UKARA stands for ‘United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association’. It serves as a single database of all registered Airsoft Skirmishers in the UK, and allows retailers to check the eligibility of customers wishing to purchase airsoft guns or "Replica Imitation Firearms (RIF)".
A UKARA registration number is recognised as a valid defence for purchasing an airsoft gun. At Socom Tactical, we require proof of UKARA or site membership from customers who wish to purchase an airsoft gun. This protects us, and our customers.
Why Do You Need a UKARA Number?
In order to deter criminals and anti-social elements from obtaining airsoft guns, the UKARA was established. The association stipulates that in order to purchase a RIF (Replica Imitation Firearm), otherwise known as an airsoft gun, you must participate in a minimum of 3 games at a registered airsoft site.
You willthen be provided with a UKARA registration number by the site, which you can use to purchase airsoft guns from any retailer who is a member of UKARA.
How Do You Get a UKARA Number?
In order to get your UKARA number, you must first find an airsoft site that is registered with UKARA. Once you have found a suitable site, you must play 3 games there and have your name and address recorded in their site database.
The airsoft site will then provide you with a UKARA registration number, which is valid for an unlimited period of time. You can use this number to purchase airsoft guns from any UKARA registered retailer.
How Do I Use My UKARA Number?
When purchasing an airsoft gun from a UKARA registered retailer, you will be asked to provide your UKARA registration number. The retailer will then check the UKARA database to verify your eligibility to purchase the gun.
If you are purchasing an airsoft gun online, you will be asked to provide your UKARA registration number during the checkout process. Once again , the retailer will check the UKARA database to verify your eligibility to purchase the gun.
I Don’t Have a UKARA Number - Can I Still Buy An Airsoft Gun?
If you don’t have a UKARA number, you can still purchase an airsoft gun from a UKARA registered retailer, but you will need to provide proof of membership at an airsoft site.
You can also purchase an airsoft gun if you are over 18 and have a valid defence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA). The most common defence is that you are a member of an organised group, such as a historical reenactment society or target shooting club.
Please note that it is now illegal to purchase an airsoft gun if you are under 18 and do not have a valid defence.
UKARA Licences for Airsoft Sites
If you run an airsoft game site and want to become UKARA registered, you can download a form from the UKARA website and email it off. It costs nothing and is as easy as that!
Once processed, your site name, web URL and address will be added to the approved sites list so that visitors can visit your site in the reassurance that you are UKARA protected. Your site can then be a starting point for new airsofters wishing to obtain validation, and you will be issued with a UKARA stamp for validating player forms.
What Do UKARA numbers look like?
UKARA numbers typically appear as three alpha characters, followed by five numeric characters:
XXX12345
A UKARA number is unique to each airsofter. The confidential information of that airsofter is kept on a secure database and is only used for confirming membership of the UKARA scheme.
For more information about UKARA, you can visit their website.
