REGULATIONS ON FOAM BLASTERS AROUND THE WORLD
Using Pro-Level Foam Blasters in the UK: How the Law and Regulations Compare to Other Countries
Pro-level foam blasters, designed for enthusiasts and competitive players, provide higher power, accuracy, and customisation compared to traditional toy guns like Nerf or X-Shot. These blasters, made by brands such as Dart Zone, Worker, Sabre, and HC Tech are built for advanced performance and often allow users to modify them for greater functionality. While they still fire foam-darts, the enhanced performance and look bring additional legal considerations. Here’s a brief look at how the law regulates these pro-level foam blasters in the UK and how it compares to other countries, including China, Turkey, Japan, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Ireland. The below information is an interpretation of the law based on reseach and legal advice. We are NOT lawyers and this is not legal advice. If in doubt please speak with a legal advisor or your local firearms expert.
The Law and Regulations in the UK
The TL;DR version:
-Any blaster with power UNDER 1J is considered a TOY and can can be used in public*
-Anything above 1J but below 16J that ISN’T flywheel based is considered an “Air Weapon” in the UK. For private use only. Consider all safety precautions when using blasters with this power.
-Full Auto or Burst Fire Blasters are not allowed unless they’re under 1J OR locked to Single Shot.
-Flywheelers CAN be full auto due to non conformity for various reasons.
*DO NOT USE BLASTERS OF ANY TYPE, POWER OR APPEARANCE IN AN INAPPROPRIATE MANNER IN PUBLIC. Seek advice if unsure.
In the UK, foam blasters, including pro-level models, are generally legal to own and use, but there are specific rules to ensure safety and prevent confusion with real firearms.
Age Restrictions: “Pro-level” foam blasters, due to their enhanced performance, are typically recommended for players aged 14 and above. The UK does not impose age restrictions on “air weapons” until they reach a certain power Level. “Air weapons are firearms if they are 'lethal barrelled'. In other words, if they have muzzle energy greater than one joule (0.7ft/lbs).” In the case of Pro Blasting, the kinetic energy limit can be breached if a 1.0G Dart is fired above 130FPS. For this reason anything above 130FPS is considered a “lethal barrelled” weapon and an therefore only be owned or purchased by someone over the age of 18.
The UK however does allow the use of “Air Weapons” for those aged under 18 in certain conditions. Typically these include, but are not limited to: use only on private land when under supervision of someone aged 21 years or older.
A couple of points to note:“Parents or guardians may choose to buy air weapons or ammunition for their child under 14 to use. The parent or guardian must have control of the air weapon at all times.”
”It is against the law to sell or rent air weapons or ammunition to someone under 18.”DO NOT USE “air weapons” in public for any reason.
Public Use and Safety: Carrying a foam blaster in public could cause alarm, especially if it resembles a real firearm or has been modified for power levels above 1 Joule. In the UK, foam blasters that are modified to shoot with excessive force, or those that look like firearms, can be seized by law enforcement under public order laws. The police are allowed to stop individuals with toy guns in public spaces, and if the blaster raises concern, it may be taken away. For this reason, it's essential to ensure that foam blasters are used responsibly and safely in public, or preferably on private land at an organised event.
Modifications and Power Limits: Many pro-level foam blasters are designed to be modified, with enthusiasts often increasing the firing velocity or altering their appearance for enhanced performance. However, UK law prohibits modifications that make a blaster shoot at velocities or forces that could classify it as a firearm. The Firearms Act 1968 defines a firearm as anything that can discharge a projectile with enough force to cause injury, so any modified foam blaster that shoots at high speeds could be regulated under firearms law.
As Foam Blasters aren't specifically defined under UK law it is important to understand and follow Government Guidelines. This becomes more complicated when Flywheel or AEB (Automatic Electronic Blasters) are introduced. By law it is ILLEGAL to own or use a firearm that can fire multiple projectiles with one trigger pull when using an “air propellant” unless its type is defined within regulations. Examples of where this IS allowed would be Airsoft and Paintball with defined restrictions on power, use and ownership.
Dart blasting therefore falls somewhere in between which is why understanding the law on permitted blasters is important, especially when manufacturers may be supplying products which in their country of origin are legal, but here in the UK are not.
Firearm-Like Features: Some pro-level foam blasters have realistic designs or tactical accessories, making them look like real firearms. This can lead to confusion and concern in public, especially if the blaster is not immediately identifiable as a toy. The UK law prohibits the carrying of any toy gun that might be mistaken for a real firearm, and police have the authority to seize these blasters if they pose a public safety risk.
