OzFclass

Hi guys,
im looking at importing an air rifle from the states, does anyone know what the import costs are?
any info would be great!
Cheers.

On the US side: you need to employ the services of a licenced firearms exporter. Expect to pay around US$400 for this service. For simplicity use this exporter to also arrange the freight/shipping, additional costs will apply.

On the Aus side (may vary by state): prior to the export you will need to obtain a permit to acquire (State firearms branch), along with a B709a import certificate (Australian Customs Service document issued by Police firearms branch). These are normally valid for 1 month, so don't get them too early in the process (just before the firearm is ready to ship).

In short, the only time I have seen this being worthwhile is if it is a rare or custom firearm that can't be obtained locally. Although there is no law against importing firearms, I have found the police and customs don't want to deal with individuals and may request considerable justification before approving.

I applied last week for a B709a for 2 blank rifle barrels (22 rimfire) and my state police have requested the serial numbers of the firearms I intend to fit these to as well as a written request to justify the need. When I said one was for a friend they suggested I should get a dealers licence if it is not for personal use. This is absurd, in my state there are no restrictions on ownership of a rifle barrel, it does not even require a firearms licence, and even a 10 year old could not be declined the sale of a rifle barrel. I travel to the US several times per year and bring the items back in my checked luggage.

I am in the process of importing 2 x BAT actions (2nd one is a 3 Lug in 6ppc LB,RP,LE to help defray costs so it will eventually be offered for sale) and my US "exporter" is charging $250 per item, + 5% of the export value, with a minimum fee of US$500-00 in total. Plus freight of course........+ GST and Customs costs when they get here.

That would be about right Ecomeat, the cheapest I found was $400 minimum for 1 firearm (or action).

Don't get caught importing firearms with the intention of selling them to make money. I was warned by our State firearms branch (Police) that they would be watching my list of registered firearms to make sure I didn't sell any that I brought back in within a reasonable time frame. They said I would need a dealers licence if I intend to onsell the action(s), and they would prosecute me if I was selling them in new condition. I did sell one, but waited 9 months before doing so, and only after the action had been registered as a specific calibre.

On that line but a bit off topic, also be aware that in the past firearms services have looked at individuals that have a high turnover in firearms just in Australia, there are two down here that I know are being looked at as they haven't a dealers licence but are wheeling and dealing on a regular basis(I don't care but apparently others do).

I think this is required in NSW:

51B Selling firearms on an ongoing basis

(1) Offence
A person must not contravene section 51 on 3 or more separate occasions over any consecutive period of 12 months.

Maximum penalty: imprisonment for 20 years.