Importing Cat B from UK: Any real need to use an importer?

[KWhorenet]

Hi all,

I'm looking into importing a rifle from the UK.

have contacted an Firearms exporter in the UK. Gone through the Aus requirements for import but see nothing about having to employ an importer (just for example, MEPLAT).


If anyone has gone through importing a firearm I'd like to hear your thoughts on it after the fact, or if you started the process but gave up what was the hurdle?

Is there any real benefit using a service like theirs ? Removing some risk maybe? Any savings on shipping ?

Scratching my head about this. I'm not afraid to do the paperwork or OS funds transfer and deal with it but just not sure.

Cheers,

Richo

[Pom]

Hi KWhorenet,

I haven't done it myself but have touched on it a few times over the years as it's the old country for me.

AFAIK you just need the usual B709 approval from Fed Pol / Customs to bring it in, and the usual PTA for acquiring it. The UK dealer ships as normal per their requirements.

It's only importing rifles from the US where ITAR makes things harder than they need to be. No equivalent red tape to export from the UK.

Dunno that shipping would be any cheaper, and you can always insure the parcel yourself anyway against being lost in transit.

[chacka]

What are you buying that would be worth importing?

[Wobble]

You might be the first mate.

Good luck.

[KWhorenet]

Thanks guys. Yeah it doesn't seem to be as hard as first thought. As far as the paperwork initially it is pretty straight forward. I have received estimate costs from the UK dealer with export licences already in place. Approx 350 - 400 UK pounds which with our poor exch rate = $700 - $800


Paying an LGS in Melbourne to pick it up $$$??
PTA and registering in Aus = ~ $50
Then GST (no duties) on total purchase price and all exporting/shipping costs.

Will be calling Aus customs to ask about clearing it from them and if any quarantine costs being a wood stock ? etc

The rifle I want is a Tikka M65A. Before I get my hopes up I'm waiting to hear back from a guy regarding how much length adjustment the stock has since 120mm is the limit according to Aus Customs and the latest regs I have read.

I have possibly found two. One of which has it's original Pecar scope and mounts still fitted and is mint according to a source I have who walked in to check them out for me. He is getting photos, details, checking for matching S/No on wood and metal parts.

I wont go through it all unless it is 100% original and very good condition. the dealer I am in contact with is in the antique and collector arms game so will have them inspect thoroughly before anything happens. Also if I were to buy I would have the trigger adjusted tight so no failing safety test.

Although it will be bought as a "target shooting" rifle hopefully avoiding a damned drop test.

Early stages but I have 3 fat beef cows that can go to pay for it

http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gu ... m65a-41119

[Bark]

That's something different.

$800 to buy or to ship is that?

[RDobber]

Got a bit of a hankering for the old Tikkas these days, huh, KWhorenet

[KWhorenet]

That's something different.

$800 to buy or to ship is that?

Purchase price I estimate around $1400 - $2000
Approx $700 - $800 (handling/transfer/Export/postage) costs to land in Aus.
Getting a more detailed quote soon.

Adding more items reduces the per item cost considerably. Buying 3 would reduce the per item cost to half that.

[Bark]

Buying 3 would reduce the per item cost to half that.

Turning into a bloody expensive purchase for that saving though at 3 of them

[KWhorenet]

Buying 3 would reduce the per item cost to half that.

Turning into a bloody expensive purchase for that saving though at 3 of them

Well since you are in Vic, you buy something, your mate buys something and we split the total import costs /3

[Bark]

Oooow tempting

[lole]

$800 to ship

if it was a guitar taking up the same space it would be $150

[KWhorenet]

$800 to ship

if it was a guitar taking up the same space it would be $150

The dealers have all said once it is labelled 'firearm' the $$$ roll on. That price is also to handle, transfer/export licence etc and ship all inclusive to here. Then I'd have to pay our gouging Gov't GST on top of that

Yes it's rich.

[Joom]

"sporting equipment" on the label.

It's true enough