The long-standing legal uncertainty surrounding airsoft appears set to end, after lawmakers signalled broad agreement in the House Legal Affairs Committee that the issue can no longer remain unresolved.
During discussion of a private member’s bill aimed at regulating airsoft, committee members acknowledged that the activity, which has grown in popularity in recent years, continues to operate in a legal grey area.
Government bill in preparation
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order confirmed it is preparing a government bill that will amend the existing Firearms and Non-Firearms Law and will be accompanied by regulations.
A ministry representative stated that once the draft is finalised, it will be submitted to public consultation. The preparatory work has already taken into account the positions of the Cyprus Police.
The Chair of the House Legal Affairs Committee and DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis called on the ministry to submit the bill to the Council of Ministers within 15 days, stressing that the matter has been under discussion since 2014 and describing it as “a simple issue”.
Police agree in principle
The Cyprus Police expressed agreement in principle with regulating and registering airsoft guns, clarifying that there is no objection to the activity itself provided a clear and uniform framework is established.
Police representatives outlined key issues that must be addressed, including possession and transport rules, technical specifications, pellet diameter and power limits. They also proposed that airsoft guns carry a specific marking and identification number, similar to paintball equipment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the term “harmless”, with officials noting that risk is always present and that the use of protective equipment must be mandatory.
Broad institutional support
The Law Office of the Republic confirmed it is aware of the government’s legislative plan and will examine the bill once submitted. The Cyprus Bar Association said it has no objection in principle to regulation.
MP Prodromos Alambritis, one of the sponsors of the proposal, said the aim is to establish a clear legal framework so that the sport can operate in an organised and lawful manner, adding that it can have positive social benefits.
Angelos Pitsillides, President of the Pancyprian Association of Gunsmiths, stated that airsoft could fall under provisions governing non-firearms. He argued that the current legal framework, which dates back to the colonial era, requires modernisation to reflect present-day realities.
Growing community
According to figures presented to the committee, between 130 and 150 individuals are registered with the Cyprus Airsoft Association, while the broader community of participants is estimated at between 700 and 1,000 people.
Committee members were told that some avoid formal registration due to uncertainty stemming from the absence of clear legislation.
The association’s legal representative, Giorgos Pashias, said members are seeking clear rules to ensure the sport operates safely and legally. Representatives noted that they have submitted a memorandum including examples from other European countries and described it as unfair that paintball is regulated while airsoft remains unregulated.
They expressed readiness to cooperate with authorities in drafting a functional framework without gaps or ambiguities.