This is a list of laws concerning air guns by country. Most countries have laws about air guns, but these vary widely. Often each jurisdiction has its own unique definition of an air gun; and regulations may vary for weapons of different bore, muzzle energy or velocity, or material of ammunition, with guns designed to fire metal pellets often more tightly controlled than airsoft weapons. There may be minimum ages for possession, and sales of both air guns and ammunition may be restricted. Some areas in the world require permits and background checks similar to those required for firearms proper. Australia The Australian gun law is quite restrictive and differs on a state-by-state basis; however, as a general rule all air guns — regardless of action type, caliber and muzzle energy — are considered firearms for legal purposes; e.g. air rifles are considered Class A firearms and as such are subject to licensing and registration. Air pistols are considered same as rimfire and centerfire handguns and subjected to Class H firearms restrictions. An air pistol shooter will require membership and sufficient attendance at an authorized pistol club for six months before allowing ownership, and needs to shoot in at least six events per year — and four events per year for each additional handgun class (air pistol, rimfire or centerfire) — the minimum events per year must include at least six formal competitions to keep the licence. Paintball markers are classified as "soft air weapons" and treated differently to other air guns; refer to the paintball section on legality for a state-by-state breakdown. Paintball markers are classified in NSW as "recreational sporting devices" as of the 1st of July 2019. Though also regarded as "soft air weapons", airsoft guns are strictly prohibited in all states except in the Northern Territory (where they are considered regular air guns and subjected to the corresponding laws and licensing) and the ACT (where they are considered "imitation firearms"). Brazil The Brazilian legislation that regulates the manufacture, import, export, trade, traffic and use of air guns used to divide them into two groups: air guns by spring action or pre-compressed air (PCP - Pre Charged Pneumatic) of up to 6mm calibre; air guns by spring action or pre-compressed air (PCP - Pre Charged Pneumatic) of calibre exceeding 6mm; or pre-compressed gases that is not breathable air, such as and others, in any calibre. Until 2010,