Slingshots and Spear Guns with Enhanced Elasticity Classified as 'Imitation Firearms'... "Possession Subject to Prosecution"

There has been a growing trend of individuals bringing Chinese-made improved slingshots and spear guns with enhanced elasticity into the country out of curiosity or for leisure purposes. However, these improved products are classified as imitation firearms, and importing them into Korea could potentially result in criminal prosecution, so caution is advised.

The Korea Customs Service announced on the 22nd that it had recently conducted an intensive crackdown, uncovering 3,700 cases of overseas direct purchases of slingshots and spear guns, and subsequently withholding customs clearance and seizing the items.

Actual photos of Chinese-made improved slingshots and spear guns with enhanced elasticity. Provided by the Korea Customs Service.

This intensive crackdown was launched after a large-scale influx of 700 Chinese-made slingshots and spear guns was detected at Incheon Customs in December of last year. Similar and identical items were also increasingly being brought in as express cargo through Gunsan Customs, prompting authorities to take action in response to these unusual trends.

The confiscated items had been sold on domestic e-commerce platforms under names such as "improved slingshot," "laser slingshot," and "elastic laser sight."

The problem is that these items are equipped with firing mechanisms that can propel projectiles with enough kinetic energy to pierce five sheets of A4 paper from a distance of one meter, or they are fitted with devices such as supports that enable arrow firing, making them highly dangerous.

In fact, when the Korea Customs Service requested an assessment from the Firearms and Explosives Safety Technology Association, it was determined that the seized slingshots and spear guns fall under the category of imitation firearms according to the "Act on the Safety Management of Firearms, Swords, and Explosives" (the Firearms and Explosives Act).

Although they may appear to have a simple structure utilizing rubber band elasticity, the Korea Customs Service explained that, in reality, these devices can fire arrows or steel balls at high speeds, posing a risk of causing fatal injuries to people at close range.

In contrast, some sellers on e-commerce platforms promote these items as being intended for leisure use. As a result, there has been an increase in cases where consumers purchase improved (enhanced elasticity) slingshots and spear guns without realizing that their manufacture, sale, and possession are prohibited under the category of imitation firearms.

In this regard, the Korea Customs Service has requested an emergency sales ban on identical or similar items from domestic e-commerce platforms. The agency also reminded the public that, under Articles 11 and 73 of the Firearms and Explosives Act, manufacturing, selling, or possessing imitation firearms can result in imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 5 million won, urging consumers to exercise caution when considering such purchases.

Lee Myunggu, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service, stated, "People should be aware that purchasing such items online out of mere curiosity could unknowingly make them lawbreakers. The Korea Customs Service will continue to focus its resources on preventing illegal weapons that threaten public safety and lives from crossing our borders."