The approval of PL222 / A or revisions of the Weapons Act of Portugal requires that airsoft guns should have 2-tone colours. The FPA and FDS have been trying to work hard to make the Portuguese authorities make certain amendments to these revisions such as citing the example of the VCRA of the UK. But in the end the authorities have made it clear that airsoft guns should have the 2-tone features which covers all airsoft users, unlike the VCRA in which those without a valid defense or UKARA registration cannot purchase airsoft guns without the 2-tone look. Here is what will make airsoft guns in Portugal look like:

(Hat tip to Stuntman at Arnies Airsoft)

Highlights of the revisions:

• 1.2 Joules
• 50% painted
• Player must be at least 18 years of age
• No online trading
• No use of optical sights

The FPA and FDS will still continue fighting this provision by consulting with the authorities to give consideration to their concerns and objections. But for now, the responsibility of complying with the law shall be in the hands of Portuguese players themselves.

Here is the statement of FPA (rough translation):

Announcement: Approval of Revision to the Weapons Act

Despite the painting has been enhanced, much has been achieved thanks to the work of the FPA and its staff. The day of yesterday was lavish in news and some of our worst fears are confirmed, the question of the painting. It will be necessary to paint 5 cm from the mouth of the spout and handle weapons in the short and in the butt and 10 cm long arms.

The FPA, together with the FDS, it was not to come to this point, but unfortunately it was not possible. After two opinions, the second is especially irresponsible and completely ignored, and a hearing in the Assembly of the Republic, the FPA did feel that the most that could change the situation. Unfortunately it was not possible, but the world does not stop and Airsoft neither. Laws and governments do.

FPA's position has always been against the paintings, but always met with the existing law and make its members and other community of Airsoft to meet the Law He did so in the past and will continue to do so, aware that at the end , it is up to each individual bear the responsibility of non-compliance with Act.

In the first reported to the community in 2006, the FPA stressed that its establishment and the framework of Airsoft replicas of the Act does not mark the end of the fight. On the contrary, the FPA knew from the beginning that the "war" would begin at that time and, after several battles, is not over. The FPA's fight for a decent Airsoft will continue forever, even if one day the law is in accordance with what are their wishes and, certainly, with the wishes of the community in general. Before the members of the Federation, members of the FPA are also players of Airsoft and the Sport gostamo much as the other practitioners.

The draft Law 222 / X was adopted yesterday, on 18 March 2009, the 1st Parliamentary Committee and it will be approved in the Assembly of the Republic, because of the parliamentary majority holds that the current government. Are disregarded, for now, another outcome than the entry into force of the current proposal.

In the draft Law 222 / X was ignored some of the opinions of the FPA / FDS, which in view of the FPA are fair, accurate and practical. The current proposal contains loopholes, errors and difficulties in interpretation, with the risk of once again be interpreted in various ways, to the detriment of the practitioner who only wants to play Airsoft in a legal manner. Unfortunately, practitioners of Airsoft oso will continue to go to the games and events of Airsoft with absolute certainty that they are complying with the Act and are subject to other interpretations of lawful agents of the Authority, with all the problems it causes.

The issue of IDPs is being properly treated and was now assured, even by an external source to the IDP, the entry of the FPA-DPA will be accepted, then there is no problem here. In there, there are legal mechanisms that could be operated as the FPA is convinced that nothing shall prevent the IDPs to accept in their midst and as Airsoft Sport.

Thus, the Portuguese Federation of Airsoft - FPA will request a hearing, the Director of National Police Security Service, that all questions are properly resolved, thus eradicating any misinterpretation of the Act.

However, not everything is bad news. There was substance in the first proposal made to kill the time of Airsoft in Portugal. The first proposal spoke in 50% of paint, type of weapons, banning the use of sights and prohibition of trading online.

All these problems were in part overcome. The question of the painting, which in the opinion of the FPA represents over 50% in some weapons, it was changed to the current proposal. Although still poor and castrating the FPA believes that the old version was much worse.

The approval of the weapons was a thing impossible to carry out useful, given the thousands of different models of Airsoft guns that exist. This issue was addressed in the opinions of the FPA / FDS and was resolved. Weapons of Airsoft no longer need to be approved by PSP.

The use of the sights is possible now in the arms of Airsoft guns, something that in the first draft of the Act, was not with the sights to be considered "incidental Class A". Despite the still are, exceptions are provided in which the practice of Airsoft is included.

Finally, the problem of online sales has been exceeded. Many practitioners buy the material through the Internet, especially those who do not have to Airsoft shops nearby. Prohibit online sales would hurt the athletes, who may continue to purchase your equipment through the Internet.

In short, not everything was bad in this proposal. It was possible that some of the change in our favor. Unfortunately, the issue of painting remains, but as was said at the beginning, the war is not over! There is much work to do and can count on the Federation to do so, aware that it will not be easy, but always believing that it is possible!

P'la Directorate of the Federation of Portuguese Airsoft - ODA,
Peter Shepherd
President of the Board