UKARA Approved

UKARA (or the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) was formed as a response to the drafting of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill in 2006 which later became an Act of Parliament. UKARA is an association of UK Airsoft Retailers brought together to protect themselves from prosecution and enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms ( RIF's ). A UKARA registration or relevant airsoft defence is required for purchasing any replica airsoft guns. UKARA is not required for purchase of non-replica or two tone. 

The onus is on the seller of a RIF to make sure they only sell to a legitimate purchaser, prosecution could result as a failure to do this. The Governments desire was to have a third party system in place which would track sales to legitimate purchasers of RIF's, checking their eligibility. UKARA is to provide such a system and make it free to sites and players, and as inclusive as possible for the future of the airsoft market in the UK, without which would not exist. This has benefited all players, game sites and retailers, as it has produced a framework acceptable to the Government to allow airsoft as a pastime to remain viable. The UKARA database keeps a record of all participating airsoft players and game sites,shop owners, and is used by retailers and UK customs border control for verification of sales and imports.

Player Registration

To become a UKARA registered airsoft player you are required to take part in three games in no less than 60 days at your local registered game site. You must be over 18 years of age and able to provide some form of identification such as passport, drivers license or bank statement at which point the site owner can then enter you onto the UKARA database.

If you're not interested in skirmish and wish to purchase a replica for other uses, there are alternative defences for purchasing a replica gun that we accept:

Military Vehicle Trust

SWAT P.A.S.S. Membership

British Airsoft Club (BAC)

Re-enactment*

TV / Production Theatre*

Museum*

Civil Service*

BASC / Shooting Club*

*Defences are typically considered on a case by case basis, and providing evidence of this does not necessarily mean we will accept your defence. 

Why is a UKARA number / airsoft defence required?

The sale of replica weapons is restricted here in the UK as a precautionary measure to prevent them from being misused for illegal or harmful purposes. By requiring a UKARA number or alternative valid reason for purchase, we can massively reduce the risk of problematic activity in and outside of the airsoft community.

If you're not interested in skirmish and wish to purchase a replica for other uses, there are alternative defences for purchasing a replica gun that we accept on a case-by-case basis:

FAQ's

Do You Require Photo ID for Gun Purchases?

No. A valid photo ID must include both a picture of you and your current address, e.g. a Drivers Licence or Passport.

Can I Still Purchase an RIF without a UKARA / defence?

You are legally able to purchase two toned airsoft guns if you are at least 18 years old.

How do You decide what guns require a UKARA?

To ensure public safety and to protect the reputation of Airsoft as both a sport and a community, we impose strict guidelines for all of the RIF's that we have for sale. That means that if there is any chance of an airsoft gun being mistaken for the genuine article, we will require a UKARA. We reserve the right to decline any purchase if our terms and conditions are not met.

I'm Buying From outside the UK, do I need a UKARA?

Current law states that a UKARA number (and alternative defences) are only required for purchases within and delivered to the UK. Customs have access to the UKARA database and will hold and seize your order until they are content with a valid defence.

Can I be arrested/ prosecuted even with a valid defence?

Yes. What you do with your gun once you have purchased it is down to you, and as such you are responsible for your own actions. Airsoft guns should never be used with the intent of harming or intimidating members of the public. Carrying a realistic replica weapon in public is considered a firearms offence with a minimum of five years jail sentence - never assume that others will be aware that the weapon you are carrying is non-lethal.

Airsoft guns should only leave your home when travelling to a game site or to a store / for repair or upgrades. Please ensure your gun is kept safe inside a case in the boot of your car away from batteries, ammo and magazines whenever you are travelling.

Is a firearms certificate a valid defence for airsoft guns?

As the firearms act is different to the VCRA act with different criteria s, we are bound by law & unable to accept a firearms certificate for purchase of RIF's.

Do I Need a UKARA as a member of the Police/ Armed Forces?

For individual use, you are bound by the same laws as everybody else in the UK.

Replica guns can be purchased for training purposes on behalf of your unit as long as we receive valid proof, such as an email from a Superior. Any packages for training purposes cannot be sent to a residential address.

How do I Prove I'm a member of a re-enactment society?

A scanned copy of your Membership Card next to a Photo ID (Such as driving License or passport).

What proof do I need as a member of a production crew?

A copy of the Company’s registration and insurance documents which state it is covered as a production company. The items must be delivered to the relevant studio or an associated address.

How do I purchase a gun as museum curator?

A copy of the Museums insurance documents. The package must be delivered to the museum or associated building.

If you have any further questions, please email us on sales@jdairsoft.net.