Bringing stocks and mags into U.K. from Canada.

Shrike

Well-Known Member
Hello all.
I fancy an MDT stock/chassis, they are more expensive in the U.K. than in Canada.
As I’m going to Canada anyway I reason I could buy one there and bring it back.

I’ve looked up that if the value of what you bring back is under £320 (total) and is for personal use you don’t have to pay tax on it.

I can get an oryx or field stock for under that price there.

I assume that because stocks are not controlled that I shouldn’t have a problem however, I am aware that a customs person may take an interest in something in my luggage which is gun shaped.

Had anyone done this before and can offer me some advice on how to proceed or somewhere I can get accurate information from?
Thank you all

Regards
Shrike.
 
Hello all.
I fancy an MDT stock/chassis, they are more expensive in the U.K. than in Canada.
As I’m going to Canada anyway I reason I could buy one there and bring it back.

I’ve looked up that if the value of what you bring back is under £320 (total) and is for personal use you don’t have to pay tax on it.

I can get an oryx or field stock for under that price there.

I assume that because stocks are not controlled that I shouldn’t have a problem however, I am aware that a customs person may take an interest in something in my luggage which is gun shaped.

Had anyone done this before and can offer me some advice on how to proceed or somewhere I can get accurate information from?
Thank you all

Regards
Shrike.
I brought back scopes and bits from Canada over the years, you used to be able to reclaim the sales tax although I never bothered as I didn’t want them telling the UK what I had bought in case I had to pay uk taxes on the stuff
 
Hello all.
I fancy an MDT stock/chassis, they are more expensive in the U.K. than in Canada.
As I’m going to Canada anyway I reason I could buy one there and bring it back.

I’ve looked up that if the value of what you bring back is under £320 (total) and is for personal use you don’t have to pay tax on it.

I can get an oryx or field stock for under that price there.

I assume that because stocks are not controlled that I shouldn’t have a problem however, I am aware that a customs person may take an interest in something in my luggage which is gun shaped.

Had anyone done this before and can offer me some advice on how to proceed or somewhere I can get accurate information from?
Thank you all

Regards
Shrike.
I have some experience of selling stocks, scopes and mounts into Canada and I had to properly export all these items, I would imagine it’s the same coming the other way.
 
It’ll be fine to bring back non controlled parts to the uk. I’ve done it, researched it, and it was easy. Doubt you will be stopped for a gun shaped stock either.
 
I have carried various non controlled items as my personal luggage on several occasions from my home in the USA to the U.K. Never had an issue.

Just make sure you read rules and know what the “no nos” are.
 
There are no airline rules stopping you putting these in your luggage, and there are no licensing issues.
The only question for you to address is whether you go through the Red channel at the airport and pay import duty on them. That would be a matter known only to you and your god.
 
With family in the USA (giving me somewhere to get stuff sent to), I've brought shooting related items and parts back on many occasions. That includes magazines but, admittedly, no stocks so far (although friends have). I've never had any issues or even been stopped and I suspect our customs people are reasonably aware of the regulations. You shouldn't have any problems at all for a non regulated item.
I've also spoken to hmrc on the phone, in the past, with relation to personal imports, both by post and in person. I've found them to be very helpful.
 
Also, if you do find yourself over the maximum value limit (perhaps because you have also got some other items) and you decide to declare it, technically they are supposed to levy the VAT and any additional duty (many things have specified additional taxes : optics; jewellery etc) on the total value of everything you are fetching in.
In my own case, when I have declared expensive items (e.g. a camera) in the past, I have found customs to be very helpful. So far, every time, they have used their discretion and just charged me tax on the excess over the allowance and so the charge has been much lower.
I don't know if I've just been lucky with that, but my impression is that customs appreciate the honesty and will do what they can to encourage it.
 
It is legal no need to do anything other than pay the appropriate duty if it is new. if it is used and therefor SH no duty payable
 
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