Importing/Exporting

[Gargoyle]

Hi all,

I'm meant to be going to a friends wedding over in florida sometime soon, looking at buying some equipment and bring it back to the uk.

But i have no idea about import/export Laws, how easy is it to get through customs with a paintball gun? Etc.....?

 

[rob_evanson]

I posted something about this a little while ago. Customs can be a tad arsey about bringing something that looks like a fire-arm into the UK, and with Sept 11th events I would expect it to be participating in a controlled explosion. Other gear shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Philip]

Make sure you have a piece of paper saying that it shoots less than 12 lb/sq inch.

-Philip

 

[rob_evanson]

Oh and I forgot

Customs sometimes slap on extra costs as you get into the country. So matter how much you think you have saved in the US, when you get here they will slap on Import duty and VAT.

 

[Gargoyle]

importing

OK, thanks guys

I'll think I'll leave buying a marker there and order one over the net

 

[rob_evanson]

Be careful

Buying over the web has the same penalties, and sometimes you gear can get held up in customs for quite some time.

 

[Munky]

It might be worth buying over there - I got quoted $50 to ship a pair of trousers and a playing top which came to $40 for the pair.

So it basically cost more to ship it to the UK and thats without customs getting their grubby little hands on it and charging more.

Have bought masks in bulk before was a good deal until shipping and customs got involved.

5 masks cost £50 to ship then got slammed for another £50 from customs totaling £100 to ship £150 worth of goods.

Also check with an airline before buying a marker some won't allow them onboard the same for air tanks - and they wont allow sealed canisters like the 12gms Co2 or paint as its counted as ammo.

 

[Jake]

surely you can tell them you bought the marker from the UK? just make sure you have the info that says it shoots less than 12ft/lbs and your fine.

 

[Julesbloke]

I may be wrong, but if the value of goods you want to import into the UK is over £18 then Mr Customs will take an interest in it & charge the appropriate tax.

If it's stuff like a watch/designer clothing etc you can just wear them back and pretend you took them out in the first place. May be a bit difficult with a marker!

 

[permboy]

however what you could fo if you wanted would be to go otu there and buy all this stuff and bring it back in no boxes but in a planet bag or to send it with UPS because i think they're exempt from customs cause it's a private delivery.