Edit to include link to the VCRA section 37
Hi Folks I am a lurker (love the RPF) who finally joined up as I want to help the UK guys, and anyone else who have been unlucky with imports. This is my experience with importing and I'm no lawyer but it seems to have worked for me.
So sorry in advance if this doesn't concern you for the LONG post.
The issue I found is not with the HMRC directly, its with the Police in the UK. Replica fire arms are banned under the "Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006" (VCRA 2006) it doesn't matter if it can be fired or not if it resembles a pistol or a fire arm it is now illegal to import one and considered a crime. Some customs agents can just decide to seize it there and then, but they are inconsistent, as many other replicas make it into the UK without trouble, Master Reps blasters for eg. but again not always without issue.
However having said that there are exceptions built in to the Act itself. The one I used is 'section 37 of the VCRA 2006;
It is a reasonable defence, against the offence of 'importing a replica fire arm' if it is for your business.
eg. as reference material for art work, for use as reference to make 3D models/animation, for use as a prop in TV or Film, etc. This is quite a wide exception and many of us can find a way to be exempt under this loophole.
Here is a link to section 37
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/38/section/37 (or type in violent crime reduction act section 37 to google)
Its a risk to be fair .. if you were called up and asked to show "the paintings" you were doing of the BR blaster and couldn't? But it would be arguably a legitimate use if you were planning to sell prints of those paintings.
I happen to work in 3D animation and therefore I will use the piece as reference material and inspiration, to be held in a collection of such pieces, but I had to contact the metropolitan police to get agreement that my reason for import was really an exception allowed under section 37, which it was.
Disclaimer- The above is not advice on how to break the law but to point out the grey areas in the VCRA act.
Anyway once I had a letter with all this information worded correctly I asked Mune to include it in and outside the package.
I was so lucky that there were any left! as it took me a month or so of back and forth with the Met Police, and by the sounds of things I was quite lucky mine got through customs after being held up for a week.
Its not actually in my hands yet but Parcel force told me it was released to my local depot and I have to go collect it and pay the import duty/charge on Sat.
Here is a copy of the text I included in my letter minus the specific contact details I have for a 'fire arms' officer in London who helped me (PM me if you want his details).
I hope this may help Marv and others when dealing with customs.
Customs Compliance Notice And Disclaimer
This prop replica is a museum quality reproduction of a fanciful prop featured in a major motion picture. It is a nonfunctional collectable which does not represent or imitate an existing weapon, and which complies with the acceptable legal requirements to safety.
This prop replica is intended primarily and as reference for 3D Film/Tv/Advertising (which is my business).
If there is any problems please contact XXXX@XXXX Ph:XXXXX
I have received advice on the acceptable import of this replica prop from the Metropolitan Police,
p.s. very sad I missed the steel barrels but just wanted to thank DaveG for getting back to me on that never the less
I may be back for build tips
Good Luck
E