Cyprus Parliament has ordered the Justice Ministry to submit legislation regulating airsoft within 15 days, aiming to end a decade-long legal gap in the sport.
Legal Affairs Committee chair Nikos Tornaritis set the deadline during a Wednesday hearing, where lawmakers and federation representatives demanded a clear legal framework. The ministry has known about the issue since 2014.
Lawmakers push for modern framework
DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis, who has already proposed a bill to amend the Firearms and Non-Firearms Law, said legislators need to act to support the sport’s growth.
“It is a rising sport worldwide and has expanded to Cyprus as well,” he said, adding that lawmakers had reviewed paintball regulations and similar frameworks in other countries.
Airsoft community seeks clarity
Around 700 people play airsoft in Cyprus, according to federation president Argyris Argyrou, whose organisation has 130 registered members. He said interest in the sport has surged over the past four to five years.
The federation wants designated, properly signposted venues for matches and legal amendments to remove obstacles for players and police.
A key legal issue lies in the law: it allows 4.5mm pellets, while airsoft guns use 6mm pellets, leaving players in a legal grey area.
Safety and legal concerns
The federation’s legal representative stressed that airsoft is a recreational sport intended to be practised responsibly. He said it is contradictory that Cyprus regulates paintball but not airsoft and cited European comparisons for guidance.
“We do not want to burden the police, but we want a good working relationship,” he said. He added that lawmakers must establish a public safety framework for the sport.
Ministry and police back regulation
The Justice Ministry confirmed it supports regulating airsoft and is preparing a draft bill. Officials noted that citizens have requested legal clarity for years and that the bill must address safety issues.
Police also support legalisation but want mandatory weapon registration to identify owners. Officers noted that airsoft guns currently lack serial numbers, making registration impossible until that issue is resolved.
“We support legalisation, but safety regulations must cover pellet specifications and battery-powered weapons,” police said.
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