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I've often read about getting a friend to bring hard to get items over from the US. I'm not talking about firearms, parts or ammunition but what about accessories like scopes?

Does anyone know what the legal status of such imports is?

Friend of mine is coming over soon but he's a reasonably high ranking navy officer and I'm not about to ask him to do anything that's even remotely illegal.

Please note: I'm only talking about items that no one imports already. If there was a UK supplier of what I'm looking for I would use them.

Scopes are restricted to "non mil spec" (a very vague term) under ITAR but basically if it's a standard rifle scope there's no problem, just don't look at trying to bring night vision gear in!.

There's a UK limit of £390 for UK residents returning from outside the EU but if someone else is bringing over something you've paid for or are paying for then that limit doesn't apply and duty/import/vat fees would be liable.

"Additional conditions when bringing goods into the UK

To qualify for the tax/duty free allowances you also need to meet the following conditions:

You must transport the goods yourself.
The goods must be for your own use or as a gift.
If the person you give the goods to pays you in any way (including reimbursing you for any expenses), then it's not a gift and you'll have to pay the duty and/or tax."

Full info can be found here, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving ... gnoneu.htm

Birthday present from your mate

Alan

My birthday has long past.
I'm thinking Christmas present

Thanks for the link Phaedra.

I'll have to look up what ITAR covers.