Thread: Buying scope overseas

Forgive my ignorance please, but is it still possible buy a scope online and get it sent to NZ (and pay duty) or are they deadly firearm parts now and no can do?

If you can get someone to ship to you, then you're sweet. No permit to import.

Nice 1 thanks.

@ethos Many US dealers will ship direct. No duty or GST if combined value including shipping is under NZD1000. No permit required. Will come straight to your door.

Ive brought in a couple.

Cheers Tahr, any go -to sites? Been a few years since I’ve splashed out on a scope.

I asked Cameraland New York and they said 'We are able to ship Athlon non tactical or illuminated scopes'. They said also said 'We are not allowed to export Swarovski due to our dealer agreement with them'.

Originally Posted by ethos

Cheers Tahr, any go -to sites? Been a few years since I’ve splashed out on a scope.

Cameraland NY are good. Their site says they don't export but when you check out you will see that they do to Aus, NZ and SA.
Euro Optics are good too.

I got my ZCO527 from OpticsTrade without any drama.

I've been buying scopes from here for many years - Never had any issues.

https://www.theopticzone.com/

Thank you gents

People on here say the total including shipping has to be under $1000NZD or they'll charge duty but that contradicts what Custom's own calculator says.. If you put in an item for $999NZD and shipping of $999NZD it says $0 duty to pay "Since the total value of the goods is less than or equal to $1000, the duty is waived."
Haven't tried my luck with that yet (the scope I want is right on the 1000 mark and shipping puts it over 1000)
https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal...uty-estimator/

Goods total excluding shipping can be 1000 or less. If over 1000 they will charge gst on the goods, PLUS gst on the freight.
The calculator works.

Also, depending upon the item it may not attract duty even though gst kicks in along with other fees.

We're actually in a better position than back in the days of the old $60 kick in so to certain extent the bricks and mortar shops have lost out a bit but will have gained on things like clothing purchases from the big overseas outlets who are mostly now collecting gst on behalf of the govt. Likewise any Amazon purchase now attracts gst.

The issue with having something that converts close to the $1001 is that after you push the buy button an unfavorable exchange rate movement could take you over the threshold. The value of your goods are assessed at the border on arrival, not what your CC may have been billed.

Be careful of the exchange rate in the calculator, it doesn't seem to line up exactly with official exchange rates which are constantly moving.
It's still a good estimator though.

Scott from https://www.theriflescopestore.com/ is also good to deal with.

Used both

https://www.theopticzone.com/
https://www.theriflescopestore.com/

with no hassles in the past...

All good advice thanks