other materials that are powerful enough to injure or kill people or render them unconscious”. It continues, “the manufacture, distribution, and transport of the main parts or components of guns and of ammunition are also subject to this Law

In regards to who can own and/or possess a firearm, it is “divided into three categories according to the purposes of their use: (1) military firearms,(2) firearms for official use, and (3) firearms for civilian use. Military firearms (those used by the army and the armed police) are separately regulated by the State Council and the Central Military Commission

Focusing on civilian use, civilians are limited to for profit sport units with approval from the provincial government authorities, hunting grounds which are set up for approval from provincial government authorities, and wildlife protection and research institutions if it is deemed necessary for their operations.

As the retailer you mentioned does not fall into the realm of what the government allows, a few thoughts do cross my mind. Maybe the two companies you mentioned are not actually in China, or maybe their headquarters is in China but they have an affiliate location that ships and sells the guns from a location outside of China. This wouldn’t surprise me too much. I personally buy a lot of my accessories and even batteries from a store that would lead many to believe they were located in Asia. And while their headquarters may very well be, my order tends to originate from Southern California. But of course if I have any problems or questions, all contact information leads back to the main headquarters in Asia.
So eventhough the two stores may say they’re in China, it doesn’t mean the guns are being kept and shipped from China, the same way I can say I have a house in Texas but I live in Florida.

That being said, this business may be legal the same as it very well may be illegal. It all depends on where the actual guns are.

But to answer your question, generally stated, airsoft guns are not legal in China to own, buy, sell, or trade.