Sending shinguto swords from America to the U.K.

[Mick taylor]

What problems could arise sending hand forged ww2 swords from America to the U.K.? Have any members had trouble with British customs?

what tax and vat would be liable to be payed? And finally what firm is the best to deal with when sending swords from America to the U.K.

many Thanks .

[Stephen]

Mick

I think you'll get a better discussion in general instead of Members only.

[Alex A]

I had an issue once. 

 

First, an airline would not accept it so it went back to the seller.

 

Re-sent and got held for further questions by British Customs., that is always the RISK.

 

It was a Gendaito in WW2 mounts. 

 

In this day and age and the way customs are, i would just be honest with the description and value without mentioning the word sword. Something like Japanese Artefact in 1940s fittings. Don't be describing it as Antique, might backfire.

 

I don't know the exact Customs Tariff code, you will find a suitable match on their website, don't use the antique code. Some on there for Cultural/art or something along those lines.

 

Put as much information about the sword in the package as you can and make it idiot proof.

 

Information about yourself, whether or not your a member of the British Token Society/ Antique arms society, all helps.

 

I paid full tax. 

 

As for who to deal with. Would ask the sender to contact UPS, i say that because they have their own customs. If everything prepared before hand then its a lot better. Ive only ever imported antique guns with them though, but always without issues. Good because you bypass the dreaded Coventry Hub that you get with the usual US post.

 

There was a recent thread where a gent here had some swords held, sure he put a lot of useful info in it.

 

Good luck.

 

Ps, Once had a modern tanto come all the way from the US and customs here sent it back to sender because the seller used initial instead of full first name on the package.  No bull, that's how picky they can be.