Importing Gun props into the UK

[MattBlack]

Hi all,

There are a few threads around with bits of information, but what I was mainly interested in is to see if anyone had successfully imported gun props into the UK.

I've got my eye on a I, Robot gun prop stateside, and the builder can make it in an array of colours (bright blue/pink etc) but as it looks like a gun, I can't help but feel the UK Customs will still impound it.

So, any advice? (other than don't even bother) Will having the prop in a bright colour work? Has anyone done it and if so under what method was the prop allowed?

Any info/knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

 

[mightyjebus]

Basically the Violent Crimes Reduction Act (VCRA) bans the import of Realistic Imitation Firearms. There are defenses to the VCRA and these include proving you are an airsofter, a museum or member of a reenactment group. A RIF is anything that looks like a real firearm (any shape or size and any era be it a musket or a e-11 blaster).

To make a RIF into a IF you need to have it painted 51% in a bright colour (Orrange, Red, Blue, Pink, etc). Imitation firearms painted 51% in a bright colour are exempt from the VRCA and are classed as toys.

There's a lot more to it than this but this a brief summary. For example if I order a black M4A1 airsoft gun and try to ship it into the UK it would be stopped by UKBA and I'd need to prove I can import it. If however I buy the same M4A1 and have it painted bright green over 51% of it's shape then it will pass through customs without a hitch. They might open it as they will see it is a weapon shaped item but as soon as they see that it's bright green it will be allowed to be delivered.

 

[MattBlack]

Ah, that's useful - thank you! Could be worth a go then

 

[cratercritter]

Speak to your Customs people and to your Police.... Then ask them for a letter confirmation or permit or whatever applies in the UK to import items of this nature.

 

[Steadicam Op]

Whenever you're dealing with bureaucrats and shipping, get a copy of whatever the appropriate regulations are, highlight the exceptions which apply to you, and send a copy to the guy you're ordering from so that he can lay the copy on top of the item, where it will be seen when opened by humor-impaired officials.