Cybershooters

dhart · Joined: 22 Jun 2009 Posts: 29

Is it safe to assume that provided a plain English explanatory document accompanies an item, for the benefit of any enquiring and intercepting customs official, there is no legal reason why an antique/obsolete calibre firearm cannot be posted by an overseas vendor direct to a UK buyers home address - rather than having to go through as UK firerams dealer??

Given that the item wont even be new, would there even be any potential import tax/duties to be paid to HMRC???

cybershooters · Site Admin Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 4589

Have a look at this.

Basically anything not requiring licensing under section 58(2) can be imported, however it will be subject to duty and VAT, and might be subject to proof test, although personal imports generally aren't because proof applies to firearms "for sale" and the sale has already occurred.

The main thing that trips people up on this one is not complying with the export laws of the country the firearm is being exported from. For example France has a cut-off date of 1870 for antiques, so you could have something from 1890 which would be an antique in the UK but not in France and would require a French export licence.
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Steve.

Only three things are certain: death, taxes and stupid gun laws.

dhart · Joined: 22 Jun 2009 Posts: 29

much obliged for the thoughts/advice