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Post by jedi57uk on Nov 29, 2012 9:20:22 GMT
Hi All, first post, so please be gentle... Does anyone have any experience with imoprting to the UK and the restrictions on blade length? I have an opoprtunity to bring a sword back from Japan, but dont want to splash the cash, ship it and have it rejected at the border. Advice much appreciated. S.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Nov 29, 2012 12:45:08 GMT
Hi Jedi welcome to the forum,blade length isn't an issue.The problem is what type of sword,since it's from japan im guessing katana?.Any curved sword comming into the uk has to be hand forged (you will need to prove this at customs) any machine made curved blade is banned. Any straight bladed sword will pass with no problems,parcel force has a maximum parcel length of 1.5 metres,so unless you've bought a machine made Nodachi you should be ok If it's curved be prepared to possibly have a fight on you're hands to prove that it's hand forged (i know our laws are ridiculous) good luck and let us know how you get on
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Post by András on Nov 29, 2012 13:50:31 GMT
Rather than being prepared for a fight, you should clear everything beforehand. Ask for written statement from the smith (or company that made it) stating that the sword is indeed hand forged in a traditonal manner. Tell your contact to include one of these in the package and to scan and send you a copy too. Then just forward this document with the invoice (I suppose you will need that too, you do in my country anyway) and tracking number to your customs office. Just don't forget to ask if they will need any other documents.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Nov 29, 2012 18:01:00 GMT
Thats a very good point Andra's,aye include documentation with the sword and make sure you have a copy just incase you need to wiggle it under the noses of the gendarmes
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