<P> The airsoft defence is based on whether or not a person is a skirmisher . One of the measures put in place by retailers was the forming of a centrally recorded and maintained database . This system is managed by the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association or UKARA . UKARA shares the database of registered skirmishers with the member retailers allowing verification that the purchaser is allowed to buy a RIF under the VCRA skirmisher defence . To qualify for the UKARA database, a person must skirmish three or more times over a period of at least 56 days, and typically at one site . The airsoft site they register at must hold Public Liability Insurance . </P> <P> It is an offence for anyone under 18 to purchase an airsoft gun (realistic or otherwise) or to sell one to a person under 18 . Gifting is not an offence . </P> <P> Under federal law, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms and are legal for all ages . People under the age of 18 are not permitted to buy airsoft guns over the counter in stores . However, a person of any age may use one (with the permission of their parents, of course, for anyone under 18). This is also the case for the laws in each state . However, in some major cities, the definition of a firearm within their respected ordinances includes propulsion by spring or compressed air, thus making airsoft subject to applicable laws . For example, airsoft guns within the state of California can only be bought by a person above the age of 18 . However, no laws indicate an age requirement to sell airsoft guns . Generally speaking, toy, look - alike, and imitation firearms must have an orange tip during shipping and transportation . </P> <P> Although airsoft guns in the United States are generally sold with a 0.24 in . or longer orange tip on the barrel in order to distinguish them from real firearms, this is not required by federal law . Manufacturers and importers may cite Part 272 of Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations on foreign commerce and trade (15 CFR 272), which stipulates that "no person shall manufacture, enter into commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy, look - alike, or imitation firearm" without approved markings; these may include an orange tip, orange barrel plug, brightly colored exterior of the whole toy, or transparent construction . However these restrictions do not apply to "traditional B-B, paint - ball, or pellet - firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of compressed air, compressed gas, or mechanical spring action, or any combination thereof ." This language exempts airsoft guns from these requirements, placing them in the same category as bb - guns, pellet, air, and paintball, none of which are conventionally sold or used with an orange tip, and many of which bear as much resemblance to real firearms as airsoft guns do . </P>

Do you need a licence to play airsoft