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Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:12 pm
by Oddbod
Does anyone know what the legal position is on bringing bullets back from the US?

I'm off over the Pond tomorrow & my friend over there has accumulated a not unsubstantial number of bullets for me, based on his presumption that I would have no problems bringing them into the UK.
They're a mix of .224, .243 & .277, all of which are calibres on my FAC (which I have with me).

I don't want to go breaking any import restrictions, so knowledgeable & experience based input would be appreciated.

Re: Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:19 pm
by phaedra1106
No, you'd need an export license as they're prohibited under ITAR as are empty pistol & rifle brass cases (apart from shotgun ones for some reason!).

Re: Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 7:26 am
by Daryll
I thought ITAR didn't cover reloading components..??

Re: Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 7:30 am
by phaedra1106
Used to be OK but they changed the list of "naughty toys" around 2013 if I recall correctly.

Reloading presses, dies, case trimmers, tumblers, priming tools etc. etc. are all still OK to bring back. Also scopes that aren't specifically listed for military use (good luck finding a list of those, there are a few Leupolds on it for sure!) or those with any sort of electronic image enhancement are also fine, just remember not to pack them in your hold luggage as I'm sure they let elephants do a quick trample on most of the cases!.

And remember your customs limit is £390 worth of toys :)

Re: Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 4:14 am
by Oddbod
It's not the US export regulations that concern me, as I can get a Form 6 no problem & had no issues bringing back brass in May.
What I want to know is if it's legal for me to bring the bullets into the UK.

Re: Bringing bullets back from the US

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 8:29 am
by phaedra1106
ATF Form 6 is for the importation of firearms into the USA not export.

As I have said above bullets and brass cases are now covered by ITAR and need an export license from the State Department or if caught with them when leaving the USA you risk a free extended stay in a nice orange coverall and a ban from returning.

On the UK side of things bringing bullets and brass cases into the country isn't a problem at all, they aren't licensed components.