Re: UK bans the import of replica props...
So, which of these will come under the ban?
A Bladerunner blaster which is made from parts cast from a real firearm with extra bits added on.
An E11, made from parts cast from a real firearm with some extra bits and pieces added on.
An MR Han ANH EE, again replica of a real firearm with bits added on.
They would all come under the ban depending on when you bought, made, imported or sold the items.
It is widely believed that from 1 October if you manufacture (make), modify (including toy/model/replica to look like a real firearm), Import or sell any of these items you will be breaking section 30 of The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 which governs the Manufacture, import and sale of realistic imitation firearms.
Worryingly this means that if you make a model of either a real gun, or modify a toy to look like it 'could' be a firearm ('cream crackers' I know!) you can be prosecuted under this Act.
The Act states:
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if—
(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.
There are provisions within the Act for the Secretary of State (Tony McNulty current Minister of State) to make exemptions or exceptions as he thinks fit - however to date I am not aware that either he or any of his officials have clarified the situation reagarding the prop collectors community.
The Airsoft community have received an exemption of sorts (you can read it here
http://arniesairsoft.co.uk/news2/86) I do not know to whether his officials have contacted the airsoft community to arrange a meeting to discuss in detail how the defence will work. In the absence of this clarification of the defence a whole new layer of bureaucracy has been established within UK airsofting.
This Act has produced a complete 'Charlie Foxtrot' in the airsoft community and from 1 October you will have to be registered with an Airsoft Skirmish site with 3rd Party Insurance before any UK Airsoft supplier will sell you an airsoft/replica gun.
However, in the last few days I have noticed that this section of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill is NOT scheduled to become law on the 1 October Common Commencement Date - which means that section 30 will not be 'Law' on the 1st Oct.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/20072180.htm
You can download the Violent Crime Reduction Bill from Here:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/010/2006010.htm
You can access the Regulatory Imapct Assessments associated with the specific measures contained within the Bill here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ria-violent-crime-bill-cov-0605/
As a hobbyist, model maker, propmaker and collector - I am, and I am sure many many others in the UK are, trying to establish just what we can and can't do. It's a damn mess.
I would be interested to hear from any English Special Effects artists, prop makers who earn a percentage of their living from the manufacture of replica prop guns based on real firearms.
I know a bit about Government regulation so there are some measures that interested parties can take. But these things take time and need to be carefully co-ordinated if they are to avoid being ignored or rejected by Whitehall Officials.
Politely worded phone calls and/or letters giving details of the origin and nature of the prop should win the day.
