Thread: Bringing back a non mil-spec scope from the US

So I'm getting conflicting information.. I've spoken to 3 AO's and 3 dealers... 2 AO's say that all scopes need import permits one says that it only applies to mil-spec, Thermal, night vision (ITAR restricted) kind of stuff, and all 3 dealers say that for standard rifle scopes, an import permit isn't needed... What's the facts man?

I'd go with the dealers opinion. Plenty of guys on here have bought scopes in without permits and no issue. Getting ITAR stuff out of the states will be near impossible.

@Beetroot didn't you ring or email the ATF about your scope?

You don't need an import permit for any scope (unless it's for a pistol, MSSA or restricted weapon ).

Export permits are generally only required for ITAR controlled items.

Some dealers will say any scope or certain scopes are ITAR controlled, when they are not. For example Leopold Mark 6 scopes. So check with the manufacturer's.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Nibblet

@Beetroot didn't you ring or email the ATF about your scope?

I emailed the TSA to ask whether they were concerned about rifle scopes.
They basically said they don't care as they are not considered a firearm part and I could bring it in my carry on or checked baggage, but recommended it be in my checked baggage.

If it is a hunting scope you are bringing back then you will be fine with getting it out of the states. It may be worth while sending the TSA an email to confirm for ease of mind.
NZ customs wasn't worried about it, didn't even mention it.

I have brought a crap load of scopes back. Others are correct only scopes covered by ITAR will be a problem out of the States. I asked the manufacturer by e-mail if the particular model I wanted was restricted then put the return email in my bag with the scope so some over zealous security guy in the USA didn't have to think about it. So far no problems at this end for a rifle scope customs do not care.

Yep same story here.

I've brought back several scopes, not on the ITAR list.

Leaving the US with them was a non event, declared them on entry into NZ.

Got asked what do you have, I said rifle scopes he said use the Green Line and have a nice day

End of story.

I'm currently in the states and will be bringing several gun related parts and scopes home with me.

The guys in the gun shops here are clued up on the ITAR restricted scopes and are happy to advise you.

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

Yep same story here.

I've brought back several scopes, not on the ITAR list.

Leaving the US with them was a non event, declared them on entry into NZ.

Got asked what do you have, I said rifle scopes he said use the Green Line and have a nice day

End of story.

I'm currently in the states and will be bringing several gun related parts and scopes home with me.

The guys in the gun shops here are clued up on the ITAR restricted scopes and are happy to advise you.

Cheers
Pete

How did you declare them? Just as goods worth over $400?
From memory there is no box to specify sporting goods?

Originally Posted by Beetroot

How did you declare them? Just as goods worth over $400?
From memory there is no box to specify sporting goods?

There's a section to tick for prohibited or restricted goods including weapons.
Section 6

Also had a medieval sword.

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

There's a section to tick for prohibited or restricted goods including weapons.
Section 6

Also had a medieval sword.

Cheers
Pete

What did they have to say about the scope? Anything?
I assume they asked you the value, so had to pay GST?

Not entirely sure why a scope even for a pistol or MSSA would require a permit...it isn't a part of a firearm, it is an accessory. Do they require permits for bi-pods, lights , optics mounts, fluffy dice hanging from the rifle?

Originally Posted by Mufasa

Not entirely sure why a scope even for a pistol or MSSA would require a permit...it isn't a part of a firearm, it is an accessory. Do they require permits for bi-pods, lights , optics mounts, fluffy dice hanging from the rifle?

That's what I thought too. Seems a bit of a grey area. I imagine it will depend on if you, the police, Customs, and most importantly, a judge, thinks a scope is an "integral part".



Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

yeah I always read that too mean iron sight , but yeah could mean a scope I guess.

Originally Posted by Mufasa

yeah I always read that too mean iron sight , but yeah could mean a scope I guess.

To me, "such as" means including, but not limited to. Could mean anything they want it to mean. A sling, for example.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by stretch

To me, "such as" means including, but not limited to. Could mean anything they want it to mean. A sling, for example.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Funny you mention sling, some slings are ITAR restricted (ridiculous I know), I wanted to buy some items from BlueForce but because some of their products are used by the US military, everything becomes ITAR retricted. You never know what terrorist my be trying to wreak havoc with a length of 1" nylon webbing.