Importing

[mmamonster]

Hi,
I am going the states again this year and i have a free slot on my licence.
Has any one on here ever brought a gun and imported back to uk ?
My firearms officer says i wouldnt have a problem as long as its what i got a slot for.
I know i going need a import licence but will i need a permit or anything while in america ?
Atb
Mart

[saddler]

"I know i going need a import license" FFS

Two hopes. None & Bob.
Forget any ideas of direct imports from the USA in person.
Buying a gun in the US as a non resident is a federal offense.
Exporting a gun without an export permit is a federal offense.
A British FAC with a suitable empty slot IS an "import license"!

Want to import, try the EU as a source.

[Mattnall]

You need to buy off a dealer or other person who will be willing to either export it or send to an exporter to do the actual shipping to the UK.

It's not too hard if you find the right exporter as they have to do most of the work and know what they need to do.

Whatever you do don't try and bring it in yourself.

As mentioned above, your FAC with the suitable empty slot is classed as an import licence for the holder's use.

[Rockhopper]

Will it have to go to the proof house as well?

[Mattnall]

Not too sure if it is only for your use, though some ranges may not insure you (or allow it) to be shot there. It will definitely need to be proofed if you sell it on.

There is something about imports needing to be sent to the relevant Proof House within a certain time limit after importation but not sure where I read that and can't find it just now.

[Chapuis]

Will it have to go to the proof house as well?

No, not unless you offer it for sale.

[ovenpaa]

There is something about imports needing to be sent to the relevant Proof House within a certain time limit after importation but not sure where I read that and can't find it just now.

I was told this as well however I have not seen confirmation in writing.

[Chapuis]

There is something about imports needing to be sent to the relevant Proof House within a certain time limit after importation but not sure where I read that and can't find it just now.

I was told this as well however I have not seen confirmation in writing.

I too think that this is something imagined by someone and the myth perpetuated. Could even have been first suggested by the proof houses as it would suit them if it were the case.

[Sandgroper]

The Police Guidance sums it up nicely - see section (b) and the last paragraph:

24.3
The proving of firearms is governed by the Gun Barrel Proof Acts of 1868, 1950 and 1978
(However, note that much of the 1950 Act was repealed in 1996 by SI 1996/1576).
Under these Acts it is:
(a) an offence to sell, exchange, expose or keep for sale, or export, or keep for
exportation, or to attempt to sell, exchange or export, or to pawn or pledge, or attempt
to pawn or pledge, or to take in pawn or pledge, an arm, the barrels of which are not
duly proved and marked as proved (section 108 and 109 of the 1868 Act);

(b) an offence to import into the United Kingdom small arms, the barrels of which are not
duly proved and marked as proved, without giving notice in writing within seven days
to either the London or Birmingham Proof House or to send such imported arms,
within twenty-eight days of their arrival in the United Kingdom, to be proved at either
the London or Birmingham Proof House (Section 122 of the 1868 Act).

This does not apply to any small arm imported by any person for their own personal use
whilst it is in their possession. In such a case, the proof is the responsibility of the possessor.

[Mattnall]

Thanks Sandgroper, I knew I read it somewhere, didn't have the where with all to find it last night

So, it look like you either have to tell the Proof Houses you have them but they aren't getting your money (and you won't be able to transfer them later) or send them in for proofing within 28 days, or do neither;

This is the important bit.

This does not apply to any small arm imported by any person for their own personal use
whilst it is in their possession. In such a case, the proof is the responsibility of the possessor.