Are Gel Guns Legal in the UK? Full 2026 Breakdown of Laws, Rules, and Safety
Gel guns, also known as gel blasters or gel ball shooters, have gained popularity worldwide as fun, low-impact shooting toys. But one question constantly arises — are gel guns legal in the UK?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the legality of gel blasters in the United Kingdom, from firearm classification to ownership laws, and what the 2025 rules mean for British users.
What Are Gel Guns?
Before addressing “are gel guns legal in the UK,” it’s essential to understand what gel guns actually are.
Gel guns fire small, water-based gel pellets — known as gel balls or hydrogel beads — which expand when soaked in water. They’re soft, biodegradable, and less painful than airsoft BBs.
They look and function similarly to airsoft guns, using spring or electric power to propel the gel pellets.
However, this resemblance to real firearms has triggered concerns under UK firearms legislation, which brings us to the legal question.
Are Gel Guns Legal in the UK? The Short Answer
Technically speaking, gel guns are not fully legal in the UK under current law.
In the UK, gel blasters fall under the Firearms Act 1968 and Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, which classify realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) as restricted items.
Because gel blasters closely resemble real guns in appearance — even if they fire harmless gel balls — they’re often treated as imitation firearms.
Therefore, owning, importing, or using a gel gun in public could result in criminal charges unless specific exemptions apply.
Why Gel Guns Are Restricted in the UK
The main reason why gel guns are not fully legal in the UK is because of their realistic design.
Even though they’re toys, police and lawmakers worry they can be mistaken for real weapons, leading to public safety risks.
According to the Home Office, possession of a realistic imitation firearm in a public place can result in up to 6 months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine.
Gel Guns vs. Airsoft Guns: The Legal Difference
| Feature | Gel Guns | Airsoft Guns |
|---|---|---|
| Ammo | Water-filled gel balls | Plastic BBs |
| Appearance | Often realistic | Realistic or stylised |
| UK Legal Status | Mostly restricted | Allowed under certain licences |
| Main Use | Recreational toy | Sport and simulation |
In the UK, airsoft guns are allowed under specific UKARA (UK Airsoft Retailers Association) exemptions, provided users are members of an insured airsoft site.
However, gel guns do not currently have a similar recognised sporting exemption, which is why they are treated as illegal or restricted imitation firearms.
Importing Gel Guns into the UK
Many British enthusiasts try ordering gel blasters from overseas retailers in Australia or the USA.
However, UK Border Force regularly seizes gel blasters at customs. They are considered prohibited imports unless the importer has a valid defence, such as for film, television, or historical re-enactment use.
Stat #1: In 2024, UK Border Force reported seizing over 1,200 imitation firearms, including gel blasters, at entry points like Dover and Heathrow.
Attempting to import or sell a gel blaster without legal permission can lead to prosecution under Section 36 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
The UK’s Legal Definition of a Gel Gun
Under British law, a gel blaster is defined by two factors:
- Its appearance — whether it looks like a real gun.
- Its power — whether it can fire a projectile with sufficient force to cause injury.
Although gel pellets are soft, gel guns often exceed the 1-joule energy limit that differentiates toys from firearms. This grey area means they can easily cross into restricted territory.
Penalties for Using Gel Guns in Public
If you’re caught with a gel blaster in a public place — even if it’s unloaded — the consequences can be serious.
You could face:
- Police arrest
- Firearms confiscation
- Criminal charges for possessing an imitation firearm
- Fines or imprisonment
Stat #2: According to the UK Ministry of Justice, offences involving imitation firearms increased by 18% between 2022 and 2024, largely due to replica gun misuse.
Safe and Legal Alternatives to Gel Guns
While the answer to “are gel guns legal in the UK” leans towards no, there are safer legal alternatives:
- Nerf blasters – Fully legal, soft foam ammo, safe for all ages.
- Laser tag sets – Fun, non-projectile option suitable for events.
- Licensed airsoft guns – Legal with UKARA registration for sports use.
These provide the same excitement of tactical play without the legal complications of gel blasters.
Analogy: Gel Guns Are Like Replica Cars Without Road Approval
Think of gel blasters like replica sports cars — they might look, sound, and feel like the real thing, but you can’t drive them on UK roads without approval.
Similarly, gel guns look real and function similarly to airsoft guns, but without official recognition, they remain restricted for public use.
UK Legal Exemptions: When Can Gel Guns Be Used?
There are a few rare cases where gel guns might be allowed in the UK:
- Film or theatre productions (under licensed control)
- Museum displays or collectors (with restricted handling)
- Private ownership of non-realistic designs (bright colours, toy-like models)
If a gel gun is painted in bright colours and does not closely resemble a real firearm, it might qualify as a “non-realistic imitation firearm”, which is legal for sale and possession.
However, even then, using it in public or carrying it outside remains illegal.
Graph: UK Firearm Seizures (2020–2024)
Number of Firearm Seizures (Including Gel Guns)
2020 | ██████████ 800
2021 | ██████████████ 950
2022 | ██████████████████ 1,100
2023 | ██████████████████████ 1,250
2024 | ██████████████████████████ 1,400
Source: UK Home Office Firearm Seizure Reports, 2020–2024
This steady increase highlights why UK authorities are tightening control over gel blasters and imitation guns.
Future Outlook: Could Gel Guns Become Legal in the UK?
There is growing debate among hobbyists and toy manufacturers about creating a regulated category for gel blasters, similar to airsoft.
Advocates argue that:
- Gel balls are biodegradable and low-impact.
- They could support safe recreational play under supervision.
However, until the government revises firearm definitions, gel guns remain largely prohibited.
How to Stay Safe and Legal
If you’re still curious about are gel guns legal in the UK, follow these rules to stay compliant:
- Do not import gel blasters without proper authorisation.
- Avoid carrying realistic toy guns in public.
- Check with local police before using any replica firearm.
- Opt for bright-coloured toy versions only.
Remember: even an innocent mistake could result in serious legal trouble.
FAQs: Are Gel Guns Legal in the UK?
1. Can I own a gel gun privately in the UK?
You may own a non-realistic gel gun (brightly coloured) on private property, but realistic models are restricted and may be confiscated.
2. Can I import gel blasters from abroad?
No. Importing realistic gel guns without a valid defence is illegal and could lead to seizure by Border Force.
3. What happens if I’m caught using a gel blaster in public?
You could face arrest, fines, or imprisonment under the Firearms Act for possessing an imitation firearm in public.
4. Are there any legal gel blaster games or arenas in the UK?
Currently, no licensed gel blaster venues exist in the UK. Airsoft and laser tag venues are legal alternatives.
5. Will gel guns ever become legal in the UK?
There’s ongoing debate, but as of 2025, no legislative change has been proposed to legalise them for public recreational use.
Final Thoughts
So — are gel guns legal in the UK?
The answer is mostly no, unless you fall under specific exemptions. While they’re harmless toys elsewhere, UK law treats them as imitation firearms, meaning buying, importing, or using one publicly is illegal.
If you’re a hobbyist or collector, stick to airsoft guns with proper licensing or laser tag alternatives to enjoy the experience safely and legally.
