U.K.A.R.A. v P.A.S.S. defence systems
UKARA and the S.W.A.T. P.A.S.S. System – Understanding the Difference
UKARA (United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) operates a nationally recognised player verification database that assists participating retailers in establishing whether a customer has a legitimate defence for purchasing a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
UKARA provides a valuable service to the airsoft industry by enabling participating retailers to verify players through a centralised national database.
Importantly, UKARA is a retailer-supported scheme. Participating retailers pay for access to the UKARA database, not individual players. UKARA does not itself charge players for registration.
Many airsoft venues participate in UKARA rather than operating their own independent verification systems. Some venues charge membership fees or additional administration fees for processing registrations. These charges are determined by the respective site operators and should not be confused with charges imposed by UKARA itself.
S.W.A.T., however, operates its own independent, in-house verification system known as P.A.S.S. (Player Approval Site System).
This system allows S.W.A.T. to maintain direct control over player registration, identification, attendance records and membership verification, without relying upon an external national database. It also enables us to manage players' personal information directly, in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.
S.W.A.T. Membership and P.A.S.S. Registration – Completely Free
At S.W.A.T. Airsoft, we believe that establishing a legitimate airsoft defence should not carry an unnecessary financial burden.
For this reason:
- S.W.A.T. Airsoft membership is completely FREE.
- S.W.A.T. P.A.S.S. registration is completely FREE.
- There are no annual membership or renewal charges for maintaining your P.A.S.S. registration.
- There are no administration charges for issuing or verifying your P.A.S.S. membership.
Players must still satisfy the relevant eligibility, identification and qualifying attendance requirements before their registration can be approved.
Normal charges for attending airsoft game days remain separate from membership and verification.
We recognise and support the important role UKARA plays within the wider airsoft community. However, we firmly believe that player verification should be accessible without compulsory registration fees.
Your airsoft defence should cost you nothing in registration or administration fees, unless your respective site operator independently determines that a membership or administration charge is appropriate.
Such charges are commercial decisions made by individual venues, not statutory requirements imposed by the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
Do You Legally Need UKARA?
No. UKARA registration is not a legal requirement.
One of the most common misconceptions within the airsoft community is that players must possess UKARA registration before they can legally purchase a realistic imitation firearm.
This is incorrect.
There is no statutory UKARA licence, nor is there a general UK airsoft licence issued to players under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
UKARA is an industry-operated verification scheme, not a government licensing authority.
The legislation provides specific legal defences for the sale, manufacture and importation of realistic imitation firearms, including their use in qualifying airsoft skirmishing activities.
A retailer must have reasonable grounds to establish that the relevant legal defence applies before supplying a RIF.
For airsoft players, supporting evidence may include:
- Verified identity – Confirmation of the player's identity and age.
- Genuine membership – Evidence of active membership at an established airsoft skirmishing venue.
- Recorded attendance – Documented participation in qualifying airsoft activities.
- Venue verification – Confirmation that the venue operates legitimate, insured airsoft skirmishing activities.
- Due diligence – Appropriate records and checks enabling the retailer to establish that the relevant statutory defence applies.
Membership alone does not automatically establish a legal defence. The circumstances of the proposed transaction and the intended qualifying use must also be considered.
Our Position
S.W.A.T. has developed and maintained its own independent player verification arrangements through the P.A.S.S. system since 2006.
We believe that a properly administered, independently managed verification system can provide retailers with reliable supporting evidence of a player's legitimate airsoft activities, without requiring UKARA registration.
We fully acknowledge the contribution UKARA makes to the airsoft industry and recognise that individual retailers are entitled to determine which verification arrangements they accept when conducting their own due diligence.
The important distinction is simple: UKARA is one method of verifying a player's airsoft activities. It is not the law itself, nor is it the only method by which a retailer may establish a legitimate statutory defence.
Ultimately, it is the applicable legislation, supported by appropriate evidence and responsible retailer due diligence, that determines whether a RIF may lawfully be supplied.
Our philosophy is equally simple: legitimate airsoft participation should establish your eligibility, not the payment of a registration fee.
S.W.A.T. P.A.S.S. – Independent Player Verification Since 2006.
FREE Membership. FREE Registration. NO Annual Fees.