Slickaxe, our good friend from NLAirsoft has sent in news about an interesting development for airsoft at the European Commission, which is the European Union's Executive Body that proposes legislation and implement decisions made by the EU. This is rather important  for airsoft players based in the member countries of the EU, as it will affect existing laws and regulations in member states if they so implement an EU-wide decision.

The European Airsoft Association (EAA), which is  a growing group of national airsoft organisations is working closely with their contact at the European Commission. At least the EAA is now trying to flex its muscle by being able to lobby on behalf of airsoft players. What they seek to do is to make it a uniform set of rules for airsoft across the member states, as manufacturers and even airsoft players who can freely travel around the EU have to contend with different rules and regulations of the member countries.

The questions posed at the European Commission below:

The recreational activity known as Airsoft has at least a million players in Europe. This game involves the use of an Airsoft device, which has the external features of a firearm, but is entirely unsuited for conversion into a real gun.

The Member States of the EU regulate the use of the Airsoft device in a variety of ways. Differing product requirements are being imposed even though the Member States are all seeking to achieve the same safety and public health objective. The Toy Directive (2009/48/EC1) and the Firearms Directive (91/477/EEC2) may be cited in this connection. The producer of Airsoft devices is clearly faced with a fragmented internal market. In Portugal, for example, the butt and the muzzle tip are required to be coloured a bright orange, while no restrictions are imposed in Belgium, and in the Netherlands the device is banned altogether.

The fact is that Airsoft is gaining in popularity, but its players are faced in practice with the usual set of problems. One really wonders whether there is any justification for this in 2010. Players have stated that they are prepared to comply with strict rules provided these rules are clear and are the same in all 27 EU Member States.

1. Does the Commission agree that it should be possible to practise Airsoft freely and without hindrance in all 27 Member States (and that the game should thus be recognised throughout the EU)? If not, why not? If so, what measures will the Commission take to ensure that this happens?

2. Does the Commission agree that the product requirements for the Airsoft device should be the same for all 27 EU Member States? If not, why not? If so, what measures will the Commission take to ensure that this happens?

If indeed the Commission will draft rules on airsoft EU-wide, there will be certain implications to existing rules and regulations, especially those in the UK, Portgual, Netherlands, and Germany which have stricter rules on airsoft, with the Dutch having no tolerance for any type of firearms, airsoft included. We're not lawyers or politicians to nitpick on law making, but here's what European airsoft players should watch in case the European Commission moves into action:

1. Substance/material standards, especially CE. Which is also beneficial to us as it will ensure the avoidance of the use of toxic and hazardous materials in airsoft guns and gear by unscrupulous manufacturers. BBs will also be covered by this ruling, especially if the EU sticks to its green credentials.
2. Transit of airsoft guns across the EU-member states. How to make it easier for airsoft players to travel around the EU to join in airsoft games without worries from law enforcement authorities.
3. FPS limits. The limits vary greatly from country to country, with some greatly regulated, and the others almost like the Wild Wild West. We see standardized velocities for certain airsoft gun variants a benefit for players in the member states which will lessen the headache of upgrading or downgrading the FPS. The question is, what should be the proposed FPS limits out of the box?
4. Restricted accessories. Laser sights, targetting accessories, and tactical lights for use in airsoft are restricted in Germany, with the latter allowed as long as it's not attached to the airsoft gun, while in the UK, you can fully kit out your airsoft gun to make it look like a Transformers autobot.
5. Muzzle tips and colour issues. Should there be coloured muzzle tips at all times? Or just during transport? Should there be some colour coding on the body of the airsoft guns too? Our stand here is no colour which defeats the stealth purposes when playing airsoft. But removable muzzle guards while transporting the airsoft guns from one point to another, we have no objections.
6. Age restrictions. Some EU countries restrict the purchase of airsoft to at least 18 years of age. Though in the UK, if you are not 18, you can settle for a two-tone. We're ok with 18 or 16 years of age. But we have to defer to airsoft players who also would like to add having a legal guardian for under 16s or 18s to play airsoft.

So we all have to be on our toes now, any ruling that will be implemented by the European Commission should incorporate our concerns as airsoft players. If you have any proposals then write to the EC or EAA.