Importing a Blasterfactory E-11 ROTJ Blaster in to the UK

[chaggs1]

Members I need your help please.

I am looking to import the Blasterfactory E-11 Boba Fett blaster to the UK. My worries is that customs will think it's a real weapon and destroy it.

The kit is mainly bare metal with a wood stock but is only going to be used as a display piece in my collection.

I will need to build it and paint it up when it arrives. I found a builder/painter in the states but don't think it will have any chance getting through customs as it will feel and look like a real weapon so might have to do that all my self

Do I need some sort of import documentation permit from HMRC to import it ?

I tried looking on HMRC website but couldn't find anything.

Anybody else tried to import replica firearm props which are display pieces only and not airsoft weapons?

 

[RobertMuldoon]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not a solicitor and you should check with one first and not listen to random people on the Internet.

That out the way, you need to check out the VCR Act: The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Commencement No 3) Order 2007: firearms measures

You'd most likely fall under the imitation firearm regulation:

Section 38 defines a ‘realistic imitation firearm’ as an imitation firearm which has an appearance that is so realistic as to make it indistinguishable, for all practical purposes, from a real firearm. ‘Imitation firearm’ is defined in section 57(4) of the Firearms 1968 as ‘any thing which has the appearance of being a firearm…whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile’.

There are valid defences:

Section 37 provides various defences to the new offence. It makes it a defence to show that the manufacture, importation, sale or modification was only for the purpose of making the realistic imitation firearm available for:

• a museum or gallery
• theatrical performances and rehearsals of such performances
• the production of films and television programmes
• the organisation and holding of historical re-enactments
• crown servants.

Assuming that you're not any of those; if >50% of the thing is brightly coloured then you're good, if you look at airsoft shops you'll see they offer either paint or vinyl wrapping services for non-club members. So, perhaps if the metal bits were painted/wrapped orange and the customs label said 'toy kit' or something similar (and anything in the box matched that) then you could be OK.

I know other UK members do have many imported blasters etc, but I've always shied away from it - not wanting Border Force writing to me to tell me they've destroyed my package!

Good luck!

 

[Lee]

I bought both the E11 in kit form and the mando blaster in kit form around Christmas.
Both came through unscathed.
They were held in customs and tracking showed a delay which got my heart going. I called FedEx and they had forgot to process the vat so were holding it due to that. I paid on new years eve and the records hadn’t updated.
They were delivered the day after.
He writes toy prop non firing or something on the customs declaration. But he has to declare the true value so factor vat into your budget.

 

[PAULH]

I'm pretty sure too that the VCR Act is of relevance. Could you have it sent in several parcels ? Our laws in the UK are mad where we can buy a real deactivated Glock (for example), but not an airsoft version without it being brightly coloured. Whatever next.

 

[DOGFOX2109]

I purchased the dl44 and e11 from field Marshall both my items got through to me in the U.K. no problem. This however was before brexit

 

[JetSetWilly]

My FM Mando kit was returned to the US on it’s first attempt (DHL) but got through on it’s second, last October.

 

[JBReplicas]

In my own experience importing gun and weapon shaped props has never been an issue, the problem comes when you try to export these items FROM the UK. I’ve had several of my own replica props utterly destroyed by UK border force and a box of smashed components sent back to me with no compensation as it is regarded as a breach of export terms.

 

[chaggs1]

Thanks for all the input. The field marsh comes in bits so hopefully it will get through customs

 

[Yorkie Fett]

I’ve had 3 fully assembled Tomenosuke blasters imported in to the UK and never had an issue. They all came with a fairly detailed note explaining exactly what they were.
Not sure if and why no longer being in the EU would make any difference? Anyone know?

 

[joberg]

^^U.K. not being part of the E.U. shouldn't impact your parcels coming from other countries