Can an FAC holder import a gun bought abroad directly into the UK?

[western woodsman]

I am wondering if as an FAC holder, with an open slot for a particular weapon of that calibre and type, if I could buy that weapon legally abroad and bring it to the UK to be registered through the Police licensing authority? I would also as a matter of course inform the Police when I acquired the weapon abroad as it states on my current and renewed FAC. I would declare it at the border when importing it and pay the necessary tax too if required. I would also inform it all to the airline transporting me and the weapon and provide a hard locked case for it. It appears that it ought to be okay to do this. Any advice or idea if this is legal?

 

[deerstalker.308]

If the country you're exporting it from will accept your licence as enough for them to sell it to you, your FAC is your import certificate.... But rightly so you should declare it at customs.

 

[Tartan_Terrier]

Just curious, but would putting it on your EU firearms pass make this any easier?

 

[Orion]

Try the forum search facility as the subject has been covered on numerous previous threads and all the documents and the procedure you need to follow are linked.

Biggest issue is likely to be getting the seller to accept that your FAC with a vacant slot is actually all you need and takes the place of an 'import licence'. If buying within the EU the seller will need to obtain a Transfer Licence' from their own authorities which must accompany the firearm, either as a personal import or via a carrier.

 

[western woodsman]

The previous threads seem to be very uncertain about all. We need a lawyer out there to comment. The country where I could buy the rifle is the USA. But if leaving the country with the rifle is the issue, then it looks likely that a USA export licence is required. Coming into the UK with the rifle I guess might require an import licence, but I am not sure about that. It is all a lot of trouble, but I want a rare calibre that I am told I will not get in Europe. Hence the question and effort to do this.

 

[Tartan_Terrier]

Which calibre are you after?

 

[kes]

At the risk of repeating what has gone before, you will need to contact HMRC. They will give you permission for a personal import, - they are v helpful.
Then you will need to get someone to sell you the gun you want - not so easy, so make this the first step. The point of import will be advised/agreed with you and the you can collect it if you have the relevant slot, i.e. in this country. Take your FAC or you wont be allowed to leave with it.
I found getting someone in the US to sell me a .17 hornet was virtually impossible. I had the personal import clearance etc but for a single gun, not easy. Then of course the guntrade will call it a 'grey' import and guarantees will need to be confirmed before import or you will have a problem. Also check the gun is screw cut - in the appropriate way, whilst we accept US proof, that could turn out to be a issue.
Good luck !

 

[western woodsman]

The calibre is .358 Winchester.

I will talk to my potential sellers in USA further, so far they seem confident. Perhaps this a state by state issue? I have the slot on my FAC waiting. I would take my FAC for sure. I do not want to screw cut a lever action anyway. I will contact HMRC and ask about it. I have nothing to hide and I want to get it right.

 

[Orion]

Import Licensing Branch of the Department of Business, innovation & Skills are your point of contact not HMRC.

 

[Munty1]

I have purchased two rifles in Germany and bought them back to the UK myself, I filled out the open slots and the shop stamped my FAC. Obviously keep the receipt.

The problem may be at the USA end.

 

[kes]

Import Licensing Branch of the Department of Business, innovation & Skills are your point of contact not HMRC.

My consent to a personal import came from the HMRC but you could be right.

The process is thoroughly explained in support info dont forget import duty/vat - check first as they may come as a shock.

 

[Orion]

Coming into the UK with the rifle I guess might require an import licence, but I am not sure about that.

No import licence required for personal import provided you have an open slot on your FAC.

My consent to a personal import came from the HMRC but you could be right.
The process is thoroughly explained in support info dont forget import duty/vat - check first as they may come as a shock.

It may have been within the domain of HMRC at one time but the Import Licensing Branch of BIS are the ones to contact now - although all they will do is confirm that no import licence is required for personal importation from within or outwith the EU. Good point about the duty plus VAT being levied if it comes from outside the EU - possibly a way round it if you use the rifle in the US before bringing it back?

This is a good document from BIS with easy to follow steps that lead you through the decision making process as to whether or not an import licence is required:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...arrangements-firearms-and-ammunition-2015.pdf

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Search the forums and you'll find quite a few examples of people who have imported their own firearms, without using a UK RFD. It is perfectly legal.
I do believe you require an Import License from BIS. That License is FOC and they are very helpful, and respond promptly to enquiries. It is very tempting to save 25-30 % on a rifle by buying abroad, as we still live in 'rip-off Britain'. However you may get issues if you have a warranty claim, the UK Importer/Distributor will be less than helpful.

 

[Orion]

I do believe you require an Import License from BIS. That License is FOC and they are very helpful, and respond promptly to enquiries.

Why do you believe that?

BIS will not issue an import licence for the personal importation of a firearm for the holder of a domestic authority to possess (FAC/SGC/BVP). You can however obtain a letter from them stating that fact and use it to try and convince any overseas seller that the mythical 'import licence' is not required.

Please read through these current documents from the Import Licensing Branch and you'll see it clearly stated:

(Section 17 onwards for imports from outwith the EU & 22 onwards from within the EU on this one) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...arrangements-firearms-and-ammunition-2015.pdf

(Section 98 onwards for imports from outwith the EU & 103 onwards from within the EU on this one) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...5/bis-13-1384-do-i-need-an-import-licence.pdf

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Hi Orian,

'I am lead to believe' as there have been several posts on this form of people who claim to have imported their own rifle, without the involvement of a UK RFD. But maybe the rules have changed recently (?) OK I just don't know, hence my caveat.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Hi Orian,

'I am lead to believe' as there have been several posts on this form of people who claim to have imported their own rifle, without the involvement of a UK RFD. But maybe the rules have changed recently (?) OK I just don't know, hence my caveat.

Having done so myself in the past 6 months I can confirm Orion is correct.....
no RFD requirement at the Uk end, BIS won't give you anything other than an email to say that you don't need anything other than your FAC..... You do need export papers from the member state selling the firearm but that is all. U.K. Border force looked at my papers on returning through the tunnel and said they had no interest or durestiction and that I didn't actually even need to declare it.

 

[Orion]

'I am lead to believe' as there have been several posts on this form of people who claim to have imported their own rifle, without the involvement of a UK RFD. But maybe the rules have changed recently (?) OK I just don't know, hence my caveat.

Yes, your 100% correct with that - direct personal importation, either bringing it in or being sent by carrier, does not have to involve an RFD.

It was the bit about requiring an import licence I was questioning. Such a thing does not exist for personal imports by those authorised to possess in the UK (as per the links above).

 

[geordieh]

The calibre is .358 Winchester.

I will talk to my potential sellers in USA further, so far they seem confident. Perhaps this a state by state issue? I have the slot on my FAC waiting. I would take my FAC for sure. I do not want to screw cut a lever action anyway. I will contact HMRC and ask about it. I have nothing to hide and I want to get it right.

How can you buy one in the USA federal law states you have to have been resident for more than 90 days

 

[Smokedude]

Old thread but dose anyone have any more updates on this since Brext?
Looking at buying a rifle off of EGun.
Cheers

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Old thread but dose anyone have any more updates on this since Brext?
Looking at buying a rifle off of EGun.
Cheers

Will the Egun seller ship to out of country? They often state they will not in down the small print (in German/French/etc).