New policy on import, transport, export and transit of firearms
Customs BES (Customs), the Royal Marechaussee BES (KMar), the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN), the Governors of the Public Entities and the Public Prosecutor's Office BES (OM) have formulated a new policy on how to act when it comes to the import and transport of airsoft/paintball weapons, airguns, crossbows and catapults. These types of objects are popular for private individuals to import into the BES.
Airsoft-/paintball-weapons and airguns are used all over the world for hobby and sport. However, the weapons can look very similar to real firearms. In addition, airsoft guns can easily be overpainted, for example, to make them look more real. There are even examples of robbers using spray-painted water pistols.
Based on public order and safety considerations, in connection with the small scale of the BES islands, the Public Prosecutor therefore designates airsoft/paintball weapons and air guns as "similar objects suitable for threat or imminent threat". This means that the import, export, transit or transport and, of course, the possession or possession of these weapons is prohibited. The same applies in principle to parts of these weapons (for example a firing pin).
The Island Governor can, under strict conditions, grant exemption for this. The original document must be shown to Customs/the KMAR at the border. If no permission from the Governor can be shown, the object will be confiscated.
The complete policy concerning import, transport, export and transit (fire) weapons on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba can be found via the link below: