Sending a Han Solo Blaster to France

[yaris]

Does anyone know the import laws for France? I'm selling my Han Solo blaster on ebay and someone in France has asked to purchase it. I'm not in France and don't know if it will be seized by their customs and import people. It's a very exact replica. I know it would be seized if I was to sell to the UK, not sure of France's rules.

thanks in advance.

 

[Lichtbringer]

If you label it proper, most parcel companies will not handle it. If you don´t and they check it ..... seize and destroy.
France is Europe, so it´s pretty safe to say it will be seized at arrival by customs. If i had to guess ..... maybe 5% chance it slips through at best, with a lot of luck.

 

[Lukesfather]

I would say its depending on what its base is , is it a weapon or a toy (replica) the Denix is produced in Spain witch is a EU country , and is freely sold within the EU , with the exeption of contries that has used the right they have to go beyond the eu regulations.
Wether France has tighter rules about replicas than the basic eu rules i dont know , but that some member living there should be able to chime in about.
If its built on something that is or was a weapon , like a complete or deact c96 then its a whole other ballgame, then we are talking sertification.
what is said about labeling it properly , and having a 5% chance .......... I would like to know what that precentage is based upon , if labeled as what it is , a model gun or a toygun i think your chances are pretty good , but check out if France has any additions to the basic Eu regulations

 

[yaris]

Thanks for the replies. It's all resin, but is a very decent looking replica. Not sure what to do. I suppose I could advise the buyer it might not go through and then if they want to proceed, it's on them if it gets seized??

 

[Roland]

If you want to be 100 % sure, there's a simple rule you have to follow: Never send anything to an European country that looks like a firearm, even if it's just a toy!

 

[yaris]

thx all for advice, I'll give it a miss

 

[OdiWan72]

If you want to be 100 % sure, there's a simple rule you have to follow: Never send anything to an European country that looks like a firearm, even if it's just a toy!

Pardon me, but this generalisation is nonsense and just irritates intl. "reluctant" sellers even more. Do you really want to make it harder for us european prop-collectors?

European laws are very specific AND diverse when it comes to importing "weapons"...

F.e.:
German law states, that as long as an item is not designed to shoot any projectiles/ being a replica only (ALL types of guns, rifles, SMGs, MGs!), it matches the regulations and is free to import (no matter the material it is made of).
Different rules apply for softair, which have to be limited in their power, muzzle velocity, being full/ semi auto.

Rules for importing deactivated firearms has changed a few months ago for all members of the EU. If a gun was not deactivated to the new standards, you´ll be in trouble.

IF you want the business, recommend your potential buyer to get in contact with his central customs office and ask for french import regulations. From what I know, france and germany are pretty similar (unlike the UK) and importing a blaster is not a problem at all.

So the general rule should be: Have your customer insure the legality of importing any kind of item...he´s responsible for the compliance with regulations and potential loss.

 

[Lichtbringer]

Hmm. But always keep in mind - if you have a un-or misinformed customs officer, the deal can soon be a real pita. No matter if you are right, most items are not worth to try a lawsuit.

And a unhappy customer can be fast with filing a PayPal claim. And/or a negative feedback.

Doesn't need to happen, but it is possible.

 

[Roland]

I know the rules and laws regarding weapons in Europe, especially Germany. But the question is: Do the customs authorities care about it? I heard about Star Trek TOS phasers being seized even though any intelligent person knows it's just a toy. If I was a seller from outside Europe, I wouldn't risk.

 

[kurtyboy]

Don't know about France but to the UK any realistic looking replica/toy/airsoft has to be 50% a bright colour.

 

[OdiWan72]

I know the rules and laws regarding weapons in Europe, especially Germany. But the question is: Do the customs authorities care about it? I heard about Star Trek TOS phasers being seized even though any intelligent person knows it's just a toy. If I was a seller from outside Europe, I wouldn't risk.

Well...they have to care, it´s their job. :lol
That´s why I recommended to get in contact with the customs first and request a written approval for importing your planned purchase.

Customs officers don´t care for elaborate explanations, but can not ignore extracts of the law *muhahaaaa*

 

[Delerane]

Hi ! I'm french and I saw this topic !

It's a good question... In fact, I had no idea. But after some searchs, I found the answer on the official website of the french governement (Google traduction works very well ):

http://www.douane.gouv.fr/articles/a10753-achats-a-distance-et-envois-entre-particuliers


If the product is under 150€ (165 USD), your french buyer will have to pay 20% of TVA (=VAT) (19,6 = 20 since many months...) excepted if the customs don't check the parcel (it's very rare). So no customs fees. If it's more expansive than 150€ --> customs fees + 20% of TVA.

I think it's this, that's how I understand it judging from the website...

 

[tomm1999]

Can you use plasti dip or similar product to paint? (Rubber paint easily that peels off?) Maybe a written approval attached to the customs form, and a copy in the box with 50% painted pink would help?

Don't know about France but to the UK any realistic looking replica/toy/airsoft has to be 50% a bright colour.