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Mock firearms seized in express cargo. (Photo courtesy of Korea Customs Service) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Korea Customs Service (KCS) has detected a large number of replica firearms—commonly referred to as “slingshots” and “spear guns”—being imported through overseas direct purchases.
On January 22, KCS said it had seized and suspended customs clearance for approximately 3,700 cases following an intensive crackdown on modified Chinese-made slingshots and spear guns with enhanced elastic power.
The crackdown was launched after customs authorities detected unusual import patterns, including the mass inflow of around 700 Chinese-made slingshots and spear guns through Incheon Customs in December last year, followed by a rise in similar express cargo shipments through Gunsan Customs. In response, customs authorities tightened clearance controls on express cargo throughout December.
The seized items were sold on domestic e-commerce platforms under names such as “modified slingshot,” “laser slingshot,” and “elastic laser sight.” Many were equipped with trigger mechanisms that generate projectile kinetic energy exceeding 0.02 kg·m—enough to penetrate five sheets of A4 paper at a distance of one meter—or with mounts capable of firing arrows.
An assessment by the Korea Association of Firearms and Explosives Safety confirmed that the items qualify as replica firearms under the Act on the Safety Control of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, and Similar Items.
Although the products may appear to have a simple structure relying on rubber band elasticity, they are capable of firing arrows or steel balls at high speed and can cause fatal injuries at close range. Customs authorities said the surge in imports was largely driven by sellers marketing the items as leisure equipment, leading consumers to purchase them without realizing that their manufacture, sale, and possession are prohibited under Korean law.
KCS has requested domestic e-commerce platforms to impose an emergency ban on the sale of identical or similar products and urged consumers to verify relevant regulations before making purchases, noting that some overseas direct-purchase items sold online may be illegal to import or possess in Korea.
Under Articles 11 and 73 of the Firearms and Explosives Control Act, individuals who manufacture, sell, or possess replica firearms may face up to two years in prison or fines of up to KRW 5 million, and such items are not permitted to clear customs.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
