Here is a copy (abridged) Of a thread I posted elsewhere for guidance on where you stand with the purchase or sale of your replicas, Blank Firers or AEGs (Airsoft Electric Guns)
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ.
When selling a Realistic Imitation Firearm. Attention should be payed to the VCR Bill which became law on Oct 1 2007.
It is the responsiblity of the VENDOR (seller) to ensure the Purchaser is entitled to buy the item from you. Failure to do so may result in prosecution.
Please refer to the extracts from the Bill below.
Quote:
Section 30 Manufacture, import and sale of realistic imitation firearms
(1)
A person is guilty of an offence ifâ€â€
(a)
he manufactures a realistic imitation firearm;
(b)
he modifies a firearm or an imitation firearm so that it becomes a realistic imitation firearm;
(c)
he sells a realistic imitation firearm; or
(d)
he brings a realistic imitation firearm into Great Britain or causes one to be brought into Great Britain.
(2)
The Secretary of State may by regulationsâ€â€
(a)
provide for exceptions and exemptions from the offence under subsection (1); and
(b)
provide for it to be a defence in proceedings for such an offence to show the matters specified or described in the regulations.
Also from Section 24 (24a)
Quote:
24A Supplying imitation firearms to minors
(1)
It is an offence for a person under the age of eighteen to purchase an imitation firearm.
(2)
It is a offence to sell an imitation firearm to a person under the age of eighteen.
OK - the specific exemptions and defences are.
Quote:
Section 37 provides various defences to the new offence. It makes it a defence to show that the manufacture, importation, sale or modification was only for the purpose of making the realistic imitation firearm available for:
- a museum or gallery;
- theatrical performances and rehearsals of such performances;
- the production of films and television programmes;
- the organisation and holding of historical re-enactments; and
- crown servants.
And where a person claims to be a re-enactor or Living Historian
Quote:
20. The regulations also specify the persons who can claim the defence for historical re-enactment. This is restricted to those organising or taking part in re-enactment activities for which third party liability insurance is held.
OK? So what we are trying to get across to you in Plain English is -
Unless you sell to a person who is over 18 and involved in bona fide living history, re-enactment, Film, TV or Theatre, TV Production or is a Crown Servant then you could be in trouble legally. You must ensure you make an effort to find out and obtain proof from them of this.
If you are buying the thing you must be over 18 and involved in one of the above...... And be able to prove it.
Please be careful out there folks. IT's your liberty (or pocket) and our hobby.
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