Importing a scope from America

[Martiniblack577]

Have family friends in AZ - so seriously tempted to ask them to send over a scope. Only aspect I can’t clarify is if there are any left field restrictions on this type of personal
Import these days? Anyone else done this? Ty

 

[DVS1]

ITAR is your main issue mate

 

[Heym SR20]

I think if it has any military connotations then no. So things like mill dot reticles or turrets etc may well make it fall foul of ITAR. Then of course you will need to pay customs and VAT before released from customs.

 

[cjm1066]

I have purchased from USA, if vendor declares it as a gift no duties, as a sale a duty. Luck of the draw alas.

 

[Fosbery Holster]

I was offered quite a rare scope of military configuration, that l was looking for, from a guy in America for a decent price but because l knew of the ITAR regulations l kindly declined his offer.

I could possibly have lost both, the scope and more importantly my money, l wasn’t prepared because of the ITAR regulations to take that risk.
It does depend on the type of scope you are thinking about, so look into the possible pitfalls and then decide if it’s worth the risk, good luck.

 

[Swedish]

Contact the manufacturer of the scope and ask them if it is ITAR registered.

 

[Martiniblack577]

Thank you all . It’s a Vortex Razor Gen II so freely available over here too. It’s whether customs see it the same way out there I suspect!

 

[Tim.243]

Thank you all . It’s a Vortex Razor Gen II so freely available over here too. It’s whether customs see it the same way out there I suspect!

What about the warranty side, sometimes tough enough bought here in the UK for a return or repair....

 

[rocketdogbert]

Dropped you a DM

 

[bowji john]

EORI number required if purchased using a business account

UPS won’t deliver without one

They charge £15.40 per day storage whilst you try and reason with them

 

[disco_ike]

What about the warranty side, sometimes tough enough bought here in the UK for a return or repair....

Vortex warranty is no issue at all. Sent them US purchased scopes before and never been an issue. Vortex don’t care if you have no receipt of your send them their product they sort it.

I’d reach out to a seller, see if it’s ITAR or not and go from there. Have you any plans to visit the US yourself? Bring it back as a used product?

 

[Tim.243]

Vortex warranty is no issue at all. Sent them US purchased scopes before and never been an issue. Vortex don’t care if you have no receipt of your send them their product they sort it.

I’d reach out to a seller, see if it’s ITAR or not and go from there. Have you any plans to visit the US yourself? Bring it back as a used product?

TBH it was a question to the op, I spend my money with UK retailers that way some of the cash goes in their till/pocket.

 

[topscots1]

I have done it multiple times with Nightforce scores, it has however became an issue this year. A change in the export policy now requires an export license for the individual. These were all scopes that would fall under ITAR. However until this year, it was a case of buy and they would post, await the federal express notification pay the fees and the scope would turn up in 48hrs.

Hopefully with changes to the trade agreements this may revert back.

A few retailers will sell direct to the UK.

 

[Martiniblack577]

I have done it multiple times with Nightforce scores, it has however became an issue this year. A change in the export policy now requires an export license for the individual. These were all scopes that would fall under ITAR. However until this year, it was a case of buy and they would post, await the federal express notification pay the fees and the scope would turn up in 48hrs.

Hopefully with changes to the trade agreements this may revert back.

A few retailers will sell direct to the UK.

Any ideas of names who do?

 

[WildBoarHunter]

I remember the days when we could buy as many I we wanted with no fuss and they were here in 3 to 4 days with express shipping. I bought at least three Zeiss Conquests 3-9×40 and I don't know how many Bushnells Elite 3200 and 4200.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Vortex warranty is no issue at all. Sent them US purchased scopes before and never been an issue. Vortex don’t care if you have no receipt of your send them their product they sort it.

I’d reach out to a seller, see if it’s ITAR or not and go from there. Have you any plans to visit the US yourself? Bring it back as a used product?

boated warranty is bomb proof, I’ve been told if your dog chews it up as long as it. the bits out your covered.

 

[HonestJohn]

It’s a gamble, that’s the problem, and often you’ll end up paying duties and vat and handling charges and storage charges, then find it’s £75 to ship back for servicing if needed, and another $100 for them to return to you again - in which case the U.K. customs can have the fun of telling you duties and vat are applicable again. They shouldn’t, BUT!

You’re also lining trumps pockets, which is not something I’d personally endorse when there are alternatives - that’s more political though.

There’s also the chance of a total loss.

Or, it’s a steal, send as a gift, and in 4 days it’s on your rifle.
But it’s a coin toss

 

[rocketdogbert]

It’s a gamble, that’s the problem, and often you’ll end up paying duties and vat and handling charges and storage charges, then find it’s £75 to ship back for servicing if needed, and another $100 for them to return to you again - in which case the U.K. customs can have the fun of telling you duties and vat are applicable again. They shouldn’t, BUT!

You’re also lining trumps pockets, which is not something I’d personally endorse when there are alternatives - that’s more political though.

There’s also the chance of a total loss.

Or, it’s a steal, send as a gift, and in 4 days it’s on your rifle.
But it’s a coin toss

You don’t need to send Vortex back to the US for repair/replacement unless it’s a scratched glass issue.
UK importers have a next day turnaround policy, I’ve used it.

 

[bowji john]

You don’t need to send Vortex back to the US for repair/replacement unless it’s a scratched glass issue.
UK importers have a next day turnaround policy, I’ve used it.

I’m using that guarantee service now

Vortex spotting scope sent last Thursday

Hoping for info from them today

J

 

[topscots1]

Any ideas of names who do?

Any ideas of names who do?

Red hawk rifles, eurooptic used to. TRACT optics will send to the UK direct.