Explanatory note

These Regulations prescribe the specifications that imitation firearms must conform to for importation into Northern Ireland, pursuant to paragraph 7(1)(a) of Schedule 2 to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (C. 38).

Under paragraph 7(2)(d) of Schedule 2 to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 a person is guilty of an offence if they import into Northern Ireland an imitation firearm which does not conform to prescribed specifications.

Regulation 3 sets out the specifications for certain blank-firing imitation firearms. Regulation 4 sets out the specifications for blank-firing imitation revolvers.

Regulation 5 sets out an exemption, the effect of which is to exempt from criminal liability any person importing an imitation firearm which does not conform to the specifications, if their conduct is only for the purpose of making the imitation firearm available for specified purposes. These purposes include those of a museum or gallery, a theatrical performance, the production of films and television programmes, the organisation of historical reenactments, or the purposes of functions held by a person in their capacity as a person in the service of His Majesty.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.