Under the
Canadian Firearms Program, Airsoft guns resembling with near precision an existing make and model of an arm, other than an antique arm, are considered replica arms and therefore are prohibited devices. Coloured,black,Full Metal, miniaturized versions, or models resembling antique arms may be allowed with muzzle velocity between 366-500Fps; therefore being designated as an uncontrolled arm as of 2011 before this you could only purchase black and clear Airsoft Guns. Generally, antique arms are those manufactured before 1898.
[8] Air guns with a maximum muzzle velocity of 152.4 m/s (500 f/s)
and/or a maximum muzzle energy of 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot-pounds are exempt from licensing, registration, and other requirements; and from penalties for possessing an arm without a valid license or registration certificate. The
Criminal Code of Canada requires that reasonable precautions be taken to use, carry, handle, store, transport and ship these devices in a safe and secure manner. Airsoft guns that exceed either of the maximum velocity or muzzle energy are considered arms.
[9]
An Airsoft gun is treated just as if it was a real arm when used to commit or attempt a crime.
In Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, the minimum age to purchase Airsoft is 18. Children under age will be able to use arms. Children under 18 must be supervised by someone over 18.
Nowadays, many overseas/international retailers in the US as well as in Asia sell Canadian-ready guns, or offer services to make them meet Canada's requirements. Oftentimes, if the CBSA is unsure, a letter will be sent out, and an appeal can be made to test the gun. These airsoft guns are typically sent to the importer's local police agency (used to be the RCMP) for the firearms to be tested. This process typically takes 2 weeks to even a whole year; most tend to be in the 2 months range.