Thread: Importing Firearm from Uk

I'm looking into importing an AI rifle from the UK. Just wondering if anyone knows the turn around time after dealing with customs, NZ Police if the rifle is in stock now?

Also when I complete the import permit, do I need to state 2 magazines if I intend on getting one spare with the one that comes with the rifle?

Cheers
Chris

Originally Posted by chris92

I'm looking into importing an AI rifle from the UK. Just wondering if anyone knows the turn around time after dealing with customs, NZ Police if the rifle is in stock now?

Also when I complete the import permit, do I need to state 2 magazines if I intend on getting one spare with the one that comes with the rifle?

Cheers
Chris

Just fill out a import permit online.
There is a section for complete rifles and a section for parts, so add your magazines as parts.

What model AI are you going for?

https://www.firearmssafetyauthority....s-import-forms
The first one, FRM67B

Gidday. The "paperwork" at both ends is very straightforward. But getting someone to cart it here is very difficult and/or expensive. I've had a rifle (with both sets of documentation) sitting in the UK for two plus years waiting for a reasonable carriage option. If you have that sorted I'd love to know the what and how of it. Cheers

Probably not what you want to hear but i brought a few firearms over from the UK and found it was easier, not too much more expensive and less stressful to fly there and bring them back as luggage. Sad but true. Admittedly i have family there so it was used as an excuse with them!

If you do it just have to remember to book a flight with no stopovers and check your carrier as to their rules.

The biggest stress was educating NZ Customs as to what they had to do with the paperwork coming into Auckland - almost missed a connection with that lesson.

@Beetroot i'm getting sporting services to try sort me with an AT308. Graeme is getting back to me in a few days. The issue they have is they aren't allowed to send brand new AI as Delta Tactical cover the NZ market. I've been getting no response from DT about how many they will be getting mid year which I why I reached out to SS.

@Tentman you would think it could just be slapped on a plane right 😂. Sounding more like a pain in the ass the more I look into it. What company did you purchase from as i'm wondering if Sporting Services have a reliable one they use.
I'll let you know either way how I get on.

@Baz as much as I would love to add another couple of grand onto it I don't think its an option for me haha.

If you can contact a RFD in the vicinity of an Airport you could have them act as courier. There are firearms couriers in the UK that provide this service but its really expensive as Tentman found out.

Contact Diggory at Vintage Firearms.

Thanks guys, would Hunting and Fishing accept a firearm from the UK like how they offer postage store to store for NZ customers?

I'd be amazed if they would . But Dean at allgunsports@gmail.com probably would.

Try Cheshire Gun Room for export, I’m in discussions with them for a couple of air rifles - may be different for more restricted items but worth a try.
Will be around £650 if it’s worthwhile. They apparently can’t send by sea, only air, hence the price.

nzmilsurps import a few firearms from the UK, could it hitch a ride with them?

Cheshire have my rifle, the new guy there is pro-active. . . .

Originally Posted by Tentman

Cheshire have my rifle, the new guy there is pro-active. . . .

Such a shame that your gov. changed the laws to prevent visitors leaving rifles in NZ. If it were still possible, I'd 'buy' your rifle and 'sell' it back to you for the cost of a one-way plane ticket to NZ

@chris92 when I spoke to SS about 12months ago they said shipping here was no problem, I guess things have changes since then.
It's stupid that DT is the NZ supplier, yet they don't actually have anything in stock and probably order them through SS anyway.

Kinda like the people that sell products on Trademe from that are shipped "from their China Warehouse" when you know full well you can just buy the same item from Ali Express like they are obviously just doing.

Yeah, I will wait to hear back from Graeme which should hopefully be tonight.

DT as great as they sound have only responded to one of emails and that was to tell me the AT's will hopefully be back in stock mid year. When I sent a reply email asking what specs they have comjng they haven't yet responded.

I relayed this onto SS who have been awesome. I did supply them the address for my local H&F store.