No, stun guns are illegal in the United Kingdom under the Firearms Act 1968 and Offensive Weapons Act 2019. Possession, sale, or use of such devices is prohibited without exemption, as they are classified as prohibited weapons. Violations may result in up to 10 years imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in United Kingdom
- Prohibited Weapons Classification: Stun guns fall under “prohibited weapons” per the Firearms Act 1968 (Section 5), making their possession unlawful without a Home Office exemption.
- Offensive Weapons Act 2019: Strengthens penalties for carrying stun guns in public, with possession in a private dwelling also requiring justification under strict criteria.
- Border Force Enforcement: UK Border Force actively seizes stun guns at ports of entry, citing violations under the Customs Consolidation Act 1876 and the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Local authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and regional forces, enforce these restrictions via stop-and-search powers under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Recent 2026 compliance guidance from the Home Office emphasizes digital surveillance of online sales to curb illegal distribution. Exemptions for law enforcement or licensed security personnel require prior approval from the Home Office’s Firearms Licensing Unit.