Under the Violent Crime Reduction Act, passed on November 8, 2006, it will be illegal to manufacture, import, or sell a realistic-looking imitation firearm in the UK. While there will be provisions for certain legitimate purposes, the intent of the legislation is to ban realistic toy guns that could be mistaken for real weapons. 

Implementation regulations are expected to be published by June 2007, and will provide   guidance on how imitation firearms should be colored, shaped, or sized, to be judged “unrealistic” in appearance.  Other concerns, such as allowance for the sale of remaining retail stock and enforcement, should also be addressed at that time.

Meaning of “Realistic Imitation Firearm”

The law defines the term “realistic imitation firearm” to mean one which has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm, whether or not it is capable of discharging a shot, bullet, or pellet.

The law includes these provisions:

• The imitation firearm is not to be regarded as “distinguishable” from a real one if it requires an expert to make such a distinction, or for a close examination of the firearm.
• An imitation is to be regarded as “distinguishable” if its size, shape, or principal color is unrealistic from a “real firearm.”  (A “real firearm” is defined as a firearm of an actual make or model of a modern firearm manufactured after 1870).
• The law exempts de-activated firearms (which have been rendered incapable of firing), as well as antique imitation firearms used for purposes of museums or galleries, for theatre, film or television productions, for Crown service, or for specified historical re-enactments.
• The law makes it an offence to sell an imitation firearm to a person under the age of 18.  (In this case, the definition of “imitation firearm” is any thing that has the appearance of being a firearm, whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet, or other missile.)

Sources For Additional Information

To read the text of the Act and the Explanatory Notes, see:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/ukpga_20060038_en.pdf (text)

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/en2006/ukpgaen_20060038_en.pdf (notes)

How Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Can Assist You?

At Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, we can assist you with

For More Information: 

Please contact your client service representative or:  

Malcolm Horner, +44 (0)161 928 8924, malcolm.horner@uk.bureauveritas.com   

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