The Department of Home Affairs & Australian Border Force (DoHA-ABF) are warning Australian importers, online shoppers and firearms enthusiasts to be very clear about our laws, after an increase of gel ball blasters seized at the border.
In the last four weeks alone, almost 200 gel ball blasters have been detected in air cargo consignments without import permission and seized by ABF officers.
Despite often being marketed online as toys, the devices are incredibly realistic, are able to fire projectiles and can be very dangerous. They are controlled as Imitation Firearms under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and importers must obtain permission from their state or territory police before importing them into Australia.
The ABF and their law enforcement partners are well aware of these products and the websites selling them. Anybody ordering such firearms from overseas without having already obtained a permit should expect that it will be seized at the border. It is illegal to import these items without a permit and anyone attempting to do so can face fines of up to $525,000 and/or up to 10 years imprisonment. The goods themselves, as well as any payment made, may be forfeited.
Anyone with information about the illegal importation of firearms or weapons and related goods should contact Border Watch by visiting australia.gov.au/borderwatch. You can provide information anonymously.
