Importing

[Mattnall]

A permanent export and a temporary export (and likewise for imports) are different things in my experience and the temporary ones I have done mention that the firearm must return with me and is not allowed to stay (including unfired ammunition as well).

I have imported many rifles from the States but always bought from a dealer or resident who then shipped to an exporter who does all the necessary compliance bit regarding export. I do the necessary work this end including proof as they were all for selling on or for a third party.

I know this is for import in to the States but I don't have the details for the UK as I've only permanently imported.
Extract from ATFform 6NIA (for temp importation and me being a non-immigrant alien)

[mmamonster]

I always wondered if it is possible using the following method:

My cousin is in the US and lives, at various times of the year in California, Connecticut, and New York.

If he buys a gun - in accordance with his licences/permits. We then fly back to the UK together and he has the gun as part of our shared baggage - he may also have a UK visitors permit. Then, prior to going through customs he transfers the gun to me. I then declare it and it is on my FAC.

Legitimate or not?

I think that would work.

[Sixshot6]

I always wondered if it is possible using the following method:

My cousin is in the US and lives, at various times of the year in California, Connecticut, and New York.

If he buys a gun - in accordance with his licences/permits. We then fly back to the UK together and he has the gun as part of our shared baggage - he may also have a UK visitors permit. Then, prior to going through customs he transfers the gun to me. I then declare it and it is on my FAC.

Legitimate or not?

I think that would work.

Did you not read what Matt said that he knows from dealing by any chance?

[Mattnall]

It may be OK coming this way (ie importing in to the UK - I've not done it that way) but I know it's not the other way.

It does seem a harder and riskier way of doing it compared to just getting it exported in the normal manner though.

[fra150l]

You need export licence for any gun component over $100.
That includes: trigger, magazine AND items like brass or bullets.

The export of gun components is way harder than UK import!

** I recently imported rifle and brass so this information is correct for March/April'16. But as with any information on the internet CHECK before you try and cross a border.

[Chuck]

By the time you pay someone's air fare etc you could not have just done this the proper and painless way??

With the "inconvenience" you really could suffer it amazing how people are still tying to circumvent the legal system when it comes to firearms.

AFIK private perosnal import - only needs proffed if sold on...Rules for RFD's will no doubt be different as the firearms are intended for sale...

[snayperskaya]

Would it not be easier to get a rifle from Europe?.

[Mattnall]

You need export licence for any gun component over $100.
That includes: trigger, magazine AND items like brass or bullets.

The export of gun components is way harder than UK import!

** I recently imported rifle and brass so this information is correct for March/April'16. But as with any information on the internet CHECK before you try and cross a border.

I did hear you have to be an American citizen or company to get an export licence from the States. If true that will solve this problem straight away.

[Musclebob]

Ok, here is what you will need to do.

First, if your cousin buys the rifle for you, it is called a 'straw purchase'. If caught, both of you will become guest of a federal prison.

If the firearm is to be exported out of the USA, it must be done via a munitions broker. You will need to apply for a US Export permit via the broker (as they must be licensed to export munitions). You will also need to complete an end-user certificate, purchase order, DSP-83, BIS-711 and pay around $500 to get the export licence. You will need to supply proof that you have an import permit or a waiver (on official government letterhead) stating that a permit is not required. This will all go to the broker to process with the US State Department. This will take time (months).

Once you have the Export permit, the broker can then go ahead with the purchase (they may or may not allow you to have the firearm supplied by a third party). The broker will then ship the firearm (usually by secure air freight) to the UK. The shipment is normally free on board, so you will need to get to the freight forwarders to pick it up (and get FAC signed, pay duties and VAT).

You won't be able to just take it out of the country. If you try and get caught, the US take a very dim view of it - http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/25 ... a.guns.uk/

I went through most of this process and in the end pulled out of it as the cost of permits and shipping made it uneconomical to do it for a one off.

Regards,
MB

[Mattnall]

The buyer (in the UK) doesn't apply for an export licence. The shipper/exporter does that on behalf of the buyer.

Musclebob has just reminded me of something.
Be aware that most of the shipments I have received have come by freight, this is not cheap and the airline will dump in storage with a freight handler or similar if you don't have a clearance agent working on it. This can be expensive and they charge storage per day and you don't always get instant notification of the shipment's arrival. If they mail notification (if they don't have your email or phone number for instance) then that can take 4 or more days (you can bet it'll be over a weekend as well).
The last shipment added just under a thousand pounds to the cost of the firearm for all the paperwork and fees at both ends including proof, but that was the most expensive single item fees we've had.