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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2011 10:27:12 GMT
Hey guys, i am a new member to this forum and as such i thought on my first post i would ask a question that has been bugging me for a while. I have done much research into purchasing and owning my first katana, however there is just one item i haven't been able to find and that would be information on the laws and special requirements that are in place when purchasing a katana outside of Australia and shipping it. I do understand the there are different laws depending on the state that your in, I live in WA more specifically Perth and i would very much appreciate any sort of information you can provide. I would hate to buy a katana and find out that it's been detained or destroyed because it's 'dangerous' or something.
Kind regards
Reaper2309
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George
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Post by George on May 10, 2011 11:22:49 GMT
I live in NSW and have ordered LOTS of Swords and Knives. Shipping out of US (most places wont send a package over 42') Which makes it hard.
If your in Victoria you need a permit. Thats about it really... Oh the cost varies.. LOTS i mean from $60 to $300...
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Post by brissybeater on May 21, 2011 7:30:57 GMT
Yeah here in queensland they got NO problem with swords, daggers are another matter. The cost is often high because we are a bugger to fly too BUUUT as our dollar is kicking ass these days we can FINALLY get swords cheaper (by 6-8%) anyway against the US dollar. Oh the anguish when we would pay a 50% mark up as our dollar was only doing 50c US. Coupled with the fact the shipping would often cost $200.00 essentially made me very hesitant in buying to many blades and now it sucks cause I'm a student with a family and not much money to splash on inert metal  . Essentially if its so big you cant conceal it the government often doesnt care, if its a gangy, hommie, druggo weapon (in their eyes) like knuckle dusters, butterfly knives, concealable daggers, throwing stars, stuff like that then they care. You know the states war on crime. Pity the only front is fought on speed cameras and breathalizers. |
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on May 21, 2011 12:43:16 GMT
Hey Reaper
I'm in Perth too - I think we're the only two here. It's no worries to buy in your katana. Similar rules to Brissy describes. If you shoot me an email I'll send you a copy of the WA weapons act.
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Post by MTmind on May 22, 2011 19:50:55 GMT
Hi Reaper, As everyone has said, no problems shipping Katana to Oz. The only issue will be the overall length. Over 42" and some carriers won't ship, others will make you pay, and pay and pay etc. FYI here is a link to the Australian Customs restricted weapons list. www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Import_BladedWeapons.pdf As long as you stick to what is in here, or not in here as it may be, you'll be fine. With the Aussie dollar doing so well, buy big, by fast and buy lots.  |
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2011 1:22:00 GMT
Hey guys, thanks so much for your replies and your very useful info. I'm so glad to hear that there aren't any complications that might occur when bringing in katana or any sword of that matter.
Kind regards
Reaper
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Post by HouShe on May 27, 2011 11:55:29 GMT
Yeah, as a fellow Aussie, apart from Victoria, it's fair go for anything of sword length.
Essentially it was summed up rather well earlier, if it's concealable or gang-style you can't import it.
If you're like me, having them in Victoria is easy as well.
You just have to be a member of an organisation that has an exemption (and no serious criminal record, if you're worried, that's a check you'll have to do yourself). As someone you has done Taijiquan for about 14 years, being a member of the Australian Tai Chi Association is no problem. As much as I don't like associating with them on an extensive level, if I ever move back to Victoria, I'll be a part of it for certain. (Much cheaper than $165 per sword, per year. Or whatever the price is now for a permit.)
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Post by NIM7 on Aug 29, 2011 2:26:56 GMT
Hello all, I know that this is quite an old thread but I though I should reply here then make another one?
Anyway, from the sounds of this, it looks like its ok to ship blades that are sword length. In living in Darwin for the time being, I was wondering if I would still need some sort/any age verification to customs when shipping a sword?
I have been "caught" when I bought a knife over the net and deemed "warned". It was understandable I guess and that was my first time without knowledge about the laws. So I would like a big confirmation about this matter. Would there be any registration required when shipping to Australia? (Besides Victoria)
Another note, can they be shipped already "sharpened"?
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Post by bloodwraith on Aug 29, 2011 5:38:44 GMT
I've been buying and selling and trading swords for a goodly portion of my life and I have never had any issues with customs (except for the fact that when it is a sword they want to open the packaging and play with it and put finger marks all over it *growls*) or getting my swords into, or for that matter, out of the country. Our shipping length rule sucks but for a standard katana you should have issues, as long as you are 18 or over and the blade isn't concealable. Dont try buying in daggers as they are illegal and can mean serious jail time.
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Post by NIM7 on Aug 29, 2011 6:10:06 GMT
I see, all is good as long as its not a concealable weapon even though its diamond sharp?. How would they check if you are over 18 or not? I am over 18 so Im not worried about that, but would I need to tell them Im going to receive such a sword?
Yeah, Im scared getting in trouble.. hence my cautiousness =/
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2011 13:54:48 GMT
WAIT WAIT WAIT.
Hold the phone. I'm in Victoria and I have a sword exemption because I'm a member of the VHECG.
Your telling me I can buy internationally WITHOUT an import license? Just my exemption?
Holy crap, if this is the case I swear I have lost so much money from buying from global gear.
Edit: What about things such as Yari?
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Post by NIM7 on Aug 29, 2011 15:59:18 GMT
All I know so far is Vic is the only state that needs a permit/license, other states are free with no worries.
