Importing a grenade launcher?
 

Hello ASC! :)

Straight to the point: I know that it is possible to import airsoft rifles/pistols who fire within a certain FPS limit, however, how would regulations work in regards to a grenade launcher? Would it be measured by the FPS of the fired pellets, or are there other specifics at play? I'm assuming importation of 40 mm rounds is still prohibited.

Under-barrel grenade launcher at question is a Dboys GP-25 from HK.

Appreciate any feedback!

I'm pretty sure it falls under the same rules as all airsoft guns

I have ordered the 40mm shells from Ehobby and Airsoft GI many times over the years never had a problem getting them.

That's reassuring. Any experiences with importing an actual GL?

Probably not what you're thinking about, but I've imported one of those single-shot pistol grenade launchers from eHobby a few years ago. No problems.

Well, it's relatively close, thanks. If you remember, did you import before or after the "new" regulations (the 366 - 500 FPS thing) came into effect?

This would have been, oh, 2012-ish, so right on the line I think. Probably what's also a factor is the thing didn't 'look like a gun'.

http://cdn1.evike.com/images/large/gl-ab147.jpg

Ok, time to weigh in here.
I used to own an importation/wholesale airsoft company, and here's what I was told, and how I legally brought in launchers:
First, does it 'resemble with near precision and actual firearm (launcher)? If yes, then continue, if not, it could make it in with no issue. If it looks like an existing launcher, then it will be scrutinized. This is where it gets a tad tricky and possibly even silly. If there is no shell shipped with the launcher, then it cannot be tested, therefore (according to the CBSA) it's a 'replica', which is prohibited and in need of specific licensing. If it is shipped with an airsoft shell, all normal airsoft import rules apply; must fire at least 366fps with a .20g bb.
So how did I legally import them, back when the velocity for airsoft was up at 407fps? Here's the silly part; when shipped with a paintball shell, it was considered a paintball launcher, and not subject to the same scrutiny as airsoft launchers. Exact same launcher, different shell, but the combination allowed for legal importation with no hassle.
To sum up: launcher alone = prohibited, launcher + airsoft shell = must shoot min. 366fps with .20g bb, launcher + paintball shell + shipped as 'paintball launcher' = imported successfully and legally every time.

Now, I no longer own the company, and have not personally imported a launcher since early 2013, but the above was valid at the time.