Personally importing guns and ammunition

[bobbob]

A chap we know has family in Canada. They found him a rifle he was after and while he was out there visiting he sorted everything out and had it shipped home. He was there when the package was closed for shipment. When he went to the airport to collect it, it had been opened for customs. There was a very expensive dioptre sight missing that was definitely there when it was shipped. Nothing he could do about it and they denied any knowledge. Could be worth having a pictorial record of anything you get imported.

[Chapuis]

If we go back to the original post by porcupine, personal imports from Europe are simple and easy with no fuss as long as you have the necessary authority to possess. I have personally purchased two rifles in France and brought them home declaring them at customs at the port of entry on both occasions. They thanked me for making them aware of it but simply didn't want to know. All I needed to do was to inform my local FEO on return and make the entry on my certificate myself, or if I wished I could send my certificate in and they would make the entry.

With regard to posting ammunition, I think ammunition is one of the items that cannot legally be posted. Have a look on the Royal Mail website and you will find a list of prohibited items.