What is Ukara?

RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) Defence & VCRA Compliance

Under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA) 2006, the UK government introduced regulations to control the sale, manufacture, and import of Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs). These laws aim to prevent misuse of replica weapons while allowing legitimate users—such as airsoft skirmishers—to legally purchase and use RIFs.

A defence under the VCRA is essentially proof that you have a valid reason to purchase a RIF. This protects retailers like Duell Tactical Airsoft from selling to individuals without a lawful purpose and provides lega

l cover should authorities question your ownership.

UKARA & Legal Defence

The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) was established in response to the VCRA to help legitimate airsoft players prove their right to buy RIFs. UKARA maintains a national database of verified airsoft skirmishers, created in partnership with registered airsoft sites and retailers.

  • UKARA is not a license, nor is it legally required.

  • However, it is the most widely accepted "specific defence" under the VCRA for buying RIFs in the UK.

  • Most UK retailers will only sell RIFs to individuals registered on the UKARA database.

Please note: The VCRA restrictions apply only to the sale, import, and manufacture of RIFs. There are no legal restrictions on ownership, provided the buyer is 18 or over.

How to Obtain a UKARA Registration

To legally purchase a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF), you must provide a valid defence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA). The most common and widely accepted defence is UKARA registration.

To register with UKARA, you must:

  • Attend a UKARA-registered Airsoft Skirmish Site at least three times within a 56-day (8-week) period.

  • Complete the required UKARA application form at the site.

  • Once your attendance is verified, the site will stamp your form and submit your details to the UKARA database.

Once your registration is approved and you receive your UKARA number, you are eligible to purchase RIFs from us and other participating retailers.

 

Not Skirmishing? Alternative Options

If you do not wish to skirmish and simply want an airsoft gun for target shooting, display, or training, you must either:

  • Have an alternative valid defence under the VCRA (e.g., film, theatrical use, or collector status), or

  • Purchase a gun in a Two-Tone colour scheme.

Two-Tone airsoft guns are finished in bright, non-military colours such as blue, green, red, or pink, making them compliant with UK law for buyers without a defence.

At Duell Tactical Airsoft, any RIF listed on our website can be finished in Two-Tone colours using our Two-Tone Paint Service, allowing legal purchase if you are 18 or older.