Import/Export, who are you?

[Alex A]

Customs have took an hard rap here over recent years but when you think about what they have to deal with, it must be a nightmare.

 

They must come across hundreds of weapons every week, anything from a telescopic baton to a Roman Gladius back round to a ww2 Fairbairn sykes and fakes galore thrown in for good luck.

 

In this day and age, i don't think its enough for the SERIOUS collector or Iaido (or whatever) practitioner to simply state their name on a package.

 

I think its wise to state more about yourself and differentiate yourself from those that import weapons for dubious reasons.

 

Perhaps stating the obvious here but often when i read posts about swords getting held and my own experiences, i cant help but feel that if more information was available to customs then hassles could have been avoided.

 

For UK, date of birth i think is now essential as you have to be over 18.

 

List in the package why you are importing the item, firms like UPS make you do this anyways when it comes to antique firearms.

 

Be more pro-active. If you are serious about collecting or martial arts, join groups, societies, federations or whatever and state all this in the package.  If you think will help, even list your job title!, do what you have to.

 

Darcy covered swords brilliantly but times are changing

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/1860-importingexporting-and-customs-queries-and-advice/#comment-14557

 

Do not BS!!!!! or try to "wing it " with regarding the item, so to speak 

 

Anyways, just thought it may help folks,  at the risk of repeating myself and boring folks to death that may already know this, last time i mention it,

 

Anyone think of anything else, add it, as I've likely forgot.

 

 

 

[Matsunoki]

The trouble is Alex, divulging too much personal info about yourself could be asking for trouble of several varieties from identity theft to home security issues.……and of course there is no guarantee that Border Force would believe you anyway. Some of them have some sense, others are just vindictive, others haven’t a clue what the regs are anyway.

I agree their job is difficult but then so are many others!

I would be cautious.

Best. Colin

[Alex A]

Hi Colin, don't see any security issues with adding info i mention.

 

Id rather do what i can, than see a £5000 sword or whatever stuck in customs for any longer than it needs to be.

 

They have your address anyways and know the value on the package. Its all in the hands of the courier/customs.

 

Ps, info in the box, not on the outside for everyone to read,

 

Marked customs.

 

 

[Alex A]

For those that send stuff to the UK and don't declare FULL value, some advice.

 

Only happened once and now make sure it wont happen again.

 

If customs decide to, on whatever basis.  You will receive a printed letter stating that they want to see proof of payment matched to that on the declaration, sometimes sellers put a lower price on the declaration, if they don't receive proof by such and such a date, the item will be destroyed. 

 

Luckily for me, they adjusted the fee and the item was delivered.

 

Think on, as they say.