buying rifle in USA and bringing to UK
- Thread starter Mungo
- Start date
1st Pattern Paul
Well-Known Member
I'm doing this at the moment. Only difference is that I'm here and getting it imported for me via an importer. It (the gun)has to have an export licence as does the seller (US side), and the guy who deals with the packaging and airfreight states side also needs a licence.
Then the importer and handler this end needs to be licenced as well. In short it's a really expensive and complex way of purchasing a rifle also not to mention the VAT and import tax as well. I'm only doing this as it's a rare rifle I'm importing and I'm hoping it's all going to be worth while. If it is just a standard production rifle they're after I'd advise that they just buy it here, would be cheaper in the long run I'd bet.
Hope that helps.
1st Pattern Paul
Well-Known Member
I'm not to sure, but I know I couldn't send my friend, who's an RFD, to collect mine for me as he didn't have an import licence. I know it's a bloody minefield. He would have to pay VAT and import tax as he wouldn't have a visitors permit/licence and his ticket would be registered to a UK address. I doubt there is an easy way but please let me know how he gets on.
BearStalker
Well-Known Member
I am in the same boat. I purchased a rifle, while still living in the US, but, because I had no FAC was unable to bring it with me. I contact the US State Department and found I could get a one-off license to ship the type of rifle I had, but I had to find a carrier that would do it. Bottom line, I will need to return to the US, once I have my FAC and retrieve it. Once I arrive in the UK, I can declare it and have it added to my FAC.
The United States, according to the State Department (and import/export of weapons is their responsibility) could care less what weapons leave the United States, it is only concerned with those entering America.
Hope this helps a wee bit.
Grant
The United States, according to the State Department (and import/export of weapons is their responsibility) could care less what weapons leave the United States, it is only concerned with those entering America.
Hope this helps a wee bit.
Grant
I brought one back about 7-8 years ago as a personal import, your mates fac is his import licence.I checked mine in at Chicago O'Hare in a locked case went through red at heathrow and picked it up.As it was worth less than my personal import allowance(now £390 I believe)no taxes to pay.Customs refused to put it on my FAC not their job they said.
Actually a very simple process
Actually a very simple process
8x57
Distinguished Member
1. Ensure that he has a suitable space on his FAC for when he brings it back to the U.K.
2. Buy the rifle in the USA.
3. Declare it at customs on return to the U.K.
4. Inform the Chief Constable who issued his FAC of his acquisition when he gets home. This can be done by email and they will possibly inform him to sign it on himself or arrange for a FEO to sign it on to his certificate.
+1 hardest job may be finding a airline.
i can help here if you need it
Erik Hamburger
Well-Known Member
If you contact BIS (Dept. for Business, In Innovation and Skills) on this email address enquiries.ilb@bis.gsi.gov.uk you will find you get an excellent and prompt service telling you what to do, how and where.
The import license is free, their service is free.
You can actually import a rifle into the UK WITHOUT using a UK based RFD, and have it delivered by secure courier direct to your home address.
Those that like to save a lot of money on a new rifle should buy one in the Eurozone and import it themselves.
The import license is free, their service is free.
You can actually import a rifle into the UK WITHOUT using a UK based RFD, and have it delivered by secure courier direct to your home address.
Those that like to save a lot of money on a new rifle should buy one in the Eurozone and import it themselves.
1st Pattern Paul
Well-Known Member
Mine has just come over via Virgin Atlantic
Old Waltonian
Well-Known Member
I'm a relatively new member on here (at least in 'active' terms) and have been trawling through some old threads on this very topic. Could I please ask if bringing the rifle which you acquired in the U.S. back to the UK worked out in the end and if so, what was the actual procedure for getting it listed on your FAC?
HonestJohn
Well-Known Member
Contact westley Richards US NY and they can organise shipment to their Birmingham store. But, at a price, and do not expect it to be cheap!
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Same with me, a pal gave me his 30-06 that I had used in NM as he was stopping hunting due to his age. I flew Delta out of Atlanta did all the extra gun checkin palaver there and so missed my flight but my baggage did not, so it amazed me the plane returned from the runway start position back to the gate for me to get on it as it was easier than finding my cases. Then I landed in Munich the customs held onto it till it was entered on my German paperwork and I collected it no costs ca. 2007.
Yup just like the post above I have not done it but I know a guy that did. Over visiting brother in America bro friend gave him a 3006. He just book in on the flight to London , when he arrived customs had it , but he had his cert with him and customs wrong it onto his licence , just like a gun shop does . So he’ll need to take a trip back to the USA
I just remembered I was thinking about get a firearm from the USA , I asked brown wells and they said they could get me it but they would charge commission no doubt
I just remembered I was thinking about get a firearm from the USA , I asked brown wells and they said they could get me it but they would charge commission no doubt
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
However the US Government has put a 90 moratorium on the export of all firearms, accessories and ammunition to non governmental end users from 27 October 2023.
It’s stated aim is to ensure that adequate provisions are made to prevent American sourced firearms from ending up in the hands of undesirables.
In US Government Speak
And translated
amp.theguardian.com
Edit: I have just looked up Country Groups A:1 which are exempt from the above Moratorium. The UK and most of the EU look to be within this group, so my points above shouldn’t affect exports to UK.
It’s stated aim is to ensure that adequate provisions are made to prevent American sourced firearms from ending up in the hands of undesirables.
In US Government Speak
And translated
US halts export of most civilian firearms and ammunition for 90 days
Commerce department cites foreign policy interests and says it will review ‘risk of firearms’ diverted’ to ‘violate human rights’
amp.theguardian.com
Edit: I have just looked up Country Groups A:1 which are exempt from the above Moratorium. The UK and most of the EU look to be within this group, so my points above shouldn’t affect exports to UK.
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flyingfisherman
Well-Known Member
Really interesting, I’m trying to fathom a way of bringing a rifle back from the US at the moment. One issue I’ve got is how an FFL (RFD) can give/sell you a rifle with you not being an American citizen.. how does that work? I figured if I would get the gun into my (US) legal possession and on my UK FAC, then bringing it back would be that hard.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
To legally obtain a firearm in the US you need to have been a resident there for over 90 days.
If you are given one I do not know what the rules state but as was said before taking one out is hardly interesting for the airport security staff, maybe I broke their law but it was in 2007 and I have been back a few times without any hassles. Go figure.
If you are given one I do not know what the rules state but as was said before taking one out is hardly interesting for the airport security staff, maybe I broke their law but it was in 2007 and I have been back a few times without any hassles. Go figure.
flyingfisherman
Well-Known Member
I don’t think the 90 day rule stands any more.. which is a good thing! I reckon you’re right in terms of their arounsal level regarding firearms leaving the US.. it’s trying to figure out what has to be done so the FFL can legally sell you it, or knowing which forms to fill out.
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