Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

[forest legend]

Hi guys, Can anyone give me some advice on importing a RIF from Hong Kong, I dont have UKARA, nor am i a member of any Airsoft site although ive been playing for about 10 years. Ive seen a RIF on a website and was considering buying it but id just like some helpful advice / information on if i should do it and what obstacles i could face if i do try and import it.

cheers

FL.

[Devlin]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Well I hav'nt done it for a while but I know its much easier these days with UKARA, there was a time when having membership made no diffeence at all. There is an HK retailer with W&G along with another initial in the title that will dismantle the RIF and despatch seperately, another with the word Global in the title can ship to a UK partner who will in turn ship to you but in my opinion this is a little dodgy. Whichever way you go you need to be prepared to be hit with a customs charge.

[Andrew March]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

In order to import, you will need to demonstrate a defence from prosecution under the VCRA 2007. The easiest way is obviously to provide UKARA details. Other than that you should keep a log or skirmish diary of when and where you have played back up by eveidence from the site that you have played there. This information can then be passed on to HMRC when they inspect the RIF.

If you do not have evidence of your Airsoft playing, then I am afraid you do not have a defence against prosecution and your RIF will most likely be seized, followed shortly by a knock on your door.

[bob86]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

i had no issues with a ukara number, but what i have done for friends in the past is they pay me the money, i buy it, then give it to them once it arrives as i can prove they are an airsofter and i myself have a ukara number

[forest legend]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Ive worked out a rough estimate on the duty charges etc, and the rifle is still worth importing, But having done a small amount of reading its not looking as easy as id have expected to import it. Ive read that id need a vaild defence for importing it, or prove im a regular airsofter which is difficult as im not a member of a site etc.

[Andrew March]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Don't risk it then. Unless you can prove you have a defence you'll get your collar felt.

[forest legend]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Don't risk it then. Unless you can prove you have a defence you'll get your collar felt.

Yeah, It seems like too much hassle over a RIF, I would be saving around £85 on it buying from oversea's but i'll just see if one comes up second hand on the forum.

[fuzzhead]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

I find it abit weird you have being playing for 10years, only joined the forum in the past few months, having nothing to vouch for those 10 years doesn't add up.

[No1_sonuk]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Well I hav'nt done it for a while but I know its much easier these days with UKARA, there was a time when having membership made no diffeence at all. There is an HK retailer with W&G along with another initial in the title that will dismantle the RIF and despatch seperately, <snip>

Last I heard, HMRC had got wise to this and were holding some parts packages in case a second came along.

[Andrew March]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Yep, I know of at least four that have been stopped that way or they got one part but not the other. Sooner or later if you try to circumvent the law they will catch up with you, so rather than giving advice on how you might get around the law why don't we be a little more responsible and give some advice on how you can stay within the law.

As I said if you cannot provide proof of a defence against prosecution then don't do it. play your three games and get on the UKARA database or start keeping a skirmish diary backed up with proof of where you have played, receipts from the site, site stamps or site owners signatures in your diary will all go to provide proof.

[joff]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

i bought a ump stock before from HK without my UKARA No on it, was held in customs for 4 months during which i had already sold the gun off, i did ring them but they denied all knowledge of it all.

[989lips]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

Hi there,

I have imported loads of guns and parts etc from HK and did it very recently too. The 2 retailers I use do 100% want your UKARA number as otherwise it will be in customs for ages and nearly all the time returned to HK as no number would be clearly stated on the package.

I have in some very rare instances not been hit for any customs charges at all but like stated above be prepared for this as nearly everytime you will be hit with it. Oh and the post office release fee charge too. Again IMO this is all worth while as it still makes it cheaper than in the UK... But please be aware that any problems with your gun for instance with it being broken or faulty you will be waiting along time for it to be replaced. If it goes missing in the postal system as one of mine did it took 4 months to get a refund from them but they will refund you. These are the pit falls from buying overseas rather than being able to pop back to the shop here and get a replacement. Also with a lot of guns from HK the hop will sometimes be pants and may need a new rubber etc.

IMO I have no problems at all with importing but please be aware of all the pro's and con's of it. Its not just down to cost. Think about the aftersale's, lost in post, warranties etc.

Good luck pal.

[eatthis]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

if he had ukara but it expired how would he find his number?

[989lips]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

From my understanding (but I am not sure) if it expires you have to get another one and I would assume then another 3 games within the allotted time??

Good questions though which I am sure someone will put up on here.

[No1_sonuk]

Re: Importing RIF's from Hong Kong....

If he's been playing regularly, he may already have satisfied the requirements and just needs to sort the paperwork. Might be worth checking that out.