Did Customs Open Your Internationally Shipped Sword? -Survey

[Ffffrosty]

Hi All,

 

During another discussion an interesting comment was presented that I thought may make a very good survey.

 

With the onset on x-ray technology at the customs checkpoints is it possible that international sword shipments aren't being opened for inspection, but instead x-rayed?

 

How many of you received an internationally shipped sword in the past year that was opened and inspected by customs? If it was what country are you in?

 

This seems like an interesting and illuminating opportunity.

 

Thanks!

Mark

[Jean]

At least 10 swords received by EMS/Fedex, none opened by French Customs (not even the envelops which contained the proforma invoices and different papers). They prefered to ask me to give them the invoice to compute the tax (All-in more or less 5%) than to open the envelop on the parcel.

[paulb]

The last time I had a sword box opened was 2001. then they still got the tariff wrong. other than that all packages arrived unopened and I think all they used was the customs declaration on the outside of the box.

regards

Paul

[Henry Stewart]

I am still waiting to hear about a sword detained by customs.I am informed to ring up if I have not heard by next Thursday. It has been detained since 16/07/2009.

 

Henry

[drbvac]

Several that I have received by EMS and Fed Ex were not opened and as antiques I paid no duty or tax> :D

[Dick Tait]

Yes, please see my post >>> Here <<

[Ffffrosty]

Seems like most of the actual inspections have been in the UK.

 

Henry where are you located?

[stephan_hiller]

Hi,

 

Here in Germany I experienced that ALL packages with Japanese swords have been opened by customs. More precisely they are opened twice by customes. The first time it is opened in Frankfurt where it arrives (from the US or Japan). The package is there inspected and then forwarded to my local customs here in Hamburg (where I live). I then get a notification that a package has been arrived and I should bring with me an invoice (if not already in the package) and a proof which sum has been paid (e.g. Paypal account statement or a bank account statement when the sword has been paid by bank wire transfer).

 

If they believe the paper account statement and the invoice, then you have to pay customes and VAT and get your package. If they don't believe the sum, you have to login at the customs in your paypal account or bank account to show it to them.

 

If you go to customs with an ebay printout (or some other on-line sales) they even check with ebay or the online shop online if the sum is correct.

 

You think this is paranoid? Then you are probably correct, but due to the high importing fees (19% VAT + 1,5% customs in Germany) people are trying to cheat. Think about a sword easily worth 3.000 Euros and you have to pay over 600.00 Euros on top of that. Just for nothing.

 

Over the last 10 years I think I have imported about 40 swords to Germany and only one tanto was sent to me without having to go to customs.

 

Stephan

[pcfarrar]

I am still waiting to hear about a sword detained by customs.I am informed to ring up if I have not heard by next Thursday. It has been detained since 16/07/2009.

 

Henry

 

Henry phone this number and they should be able to help you:

 

02476 213106

[Ffffrosty]

Wow, Stephan, sorry to hear about this. I would be very frustrated with a system like that.

 

Hopefully none of the blades were damaged.

[stephan_hiller]

Hi Mark,

 

Luckily none of the blades had any major scratches, nicks or fingerprints which they not already had before shipping. I hope that no customs officer ever will play "Samurai" with my blades

 

I am more angry about the costs and time involved to import a sword to Germany.

 

Stephan

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

Like Jean, none of mine were opened by French Customs.

Seems that depended of the country ?!

 

Sebastien

[Guest nickn]

i hate to say this but i was quite impressed by the way uk customs handled the last sword i imported from the us

22" waki detained on the thursday notice on the friday .so i rang and spoke to the officer dealing with the package friday afternoon he asked for proof of age so i sent a photo of the smiths mei and his entry in hawleys which gave a date of around 1680 and suggested he looked at the sword .which he did concluded it was pre 1954 and cleared it for delivery monday .in his email he said "although there was no writing on the sword or handle to prove age it was obviously pre 54" if only all of them took this common sense aproach to ageing swords

[kazarena]

It appears that ALL the swords had been opened and examined by Customs in here (Ireland).

 

Regards,

Stan

[Ffffrosty]

Really does seems like this is country specific in terms of who is consistently having packages opened.

 

It is interesting that since 911 that the US has invested heavily in x-ray technology, so it seems like they are choosing this to physical inspection. Anyone in the US have their packages opened?

[Mike]

Hi,

 

In Israel, some swords I brought via EMS were opened by customs and I had to pay only VAT as they consider it as antiques. Others were not opened by customs and were brought to my house without paying any tax. Go figure.

Mike

[stephan_hiller]

Hi,

 

in Germany an items over 100 years old would also be considered as antique. The problem with customs here is that you usally have no proof which can be read by these guys. Arguing about the rust was not successful. Even with Origami you have no chance as it is in Japanese (which they don't read). The only way would be a professional expertise in German but this would be more expensive (and time consuming to get) than the custom fee you have to pay.

 

I even thought about sending swords to some friends or colleagues who live in other EU countries and where you have to pay less tax. When a sword then is in an EU country you can send it anywhere in the EU without paying VAT or customs.

 

Mmmhh, could be a good business case. Import it into an EU country with low (or no) VAT/custom charges and then forward it to the owner EU internally. I think in most cases the additional shipping fee would be less than what you save. It's a funny world we are living in

 

Stephan

[Mark Green]

Hi Gang,

I don't think any of the items. swords,tsuba,fittings,armor, that I have recieved from over seas (mostly Japan) has ever been opened. I get blades/stuff, from Japan in 3-5 days EMS. Never opened at any end. They better have a good reason if they did open it!

When I read the crazy horror stories from Europe, I feel you guys need to start an underground railroad, for collectors. I guess if you have plenty of money, and are buying big ticket items, that is likely the case already.

19% vat+cust. geeze! That is just crazy bs tax!!!

I bet our friendly sword seller in poland, would volunteer to help.

get out and vote!

Mark G

[Ffffrosty]

Hi Mark,

 

Great to here that you haven't had any issue here in the USA.

 

I agree the VAT seems like a serious problem for our European friends.

 

Certainly wouldn't make me happy at all, not to mention the reality that the customs idiots are more likely to damage precious antiques in the process!

 

Incidentally Mark, I have decided to join the Bungo Takada Club. I agree with you that these folks are the undeserved underdogs, but at least the blades are beefy and beautiful and if I ever need to fight a Samurai at least I know my blades are up to the task :lol:

[Mark Green]

That is great Mark. I have a monster, Shinto Shigeyuki wak, that is flawless!

Congrats on your new sword.

Mark

 

The good thing about swords, is they never run out of ammo!

[Ffffrosty]

Hey Mark,

 

Just have to tease me right?!?!

 

Okay, when can I buy your Shigeyuki so I can have a true daisho?

 

:D