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Hello all you RFD's,

Can someone give me an idea of what is actually required on the UK side of importing guns and or accessories (if there's a difference)? The US seems to be stepping up its restrictions on exports so i'm wondering what the difficulties are on this side of the pond (if any). At what point do you cease becoming an individual buying something from a US retailer and you become an 'importer' that requires (presumably) some kind of license/paperwork?

Thanks

EDIT: Actually i'll make it simpler, forget actual firearms, what about just accessories/component parts for them

It's all down to whether the goods you wish to purchase are covered by the restrictions of ITAR. If they are you need a license, if not you don't. Here's snippet form the list which shows what's controlled http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations ... rt_121.pdf

Isn't that a US export restriction, rather than a UK import restriction?

My mistake, misread your question. Try Roy Smiles at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... ion-skills he works for the import licensing branch (can't remember the proper department title) but I've spoken with him about importing various bits and bobs and he's incredibly helpful.

Roy is a super chap and even has forms names after him (ROY1) The bottom line is you will need an Import Licence, we have an OIL (Open Import Licence) We also have an EORI which seems to make life easier for European Imports however this is really just a variation of our VAT number. I tend to include a copy of the OIL with all orders for firearms related items from outside of this country to safeguard myself however some items are exempt.

Of interest is the Export applications for other countries to us are starting to get tougher to arrange and can be quite costly for some items from the USA as an example.

*Ponders*

When the Royal Navy despatch a cruise missile to, or the RAF drop a bomb on, say, Bongo Bongo Land, do they need to have a full set of import / export documentation ?

https://www.ilb.bis.gov.uk/docs/DoINeed ... icence.pdf

Not my field, but I've looked into this in the past and dug up the following doc. Point 95 covers Section 1 and suggests to me that only domestic authority i.e. FAC / RFD, is required for European imports?

"Domestic authority" can be the hardest permission to obtain...

Some of the items I use require and export license (dual use) for every time they go out even though it isn't going to another country.
The "dual use" is the bit and that includes power supplies and electronic componets as well. It's on the .gov web site.

ulaughingatmymule wrote:https://www.ilb.bis.gov.uk/docs/DoINeed ... icence.pdf

Not my field, but I've looked into this in the past and dug up the following doc. Point 95 covers Section 1 and suggests to me that only domestic authority i.e. FAC / RFD, is required for European imports?

You are absolutely correct in this however countries such as Holland and Germany will not ship a firearm to the UK without sight of an Import Licence despite the 'European Village'