Legislation

Air Weapons ? Changes in the Law:

Traders selling air weapons in the UK are now being warned that they could face penalties of up to £5,000 or imprisonment if they fail to register with the Police.

On the 1st October 2007 a change was made to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 on restriction on the sale of Air Weapons. From this date onwards, anyone selling air weapons by way of a business must be registered with the Police as a Firearms Dealer.

There was no need previously to register as a Firearms Dealer to sell this type of weapon, now however, fishing tackle shops, gift shops, hardware stores, and others who sell air weapons will be affected by the change in the law, and will have to register with the relevant Firearms Licensing Department for the area in which they are based.

Registration as a Firearms Dealer in Gwent is made by completing the Application form for a Registered Firearms Dealer Certificate (Form 116) and costs £150. The registration lasts for 3 years.

Individuals caught trading in air weapons without being registered after the 1st October 2007 could face penalties of up to £5,000 or up to 12 months imprisonment.

Anyone wanting further information regarding the change can contact our Firearm Enquiry Officers on: (01495) 745 445 (01495) 745 446 (01495) 745 482 (01495) 745 484

Guide to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006:

This information has been provided by The Association of Chief Police Officers and The British Association for Shooting and Conservation is available for download from The BASC website:

Guide to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006