customs declaration -- myArmoury.com

Chris G. · Posted: Mon 19 Dec, 2005 7:54 am Post subject: customs declaration

I have a fellow interested in buying a practice rapier from me. He lives in New Zealand. Will I encounter any problems shipping a sword outside of the US? Also, do I just declare it, "a fencing epee?" Thanks

Russ Ellis · Industry Professional

I have shipped swords to New Zealand. I believe I just declared it as a "reproduction sword." It had a lengthy stay in customs and I believe there was a significant duty with it but other then that no problems.

Chuck Russell · Posted: Mon 19 Dec, 2005 3:20 pm Post subject:

reproduction or theature prop.

Chris G. · Posted: Mon 19 Dec, 2005 5:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks!

Thomas Jason · Posted: Mon 19 Dec, 2005 6:13 pm Post subject:

I've found:

"Metal/Wood Craft" to be an adequate descriptor that does not attract unwanted attention.

Putting "Sword" on a box is an invitation to disaster.

D. Bell · Posted: Mon 19 Dec, 2005 10:11 pm Post subject:

Speaking as a New Zealander, I haven't had any problems importing swords, no lengthy stays in customs, and there is no duty on importing swords into NZ, although the importer will have to pay sales tax on transactions over NZ$400. That said, I’ll agree with Thomas that an ambiguous description doesn’t hurt.

Patrick Jones · Posted: Tue 20 Dec, 2005 11:01 am Post subject:

I've had a couple of sharp swords delivered to Canada from the US, and both were listed on the declaration as

Gary Grzybek · Posted: Tue 20 Dec, 2005 1:15 pm Post subject:

Things like "decorative iron work" or "Theatrical stage prop" will work. These days customs is getting very picky as you could imagine It's hard to say how they will handle things to be honest.