Beginners' guide: What is a UKARA or an Airsoft Defence?

UKARA is not a license. It is a player registration database controlled by Airsoft retailers. The UKARA database is used for the verification of a player’s valid defence to purchase realistic imitation firearms (known as RIFs).

Most Airsoft players in the UK obtain their valid defence through skirmish site membership and regularly attending skirmish events at a registered Airsoft site.

What is UKARA?

UKARA stands for United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association. It was created to fulfil the requirement set out in the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) to provide evidence of an Airsoft player's participation in Airsoft events, and thus, their legitimate use of realistic imitation firearms.

UKARA is not a license, and no license is required to own or use an RIF.

Think of UKARA as a membership database which helps retailers confirm that you regularly play Airsoft and can legally be sold realistic Airsoft guns.

What is an Airsoft Defence?

An Airsoft defence is a specific defence outlined in the VCRA for the purchase, importation and manufacture of RIFs.

Having an Airsoft defence allows retailers to sell RIFs to you legally. Retailers are required to retain your defence details to prove they have followed the law.

The onus is on the retailer to prove that they have been selling RIFs correctly, so the Airsoft Defence is the retailer’s defence from prosecution under the VCRA.

If you are importing or manufacturing RIFs, the onus is on you, as the importer or manufacturer.

Other valid defences under the VCRA include the following:

• British Airsoft Club (BAC)
• UCAP
• Museum*

* Starred defences are typically considered on a case by case basis, and providing evidence of this does not necessarily mean we will accept your defence. We reserve the right to cancel your order with us should we not feel your defence is valid enough for us to sell to you.

To avail yourself of any of the above non-Airsoft defences, proof will be required. Like Airsoft defence information, retailers are required to retain proof that they have followed the law when selling RIFs.

Is UKARA a license?

No. UKARA is not government-issued or a legal requirement. It is used because it is the biggest database of Airsoft defence holders and the easiest way for retailers to verify a customer’s defence details.

Do I need UKARA to buy an Airsoft gun?

No. Airsoft guns fall into two categories under the VCRA. Some require UKARA, others only require the purchaser to be over 18.

Two-Tone Airsoft Guns

Imitation firearms (commonly known as “IFs” or “Two-Tones”) are available to anyone over 18. Airsoft Two-Tones are generally realistic replicas finished in bright colours to distinguish them from real firearms.

You do not need UKARA to purchase a Two-Tone Airsoft gun, but the buyer must be over 18.

Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs)

Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) are realistic replicas finished in realistic colours. These require UKARA or another form of VCRA Defence to purchase.

UKARA is the most commonly used Airsoft defence when purchasing RIFs.

How do I get UKARA?

• Be over 18 years of age
• Play at least 3 games over 56 days or longer at a UKARA-registered site
• Apply for site membership
• Complete the registration form
• Submit your completed form to the site for registration

How long does UKARA last?

Generally, UKARA membership is tied to your site membership. Site memberships usually last for 1 year/12 months.

Some sites will require attendance to renew UKARA membership; others simply require membership to be maintained through a recurring subscription.

If your UKARA membership is through HALO MILL or HALO MILL: Proving Grounds, all you need to do to maintain your UKARA membership is to keep your site membership active by paying membership fees yearly.

If you’re unsure about how the site you registered with handles renewal, we recommend contacting them.

Can I own a black Airsoft Gun without UKARA?

Yes. The VCRA only covers selling, manufacturing and importing RIFs. As such, UKARA is only required when purchasing and does not need to be held to own an RIF.

Many people inherit, are gifted RIFs or obtain them through other legal defences outlined in the VCRA.

There are no legal requirements regarding ownership of an Airsoft gun.

What is a Two-Tone Airsoft Gun?

To be defined as a Two-Tone Airsoft gun, a replica must fulfil the following criteria:

• At least 51% of its surface must be finished in a bright colour (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple or pink).
• Unrealistic in appearance (a bright colour finish covers this)
• Can be bought by anyone over 18
• Does not require UKARA or any VCRA-specific defence

Feature	Two-Tone	RIF
Bright colours	✓	✗
Need UKARA	✗	✓ (or other defence)
Must be 18+	✓	✓
Looks realistic	✗	✓

Common UKARA Myths

Myth: UKARA is a license

False. It is a retailer-operated scheme.

Myth: UKARA is required by law

False. It is not mentioned in the VCRA and is not required by law.

Myth: You need UKARA to own an Airsoft gun

False. There is no legal requirement related to the ownership of Airsoft guns.

Myth: UKARA lets you carry replicas in public

False. A valid reason for transporting a replica is still required. We advise using a gun bag or hard case, and keeping ammo/power sources separately from the replica itself.

Airsoft Law in the UK

VCRA

Under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (2006), the sale, import and manufacture of realistic imitation firearms is restricted to those who can demonstrate a specific defence from prosecution.

Age Limit

Also covered in the VCRA, purchase of both RIFs and IFs (two-tones) is restricted to those over the age of 18.

Transportation

To transport an RIF or IF/Two-tone legally, it must be completely unloaded, stored securely in a case or bag, and kept out of sight during your journey. This is outlined in both the VCRA and the Firearms Act (1968).

You must also have a legitimate reason for transporting your RIF or IF. These include travel to an Airsoft event and to a retailer/tech service. We recommend having appropriate supporting documentation on your person during transport.

Public Display

Under the Firearms Act (1968), it is illegal to publicly display a firearm, RIF or IF/Two-tone unless you have lawful authority or a reasonable excuse.

As far as this pertains to Airsofters, you should never go out in public with your RIF or IF/Two-tone. Avoid exposing your replica to public view when moving it between your home and your vehicle. Keeping it inside a case or bag until it is securely loaded into your vehicle helps reduce the risk of causing alarm or attracting police attention.

It should be kept out of view from the public, even inside your home. If you have a gun wall or display, keep the curtains closed or use a wall which is not visible from outside.

If you are shooting on your private property, we recommend informing any neighbours who may be able to see you from their property that you will be using an Airsoft replica and not to be alarmed.

Make sure you set up your shooting range responsibly and in an area not visible from public land.

Shooting in the garden/on private land

When shooting on private land, your ammo mustn't leave your property boundary at any point.

This could be considered an offence under the Firearms Act (as amended by the VCRA), known as “firing beyond premises”.

RIF vs IF/Two-Tone

An RIF is a Realistic Imitation Firearm. Essentially, a replica which is indistinguishable from the real thing from the perspective of the public, and finished in realistic colours (black, dark earth/tan, silver, etc.)

An IF is an Imitation Firearm, also known as a “Two-tone” in Airsoft. This differs from an RIF in that it is finished in primarily unrealistic, “bright” colours (blue, green, red, pink, purple, orange & yellow).

FAQ