Importing a collectors' softair pistol from the US to UK - any advice?
Charmed & Dangerous
Posts: 7,358MI6 Agent
A question as I know we have many experienced collectors and gunsmiths here. -{
I have my eye on a Man from UNCLE converted P38, which an eBay seller in the US is offering. It's a CO2 powered metal replica - black but with the orange muzzle. The eBay ad mentions domestic sales only, but I contacted the seller as he intimated that private international sales could be arranged.
By email he claimed that GSS (ebay's Global Shipping Service) confiscated some of his international mailings and resold the guns on eBay, which he re-bought and reposted (not via GSS); he also claimed this was despite one of the purchasers obtaining prior customs clearance.
I have to say, despite his 100 % eBay feedback, I'm not convinced I could import this. I asked for details of some of the international purchasers so I could check but his reply didn't include them, although it gave more info on using washable paint to meet uk airsoft laws and also customs declaration.
Has anyone any views or advice? -{
I have my eye on a Man from UNCLE converted P38, which an eBay seller in the US is offering. It's a CO2 powered metal replica - black but with the orange muzzle. The eBay ad mentions domestic sales only, but I contacted the seller as he intimated that private international sales could be arranged.
By email he claimed that GSS (ebay's Global Shipping Service) confiscated some of his international mailings and resold the guns on eBay, which he re-bought and reposted (not via GSS); he also claimed this was despite one of the purchasers obtaining prior customs clearance.
I have to say, despite his 100 % eBay feedback, I'm not convinced I could import this. I asked for details of some of the international purchasers so I could check but his reply didn't include them, although it gave more info on using washable paint to meet uk airsoft laws and also customs declaration.
Has anyone any views or advice? -{
"How was your lamb?" "Skewered. One sympathises."
Comments
Sadly I too wouldn't take the chance,of not having it arrive.
Technically, it should be possible but the amount of paperwork and clearance you need is crazy.
A couple of years ago I was looking into getting a fun plinker and was astonished at the price difference between UK and US prices. Naturally I looked into importing, and soon found out why the high UK prices.
Instead I thought of buying the accessories, a few mags etc from the states and getting the gun in the uk, surely that'd be easier?
Nope! Even magazines required the same paperwork as the rifle. 3 bits of plastic and a spring... US price $8, uk price £45!!!
Seriously, customs and import tax kills global commerce.
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