Mercari Bans Sale of Empty Cartridges

Aug 20, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Mercari, Japan’s leading flea market app, has banned the sale of empty cartridges from July after a request from the National Police Agency, citing concerns that they could be reused to make live ammunition.

The company added empty cartridges to its list of prohibited items on July 21st and has been removing previously listed products as well. While possession of spent cartridges is not banned under Japan’s Firearms and Swords Control Law, there are currently no legal restrictions preventing their sale.

Authorities, however, have confirmed cases in which empty cartridges were refilled with gunpowder and used as live bullets. The police have been stepping up efforts to counter so-called lone offenders who may attempt attacks independently.

In recent years, realistic toy guns with functions similar to actual firearms have also spread in the domestic market, raising fears that makeshift ammunition could be paired with them. The police say they remain on high alert over the potential risks.

Source: TBS

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