Yari would be classed as spears I guess? Therefore its not a short or concealed weapon and should be no problems with customs act, dont know about Vic state though. Dont take my word for it, Im mealy guessing from what I know/think I know.
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Aug 29, 2011 21:35:22 GMT
Best bet is to check with Customs. I may be able to help out with shipping if you need it - ask Vue for feedback on that.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Aug 30, 2011 22:07:46 GMT
Hi Kasthana, Be very cautious as I understand there are quite harsh penalties if you get it wrong and I hope your complying with the Vic storage requirements  . Im in Victoria as well and whilst I have not done it myself I believe you can direct import into Vic yourself, BUT THERE ARE FORMS!! Lol 1) Direct with Victorian Police: APPLICATION FOR POLICE CONFIRMATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF WEAPONS (FORM B709B) 2) Direct with Customs Australia APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT SCHEDULE 2 & 3 WEAPONS A lot of this info is on the Customs website. Hope this helps Cheers Paul |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2011 0:31:27 GMT
The amount of bureaucracy (wow spelt that right the first time) still amazes me to this day. So much knee-jerk reaction legislation here in Victoria..
I also shoot compound bows, and had a cop ask me if I had a license for it /facepalm. He then asked me to de-string it on the spot (Impossible without a bowpress), after he 'inspected it' trying to work out where the arrow went and how to pull it back (he had it upside down). Finally said 'you should put that in a locked case', which is strange because my arrows are kept on site, so unless someone wants to pummel people with my bow I don't understand how that's going to help :?
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Aug 31, 2011 1:17:05 GMT
Here is a bit more info on the legal stuff; www.swordcollectorsguild.org.au/ ... legal-talk “ Legal Talk Information Provided by: Victoria Police Licensing Services Division 14/10/2010 Subject to change without notice! Storage Requirements: The Prohibited Weapon/s owned or possessed under this Chief Commissioner’s Approval or Governor in Council Exemption must be stored in the following manner: Weapons other than Blow Guns should be stored in a locked cupboard, cabinet or safe of sturdy construction, and if glass fronted, the glass will be a minimum thickness of 5 millimetres. If the mass weight is less than 150 kg’s it shall be affixed to either the frame of the floor or wall (where applicable) so as to prevent easy removal. Wood screws and the like are not acceptable but ramset/dyna bolts are sufficient. The locks fitted to these receptacles shall be of sturdy construction. Padlocks shall have shanks of hardened steel. Blow Guns may be on open display within the applicant’s home, but both ends of the device must be sealed and all darts surrendered. Body Armour must be stored in a safe and secure manner. Swords must be stored in a manner calculated to ensure that the sword: 1. is not readily accessible to a person other than the person seeking to rely on the exemption; 2. is not available for possession, carriage or use by a person who is not themselves a holder of an approval issued by the Chief Commissioner of Police or who does not fall within another class of exempt persons. -New Information on Swords- Ensuring that the weapons storage facility is ‘not readily accessible’ and/ or 'not available’ simply means that all reasonable measures have been taken to make sure that the weapon is secured in a manner which ensures that an unauthorised person is unable to remove the weapon. For example, a sword is considered ‘not readily accessible’ or 'not available’ if it is bolted to the wall, or locked in a glass cabinet, thereby preventing an unauthorised person gaining possession of the weapon. Should you have any further queries please email licensingservices@police.vic.gov.au!! General Category Crossbows must be stored in a safe and secure manner (a) stored in a manner calculated to ensure that the crossbow is not readily accessible to a person other than the person seeking to rely on the exemption; i) fitted with a trigger lock and the keys stored in a separate place; or ii) stored with a cable lock through the footclaw and connected to the string; or iii) stored in the unstrung condition with the prod/bow assembly demounted from the stock (where possible); (b) ensuring that the crossbow is not available for possession, carriage or use by a person who is not themselves a holder of an approval issued by the Chief Commissioner of Police or who does not fall within another class of exempt persons. Please refer to Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act for storage requirements relevant to the category of firearms the individuals have been licence for. Should you have any further queries please contact the relevant police division from your state. Licensing Services Division Email: licensingservices@police.vic.gov.au!! Telephone: 1300 651 645 Postal: GPO Box 2807 Melbourne VIC 3001 “ |
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Post by William Swiger on Sept 5, 2011 16:13:18 GMT
Damn!
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Post by Dave Evans on Nov 28, 2021 22:33:10 GMT
Wondered if I could re-ignite this thread given the time that has elapsed since the original post and possibility of updated legislation..
Looking to purchase some single edged knives and swords from a U.S. retailer. Customs website says 'Declare it'
I am based in Brisbane, an individual with no club or other membership or associations, just a simple collector.
How do I 'declare it' if buying online.
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Scott
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Post by Scott on Nov 29, 2021 1:43:45 GMT
You shouldn't need to declare anything, the seller will fill out a customs form with item description and value, same as any international shipment, and there shouldn't be any issues. There shouldn't be any restrictions on what you've said you're buying.
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Nov 29, 2021 2:21:54 GMT
Exactly what Scott said - they should be fine just don’t get a trench knife or karambit as those are restricted. More importantly- what swords you buying? And remember some overseas sellers now collect GST so will add 10%, otherwise the govt will hit you up only if over $1000
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. Im in Victoria as well and whilst I have not done it myself I believe you can direct import into Vic yourself, BUT THERE ARE FORMS!! Lol
