Two-Tone Policy
OVERVIEW
NML Armoury (NML Retail Ltd) offers a Two Tone Service which alters an Airsoft model / Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) by applying a bright coloured coating to a substantial portion of the replica. This modification allows the item to be sold legally to customers who do not hold a recognised Airsoft defence.
The areas painted will be determined by NML Armoury in order to ensure the replica meets the legal definition of a Two Tone imitation firearm under UK law.
While every effort is made to minimise paint on high-contact areas, this cannot always be guaranteed and similar models may be painted differently depending on their design.
SERVICE ELIGIBILITY
The Two Tone Service is intended for individuals who:
-
Are 18 years of age or older
-
Do not hold a recognised Airsoft defence such as UKARA
Under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, Realistic Imitation Firearms may only be sold to individuals with a valid defence. These include:
-
Registered Airsoft skirmishers
-
Film and television production companies
-
Museums and theatres
-
Crown servants
-
Historical military re-enactment participants
The responsibility rests with the retailer to ensure RIFs are supplied only to legitimate purchasers.
SERVICE ELIGIBILITY
The Two Tone Service:
-
Is a paid optional service
-
Is only available for replicas purchased directly from NML Armoury
-
it cannot be applied to replicas purchased from other retailers
PROCESSING TIME
Two Tone conversions may take up to 15 working days to complete from the first full working day after purchase.
Orders that require additional services such as Two Tone application, workshop services, or defence checks may require longer processing times before dispatch.
PAINT APPLICATION & PROCESS
The coating used during the Two Tone process is applied to ensure legal compliance rather than cosmetic perfection.
Due to the nature of replica materials and coatings:
-
Paint may wear on high-contact areas such as grips, handguards, slides, and stocks
-
Oils, solvents, and regular handling may accelerate wear
-
Slight overspray may occur where masking is used instead of full disassembly
NML Armoury does not guarantee paint durability, adhesion, or cosmetic finish quality.
PAINT CURE TIME
Certain paints used in the Two Tone process may require up to 7 days to fully cure.
In some circumstances items may be dispatched before the full curing period has elapsed. This may result in minor wear during transit or early use.
Customers wishing to wait for the full curing period before dispatch should contact NML Armoury as soon as possible after placing their order.
We recommend avoiding handling the painted areas until the full cure time has passed.
RETURNS & REFUNDS
Because the Two Tone Service involves custom modification of a product, items that have been two toned cannot be returned for a refund based on cosmetic appearance of the paint finish.
However, this does not affect your statutory rights. Any manufacturing faults with the replica itself will still be covered under our standard warranty and returns policy.
LEGAL NOTICE
Removing or altering the Two Tone coating may be interpreted as manufacturing a Realistic Imitation Firearm and could constitute an offence under:
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 – Section 36 (1)(b)
For more information regarding valid Airsoft defences please visit the UKARA website.
ACCEPTANCE OF POLICY
By purchasing the Two Tone Service either online or in store, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this policy.
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA) – Airsoft Overview
The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA) is UK legislation that regulates the sale and ownership of imitation firearms, including airsoft replicas.
Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs)
Most airsoft guns that look like real firearms are classed as Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs). Under the VCRA, retailers can only sell these to individuals who have a valid legal defence.
Common valid defences include:
-
Registered Airsoft skirmishers (commonly verified through UKARA)
-
Film, TV, and theatre productions
-
Museums
-
Historical re-enactment groups
-
Crown servants
Retailers must take reasonable steps to verify that a customer qualifies before supplying a RIF.
Two Tone Airsoft Replicas
Customers who do not have a valid defence can still legally purchase an airsoft replica if it is sold as an Imitation Firearm, commonly known as a Two Tone.
Two Tone replicas are airsoft guns where a significant portion of the replica is coloured in a bright, unrealistic colour, such as blue or green.
Age Restrictions
UK law states that imitation firearms cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
Altering Two Tone Replicas
Removing or altering the coloured sections of a Two Tone replica may be considered manufacturing a Realistic Imitation Firearm, which could be an offence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.
UKARA
UKARA (United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) is a widely used system that allows retailers to confirm that a customer is a regular airsoft player, providing a recognised defence for purchasing a RIF.
Responsible Ownership
Airsoft replicas should always be transported responsibly, ideally in a bag or case, and only used at appropriate locations such as registered airsoft sites or events.