Paintball markers are controlled goods at the Australian border. Before importing a marker, an individual or business must identify the correct approval pathway and obtain the required written certification or permission before the shipment arrives.
The Australian Border Force administers the border rules under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. State and territory laws then govern possession, registration, licensing, storage and use after import. Approval at one level does not remove obligations at the other.
Start with the destination state or territory
The first practical step is to contact the police firearms or weapons registry for the place where the marker will be kept. The registry can advise whether the proposed marker may be possessed locally and which evidence is needed for the import application.
Do not rely only on a seller’s description or an overseas product page. Marker appearance, action, accessories and local classification can affect the pathway. Obtain advice before paying a supplier or arranging freight.
The police certification pathway
Australian Border Force guidance says eligible paintball and skirmish markers may be imported with police certification. The importer obtains a B709A Importation of Firearms – Police Confirmation and Certification form from the relevant state or territory registry.
The original B709A must be presented to the Australian Border Force at import. The guidance covers single-shot, repeating-action, semi-automatic and fully automatic paintball and skirmish markers, but the registry still needs to confirm that the particular item and importer meet local requirements.
When Home Affairs permission may be required
The police certification route does not apply to every marker. Australian Border Force identifies a separate Department of Home Affairs permission pathway where a marker has substantially the same appearance as a fully automatic firearm, or where a firearm accessory is attached or integral to it.
These appearance and accessory questions should be resolved before shipping. If the wrong approval is supplied, the item may be delayed or held at the border while the importer tries to provide the correct documents.
Paintballs, hoppers and related equipment
Border controls are not limited to the marker itself. Australian Border Force states that police certification is needed to import paintball ammunition. Spring-actuated firearm-style magazines also require permission. By contrast, gravity-fed hoppers do not require import permission under the guidance.
Protective equipment such as masks and clothing may be ordinary sporting goods, but a combined shipment should still be described accurately. If in doubt, ask Australian Border Force or the relevant registry before the goods leave the supplier.
A safer import sequence
- Identify the exact make, model, action, calibre, appearance and included accessories.
- Check the possession and licensing position with the destination registry.
- Obtain the B709A certification or Home Affairs permission that applies.
- Give the freight provider accurate documents and descriptions.
- Keep the original approval ready for presentation to Australian Border Force.
- After release, complete any local registration, storage or transport steps before use.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering first and applying for approval after dispatch.
- Assuming a marker that is legal overseas is automatically lawful in Australia.
- Ignoring accessories or appearance when choosing the approval pathway.
- Confusing permission to import with permission to possess or use.
- Using an old form or unofficial summary without checking the current government page.
Official source
Information reviewed 15 September 2026. Import and state requirements can change; obtain current advice for the specific item and destination.