Importing bullets?

[Silvius]

Does anyone have practical experience of importing reloading components form the EU for their own use?

I have asked HM revenue and customs in writing (following a number of dead end phone calls) "How do I import bullets (unloaded) for reloading for my own legal use please?" I received what I felt was an unsatisfactory response that amounted to "We don't pre clear items for import, we decide when you arrive with them". I wonder how they decide if they do not have guidelines already set out? Surely someone in a duty office doesn't decide on the day if its a good idea for you to bring something into the country?!

So can anyone offer me any advice please? I just want to bring in 400 of my favourite bullets to use over the next few years. I would not be intending to travel with a firearm or any other reloading components. (The bullets used to come in the post pre Brexit, so I can't see what should be so bad about them). I can travel to bring them or use a family member who travels fairly often if that is allowed. What I don't want to happen is to arrive at the border and get the expensive components confiscated as contraband and maybe a black mark when it comes to renewing my certificate.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Liveonce]

cannot see it being a problem, depending on the value you may have to pay VAT and duty when you arrive at customs assuming you do not go through “nothing to declare“ look up personal allowances entering the U.K. from the EU.

You may also end up paying VAT twice once at the EU shop you visit to buy them, then U.K. vat on entry to the U.K.

If flying may be best not to put them in as cabin luggage.

see

Bringing goods into the UK for personal use

Bringing in goods for personal use when you travel to the UK from abroad - types of tax and duty, duty free, EU and non-EU arrivals, banned and restricted goods.

www.gov.uk

 

[nun_hunter]

I'd be mostly concerned they x-ray them if they're in hand luggage and then want to have a look, see they're brand new and make you pay VAT and import on them.

Probably less risky to have them posted back to you and cheaper than paying the VAT and possibly import.

 

[long_range_rob]

They are not controlled items so it’s just the vat that’s the issue

 

[nun_hunter]

They are not controlled items so it’s just the vat that’s the issue

Import duty too is applicable at 2.5% on anything over £135

 

[Silvius]

Thanks for the encouraging replies.

 

[JTO]

If you have the invoice to show you have paid VAT on them, you might be lucky. I think it might depends on what arrangements have been made by the retailer. OpticsTrade can send stuff here showing VAT has been paid in Slovenia, for example.

 

[TringSaint]

I also know that importing bullets (not ammunition) from the US doesn’t require an ITAR certificate (spoke to the Hammer guys about this previously). So only vat and import duty to pay.