Thread: Importing a firearm part without an import permit

I was chatting with a shooting buddy yesterday, and he mentioned bringing a new gun stock back from an upcoming shooting trip without obtaining an import permit before hand.
He seemed to have the idea that he would just declare it, and leave it with customs and then apply for a permit if needed.
I know once in the past this may have worked, but under the rule changes what are his chances this is going to happen?
I'm thinking fairly remote,
I've tried to find relevant info on line but without success,

Originally Posted by Skeetshooter

I was chatting with a shooting buddy yesterday, and he mentioned bringing a new gun stock back from an upcoming shooting trip without obtaining an import permit before hand.
He seemed to have the idea that he would just declare it, and leave it with customs and then apply for a permit if needed.
I know once in the past this may have worked, but under the rule changes what are his chances this is going to happen?
I'm thinking fairly remote,
I've tried to find relevant info on line but without success,

I wouldn't risk the hassle, just get a permit in advance....easy.

why would you even bother doing this if you know you are going to buy something from overseas? it's not as though it is a spontaneous decision.

My import permit for a bayonet was a breeze. List the bayonets you wanted to import, send a photo of the gun it was destined to go with and approved. Can't see a stock being difficult to get.

Even some years ago you could not apply for a permit retrospectively, the items were seized as they were imported without a permit.
Not worth the risk considering there is no fee for a permit at present.

The Import Permit is unchanged from the last few years. You can wait until the item is seized by Customs and then retrospectively apply for a permit. A pretty dumb way to do it though.

Probably asking in the wrong place.
Talk to the gangsters about how they get around permits.

If Customs have any excuse (like they have the slightest inking you might be gaming the system) the seizure will be permanent with no right of review.

Just recently had a part for a Mills 36 Bomb sent to me from Oz. Was expecting to be hassled but came right thru no drama.

Some time ago I would fill out the import permits and tick the yes/detained by customs box even before I’d ordered the item, because it would make the permits sometimes appear faster. Then I started getting angry emails from the permit people telling me I was required to obtain a permit before the items were ordered. I asked then why was it an option on the form if they didn’t want people to use it? Of course I didn’t get an answer to my question.

I agree with most said above, he's been given bad advice by someone, also trip is 3 weeks away probably no time to apply for an import permit.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

Probably asking in the wrong place.
Talk to the gangsters about how they get around permits.

They buy everything through licenced firearm owners? Mr R Hill tells us that No permit required

You can still apply. The permit is issued by mail. So you might receive it when you are abroad. Worst case scenario, you come back with item and tell custom that permit is on its way.

Last permit I applied for and recieved (a year ago) was all done online. Permit was also emailed to me.

Originally Posted by NZShoota

Last permit I applied for and recieved (a year ago) was all done online. Permit was also emailed to me.

Yes i realise its all done online nowdays but if he hasnt got it before he leaves to come home ges no better off.
Plus its a trigger event for rego

Originally Posted by Skeetshooter

Yes i realise its all done online nowdays but if he hasnt got it before he leaves to come home ges no better off.
Plus its a trigger event for rego

Thought he may have had email on his travels so he may have recieved the permit electronically while away.

Personally wouldn't risk bringing it back without a permit.