Thread: Question on importing, permits, etc.

I'm sure this has been answered definitively elsewhere, but I'm discussing the issue offline and am getting confused.

Do i need a permit to import a part (that is not the action) for an A-cat firearm? My interpretation of Import permits for parts of firearms | New Zealand Police is NO, I DON'T.

But what if the part I'm importing could also be fitted to an E-cat version of the same firearm model?

Do we have a resident AO on the forum who could offer guidance, or is this dependent on individual AOs opinions, or Customs' interpretation, or what?

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

If customs stop the part they'll ask for a permit or confirmation from your AO that the part is for an A cat firearm.

The thought has crossed my mind often about importing bits from Aus., USA and Europe (scopes, range gear, chronographs, etc), as the stockholding fees and profit margins in NZ, are ballistically high from resellers/retailers. While I'm all for supporting local businesses, I'm also not going to be the only source of their weekly budget, for one sale. I guess I'm a little bit spoilt, living in Aus for nearly 30 years and have visited the U.S., a couple of years ago (Walmart, et al). Still don't understand the logic that because our population base is so small (<5 million), that our stuff costs between 80%-1000% more, than in the manufaturer's home market (Walmart - Savage 243 bare US$99-50 + 6% Sales Tax in Rapid City, South Dakota [smallest residential populated mainland state in USA. Population 5.8 million]). I understand that exchange rates vary, and the importer/wholesaler/retailer have to make a profit (go capitalism), and the Gov't has their hand in the 'cookie jar' too - but at the increase of these amounts? Mmmmm.....by the way, check the local State and Federal laws regarding export of firearms parts (some are prohibited by U.S. law), from your overseas supplier. Everybody's a bit 'neurotic' about where their exports finally end up. There has been a post on another thread, where the suggestion is that you discuss your import plan with your local AO, and go from there. Some apparently, are working to a Gov't proposal, which isn't law yet. Good luck - be interested to find out how you went.

I have imported quite a few parts from the States going through Numrich. In their blurb for purchasers from overseas they make it very clear what they will post.

The parts I have brought in to NZ could not be used for an E cat weapon though

Ring arms officer and ask regarding the part, simple, then call customs arms officer and ask them, if the answer is the same you are good to go, sometimes they conflict so there be the grey area...

Banana is correct - worse case your AO will need to contact customs to verify to them it's is for an A cat, and the AO may want to check the firearm in question before they do that

What Banana said.
I just had a bolt come in. They sent a letter basically saying if its E, permit please, if its A, email us a scan of your firearms license.

Originally Posted by huntingkiwi

What Banana said.
I just had a bolt come in. They sent a letter basically saying if its E, permit please, if its A, email us a scan of your firearms license.

Same, sent a copy of my A Cat FAL and customs guy has released it....Mossberg 500 shotgun trigger assembly....easy as!