Age Restrictions & Airsoft Legal Compliance Policy

Last Updated: August 17, 2026

This policy sets out the age restrictions that apply to purchases from Red 1 Airsoft and to attendance at our events, and explains the UK legal framework that governs airsoft in this country. It applies to every customer, participant and visitor without exception.

The Legal Framework

Airsoft in the United Kingdom is governed principally by the Firearms Act 1968, the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA), and the Policing and Crime Act 2017. Red 1 Airsoft Limited operates in full compliance with this legislation and expects the same of its customers.

What legally counts as an airsoft gun. Section 125 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 defines an airsoft gun as a barrelled weapon which is designed to discharge only a small plastic missile and which is not capable of discharging a missile above the permitted kinetic energy at the muzzle. The permitted levels are:

  • 1.3 joules for a weapon capable of discharging two or more missiles successively without repeated pressure on the trigger (automatic and semi-automatic)
  • 2.5 joules for a single-shot weapon

A device exceeding these limits is not an airsoft gun in law. It may be classified as a firearm, and possessing one without the appropriate certificate is a criminal offence. Red 1 Airsoft does not sell, service, or permit the use of any device exceeding these limits.

Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) and Two-Tone Guns

A Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) is an airsoft gun that closely resembles a real firearm and cannot readily be distinguished from one. Under section 36 of the VCRA 2006 it is an offence to manufacture, import, modify, or sell a RIF to a person who does not hold a recognised defence.

An Imitation Firearm (IF), commonly called a "two-tone", is finished in a bright colour over a significant proportion of its surface so that it cannot be mistaken for a real firearm. Two-tone guns can be sold to any person aged 18 or over without a defence.

Age Restrictions on Purchases

You must be 18 or over to buy any airsoft gun from Red 1 Airsoft. This applies to realistic imitation firearms and to two-tone imitation firearms alike, and it is not a matter of company preference — it is a legal requirement. There are no exceptions and no discretion.

The following also apply:

  • You must be 18 or over to buy pyrotechnics, gas, or any age-restricted consumable.
  • Protective equipment, clothing, and general accessories that are not airsoft guns may be purchased by customers of any age, subject to the usual contract rules for minors.
  • It is an offence to buy an airsoft gun on behalf of a person under 18. Doing so is a "proxy purchase" and we will refuse and report suspected proxy purchases.
  • You must not sell, gift, lend, or otherwise transfer an airsoft gun to anyone under 18.

We reserve the right to request proof of age at any point before dispatch, and to cancel and refund any order where age cannot be satisfactorily verified.

UKARA and Valid Defences for Buying a RIF

To buy a RIF from us you must hold a defence recognised under section 37 of the VCRA 2006. In practice this means one of the following:

  • UKARA registration. The UK Airsoft Retailers Association database is the industry standard. To register you must be 18 or over and have played a minimum of three games at a UKARA-registered site over a period of not less than 56 days. Registration runs on a rolling 12-month cycle and must be current at the time of purchase.
  • An equivalent site membership scheme operated by a recognised UK airsoft site, where we are able to verify it directly.
  • Another statutory defence under the VCRA, such as theatrical, film or television production, museum or gallery display, or historical re-enactment activities covered by public liability insurance. Documentary evidence is required.

Verification. We manually check every UKARA number against the database before dispatch and confirm that the registered name and address match the delivery details on the order. Mismatched details will stop the order. Verification may add 1–2 days to processing. If a valid defence cannot be confirmed we will cancel the order and refund you in full.

Two-tone guns do not require a defence. If you are 18 or over but not UKARA registered, a two-tone gun is the lawful route to ownership.

Age Requirements for Playing at Our Events

There is no minimum legal age to play airsoft in the UK — the restrictions apply to purchase and ownership, not participation. Red 1 Airsoft sets its own site policy, which is as follows.

  • Minimum age to play is 12 years old.
  • Players aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied at the site by a parent or legal guardian for the entire duration of the event. The accompanying adult must remain on site and is responsible for that player at all times.
  • Players aged 16 and 17 must provide a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian. We may still require an accompanying adult at our discretion.
  • Players aged 18 and over may attend unaccompanied on presentation of photo ID.

Under-18s may use airsoft guns at our site, including rental guns and guns belonging to their accompanying adult, but they may not buy one and they may not take ownership of one.

Additional requirements for under-18s. Full-seal goggles rated to EN166 B and full lower-face protection are mandatory for all players under 18 — mesh eyewear and shooting glasses are not acceptable. Marshals may apply additional restrictions, including reduced engagement distances, at their discretion. See our Site Safety Rules & Code of Conduct for the full requirements.

Age Verification at Events

Photo ID is required at check-in for every participant claiming to be 18 or over. Acceptable ID includes a passport, photocard driving licence, or a PASS-accredited proof of age card. Where a player is under 18, the accompanying parent or guardian must also produce photo ID and sign the participation and consent forms in person.

Entry will be refused, without refund, where age cannot be verified or where a required parent or guardian is not present.

Rental Guns

Renting an airsoft gun for use at our site is not a sale or transfer of ownership, and no UKARA registration or other defence is required to rent. Rentals are available to all participants who meet the age requirements above, have completed the safety briefing, and have signed the relevant waiver or consent forms. Rental guns must remain on site and be returned at the end of the event.

False Information and Misuse

Providing false information about your age, identity, or UKARA status in order to obtain an airsoft gun is a serious matter. Where we identify or suspect it we will cancel the order, may refuse to trade with you in future, and may report the matter to the police. Where a criminal offence appears to have been committed we will cooperate fully with any investigation.

Prohibited Use

You agree that you will not use any product bought from us illegally or in breach of UK law, in a public place where it is not permitted, to intimidate, threaten or harm any person, or outside a designated airsoft site without permission. You must not modify a product so that it exceeds the statutory kinetic energy limits or so that a two-tone gun becomes realistic in appearance. Doing so may constitute a criminal offence and immediately ends any warranty or liability on our part.

Airsoft guns must be transported concealed in a suitable bag or case and never carried openly in public.

Contact

For questions about age restrictions, UKARA, or legal compliance, contact Red 1 Airsoft Limited at shopify@red1airsoft.com or 07466045268, Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (GMT).

This policy is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. It does not affect your statutory rights.