Parcelforce limits sending imitation firearms

Parcelforce Worldwide is reported to have limited the sending of firearms, including imitation firearms, to its contract customers only, from 19 January 2026. The change was posted on a UK airsoft forum on 23 January, quoting the carrier's own published terms, and has been discussed widely by players and sellers since.

What the terms say

According to the terms quoted, Parcelforce will now carry firearms for contract customers only. It will do so at its discretion and with prior written agreement. Only two services may be used: expressAMF and expressAMF Weekend. Parcels must carry "do not fly" and "Address Only" labels.

The terms say imitation, deactivated, antique and paintball guns may still go to a home address. A parcel sent on the wrong service, or labelled wrongly, can be charged £20 and returned.

Loaded guns are not accepted. Guns with an integral gas cylinder must be depressurised, and pressurised removable cylinders may not be attached. The forum poster read that rule as covering gas magazines, so gas pistols and rifles would have to travel with their magazines empty. Rigid packaging is required.

The terms do not name airsoft, and the poster asked Parcelforce and Royal Mail directly how they apply. Forum members also said that Parcelforce will not give contracts to sole traders. We have not been able to confirm that, so treat it as unconfirmed.

Royal Mail

The same post quoted Royal Mail's rules, which set 1st Class as the minimum service for sending imitation firearms. Royal Mail's rules on packaging and on gas cylinders should be checked before posting anything.

What it means for players

Most players buy new guns from shops, and large retailers already hold carrier contracts. The change matters more for private sales, for players sending a gun away for repair, and for small sellers. Someone without a Parcelforce contract can no longer book a replica on a standard Parcelforce service.

Before sending a replica, read the carrier's current terms on its own website, empty every gas magazine, and use rigid packaging. If in doubt, ask the carrier in writing and keep the reply. A courier that refuses a parcel or charges a return fee is a cost that is easy to avoid.

We will update this report if Parcelforce or Royal Mail publishes guidance that names airsoft directly.