For more information on UK law and how power affects ownership and use, please visit:
https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fi/af/firearms-licensing/air-weapons/
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1171973/Air_weapons_safety_leaflet_6-4.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-law-guidance-to-the-police-2012/guide-on-firearms-licensing-law-accessible-version#chapter-2-definition-and-classification-of-firearms-and-ammunitionUnlike Paintball and Airsoft where there are defined limits and set guidance on ownership and use, Foam Blasting does not have “definition” within these laws. It is VERY important that as a retailer we are compliant and aware of the law, power limits, age limits, blaster types and usage when selling to the public.
Please ensure as a consumer you understand the law as is written and contact us for further information if in any doubt.
Comparison to Other Countries
Regulations regarding foam blasters differ widely across countries, with some places offering more freedom than the UK, while others have stricter rules.
United States: The U.S. has relatively few regulations regarding foam blasters, especially compared to the UK. There are no federal laws specifically regulating foam blasters, and the level of regulation varies by state or city. In general, enthusiasts enjoy significant freedom to modify their blasters, as long as they do not resemble real firearms too closely. However, some states and municipalities have restrictions on carrying toy guns in public, particularly if they look realistic. For example, modified blasters that shoot with high velocity or have firearm-like features may face local regulation or confiscation.
Australia: Like the UK, Australia is more cautious with foam blasters, especially when they resemble real firearms or are modified to shoot with excessive force. In some states, high-performance foam blasters that shoot at high speeds or look too realistic may be classified as firearms, requiring licenses or registration. Public use of foam blasters is also regulated, and carrying one in public could lead to legal issues if it raises alarm. Modifications to increase performance may also violate local laws, and enthusiasts must be careful to ensure that their blasters comply with local regulations.
Germany: Germany has some of the strictest regulations in Europe regarding foam blasters, especially those that resemble real firearms. Pro-level blasters with realistic features or high-performance modifications may be classified as firearms under the Weapons Act. Even if the foam blaster is capable of shooting foam darts, it may fall under firearm regulations if modified to shoot with too much force. Public use of such blasters is heavily regulated, and modified or high-performance models may require a special permit or be prohibited outright.
Japan: Japan has some of the strictest laws regarding foam blasters. Anything that resembles a real firearm can be regulated, and modifications that increase performance are discouraged. The public use of foam blasters is typically restricted to private settings or designated areas, and high-performance models can be seized if they resemble real firearms too closely. In Japan, even slight modifications to increase power or alter the appearance of a foam blaster may lead to legal complications, as these toys are treated very seriously due to safety concerns.
China: In China, foam blasters are legal to own but are regulated based on their design and performance. Pro-level foam blasters, especially those that resemble real firearms or shoot at high velocities, may be classified as dangerous toys and face restrictions. In general, foam blasters can be owned privately, but their use in public spaces is tightly controlled. Local authorities may seize blasters that could be mistaken for real weapons or those that exceed certain performance thresholds, and modifications to increase power are often prohibited.
Turkey: Turkey's regulations on foam blasters are somewhat ambiguous but lean toward caution. While there is no outright ban on foam blasters, models that resemble real firearms may attract scrutiny. The Turkish government has laws regulating any object that could be seen as a weapon, and foam blasters with realistic designs or modifications that increase performance may be subject to these laws. Public use of such blasters may also be restricted, especially if they cause alarm or confusion.
Ireland: Ireland's laws surrounding foam blasters are similar to those in the UK, as both countries adhere to similar safety standards and regulations. Foam blasters are legal to own, but modifications that increase their power or make them resemble real firearms may bring them under firearms legislation. Public use of modified or high-performance blasters may lead to legal action, especially if they are perceived as a public safety threat. Enthusiasts in Ireland must also ensure that their blasters comply with safety standards and are not mistaken for real weapons.
Conclusion
In the UK, pro-level foam blasters are legal to own and use, but there are strict regulations governing age of ownership, modifications, public use, and safety. High-performance blasters that resemble firearms or are modified to shoot with excessive force, have a certain rate of fire or use particular mechanisms may be subject to firearms legislation. Compared to other countries, the UK has a more moderate stance, with a balance between safety and freedom. Countries like the United States and Australia offer more relaxed regulations, while countries like Germany, Japan, and China impose stricter controls. Enthusiasts must be aware of the local laws in their respective countries and ensure they are using their foam blasters responsibly and legally to avoid legal complications.
