Thread: Going to the USA in May and need advice on bringing items back.

Hi All.
This is my first post. I've searched through the many different threads looking for some specific info in buying items in the USA and bringing them back with me. I've also been on the Firearms Safety Authority site and still can find what I'm look for.
Specifically, there is no definition for the word "IMPORT". The traditional meaning is that a person/business in NZ places an order overseas and has those items shipped here.
What about going overseas and buying an item and bringing it back as part of your check in luggage? This has never been considered importing. Over the years I've purchased Weber BBQ's, high end Mountain and road bikes, watches, etc. This is not considered importing and never has been. However, if I were to buy 20 sets of AirPod Pros and bring them in, this would be considered Importing as it is for commercial purpose (or they could be X-mas present for family. LOL). I'd be taking the chance of not having my bags X-rayed. If they did, and I had claimed on my arrival card that I had nothing to declare, I'd be stung with Customs Clearance, import duties, GST and a fine because the premise is it was for commercial gain. 1 or 2 would be fine.
So, I'm heading to the USA in May for an immediate family member graduating from the US Military Academy at Westpoint and want to bring a couple of things back to NZ. Cadet's at The Academy are on "active military duty" and get many benefits. One of which is military discounts on scopes, rifles, etc. So, if I buy one while there, I'm not sure if I need to apply for an import permit and/or just inform the necessary authorities. I'm a dual citizen so canleglaly acquire there and here.
Any advice you have would be great. If it is too much hassle to bring a rifle back, I'll just buy a scope there.
Thanks in advance.

you will need an import permit now.

If you are bringing it into the country you are importing it, no matter how or why you are bringing it in.

For a rifle you would need an export permit from the States and an import permit from NZ

And I would say plan for your bags to be X-rayed. I guess you could scratch up the outside of the scope to say it's second hand if you really want to test the system, but your playing with fire trying to get one over on customs

I think scopes are okay at this end, but I have heard the US doesn't allow some types/models of scopes to be taken out of the country.

Usually import duties, GST etc are waived on items you bring back in for personal use, up to a certain value.

Being a Dual-Citizen puts you in a nice position to be able to buy firearms and take possession of them in the US, but you'll still need import permits to get them into NZ and Export Permits to get them out of the US.

Scopes with National/NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) or Ranging Reticles need Export Permits.

Having imported a few things in the past, I think it is worth it only when you either get a very cheap second hand rifle , cheaper than what it cost in NZ or a rare rifle that you can not find in NZ. Other wise it is not worth the hassle.
Bringing back a couple of good scopes , even second hand like leupold or nightforce, and good quality rings and bases will save you probably more dollars in percentage than a rifle.
A friend was moving back to nz and got a free container load with his new job . So he went to the local pawn shops and got old of 5 or 6 good second hand rifles ( like Winchester 70, Remington 700…) and 5 bows and some fishing gear. He recouped quite a bit of money over the years gradually selling the stuff.

You don't need a permit for projectiles or brass.
Not worth the hassle of trying to bring in a firearm.

Thanks for all of the replies and advice. I wasn't thinking of trying to sneak stuff in, I merely wanted the advice of people who have gone through the process to get a good understanding of what is involved. I think I will just get a good scope there and buy the rifle here in NZ.

Originally Posted by ScottyB

Hi All.
This is my first post. I've searched through the many different threads looking for some specific info in buying items in the USA and bringing them back with me. I've also been on the Firearms Safety Authority site and still can find what I'm look for.
Specifically, there is no definition for the word "IMPORT". The traditional meaning is that a person/business in NZ places an order overseas and has those items shipped here.
What about going overseas and buying an item and bringing it back as part of your check in luggage? This has never been considered importing. Over the years I've purchased Weber BBQ's, high end Mountain and road bikes, watches, etc. This is not considered importing and never has been. However, if I were to buy 20 sets of AirPod Pros and bring them in, this would be considered Importing as it is for commercial purpose (or they could be X-mas present for family. LOL). I'd be taking the chance of not having my bags X-rayed. If they did, and I had claimed on my arrival card that I had nothing to declare, I'd be stung with Customs Clearance, import duties, GST and a fine because the premise is it was for commercial gain. 1 or 2 would be fine.
So, I'm heading to the USA in May for an immediate family member graduating from the US Military Academy at Westpoint and want to bring a couple of things back to NZ. Cadet's at The Academy are on "active military duty" and get many benefits. One of which is military discounts on scopes, rifles, etc. So, if I buy one while there, I'm not sure if I need to apply for an import permit and/or just inform the necessary authorities. I'm a dual citizen so canleglaly acquire there and here.
Any advice you have would be great. If it is too much hassle to bring a rifle back, I'll just buy a scope there.
Thanks in advance.

Commenting just on Firearm importation from the USA it is a doable exercise if you are prepared for what's involved. As others say, an Import Permit is required. Allow 4 to 6 weeks to obtain one - it's not a prompt process. Among details you must supply in the application is the Firearm Serial Number. Probably means you need to obtain the firearm first and have it held pending shipment. If the USA firearm supplier does not have an Export License it will have to be shipped ( at your expense ) to a company suitably licensed to export, and they will charge you their service and shipping fees. Sounds complicated but it actually works quite smoothly. I imported a single rifle from the USA recently. Shipping cost me NZD $ 1775.00 so weigh up whether it's worthwhile for you or not. Maybe it is if it's something unavailable in NZ or if it works out much cheaper than the same thing available here ( although that's unlikely ). And don't forget for most imported firearms you are highly likely be charged gst by NZ Customs so that needs factoring in as well.

Originally Posted by ScottyB

Thanks for all of the replies and advice. I wasn't thinking of trying to sneak stuff in, I merely wanted the advice of people who have gone through the process to get a good understanding of what is involved. I think I will just get a good scope there and buy the rifle here in NZ.

And don't forget to wander around the isles of a large store and pick up random shit you didn't realise you needed until you see it.
I recall Avery products were cheap as in the Memphis Bass Pro when I was there, and more types of decoy than you could shake a stick at.

Originally Posted by imaca

You don't need a permit for projectiles or brass.
Not worth the hassle of trying to bring in a firearm.

You don't need an Import Permit to get projectiles or brass into NZ, but you need an Export License to get them out of the US - unless the brass is fired.

Originally Posted by fernleaf

You don't need an Import Permit to get projectiles or brass into NZ, but you need an Export License to get them out of the US - unless the brass is fired.

My understanding is that it is commercial suppliers who need an Export Permit to ship bullets / brass overseas. I don't think it applies to private citizens. An American friend has posted both to me. He checked with USPS who said provided it's non hazardous, no problem. And I have purchased bullets in the USA and flown them home in my luggage. Had luggage TSA checked pre USA departure, ticket put inside bag but never questioned or confiscated. Would do this again.

Ask Mr Tipple about the good ole US of A - but I think he may have seriously pissed off someone there.

A scope i would just bring bavk in the bag - a rifle, would be just to hard for my simplistic mind.