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Post by ryadasu on Feb 23, 2013 5:55:25 GMT
Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone could walk me through the steps required to import a sword from China (I'm thinking from Huawei Swords currently). I've had a look at the customs page and it's confusing me with what I actually need to have and do in order for the sword to not get taken away I have my sword license (through a club) so that's all taken care of, but the customs page makes it sound like I need the police permission as well.. Anyway, I'd really appreciate some help from someone who's gone through the bureaucratic hoops
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 23, 2013 7:00:37 GMT
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Feb 23, 2013 7:11:11 GMT
Hi it’s a bit harder here in Vic than other States, but in summary you need to be over 18 years of age, a member on one of the exempt bodies and comply with the storage requirements, I store my swords in a gun safe with my rifles. So as long as you comply with these you can import any normal sword.
I have emailed both Customs & Vic Police on this issue and so long as you comply with the laws and are importing a normal sword and it is declared at customs there is no issue, I also email customs with tracking details and a note of what I’m bring in just to make sure.
Hope this helps.
If you’re worried just do what I did and email both customs & the Vic police for peace of mind.
Cheers - Paul
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Feb 23, 2013 9:12:03 GMT
Hi ryadasu, There really is nothing to worry about as long as you have the Vic approval (or exemption). You just order them, and because there are no import controls on swords, Customs will let it be delivered. If over $1000 you have to pay tax. I am mostly a euro/military sword guy, but I just got a bunch of katana's after getting into some cutting - either way it makes no difference. Folding knives and daggers do need permits though (actually it's a long list but swords are fine). Here is what I got on Friday (after a fairly long sword drought! without issue. cheers!
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George
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Post by George on Feb 23, 2013 10:56:46 GMT
Wow nice Rob whats that Tanto?
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Post by Bluntsword on Feb 23, 2013 12:12:29 GMT
To OP from a fellow Victorian,
Stromlo_Swords_USA is correct, as long as you are covered by the governor generals exemption (e.g. registered sword clubs and what not) you are ok to import any swords, just make sure your club is on the government list.
I'm a member of VHEWCG which covers me for swords and I'm also a JSA practitioner. So I have two exemptions.
I've purchased from USA with no problems (Hanwei Gunto just about 2 weeks ago), my uncle has bought swords from China and HK also with no problems (About 1 or 2 months ago).
But if it's over a grand AUD you have to pay tax.
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Post by OttoVonFaart on Feb 23, 2013 13:36:22 GMT
Pardon my ignorance but... you mean to say (indirectly) that you guys in Oz actually need a license to own or purchase or import a sword? Does your government imagine that Ned Kelly is still ravaging about? Has some twit run amok and savaged a bunch of school children? Or is this just the general consensus that you should have a nanny state?
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Feb 23, 2013 14:36:09 GMT
The rest of Oz is ok, just the state of Victoria is a problem.
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Post by birdman on Feb 23, 2013 18:23:10 GMT
Ever consider moving to the good ol' US of A...?
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Post by OttoVonFaart on Feb 23, 2013 19:58:34 GMT
Why would anyone move from a Nanny State to a Police State? As far as I know, Australia doesn't have a Gestapo, uh... I mean "Homeland Security" or a TSA yet. I could see moving to Queensland for the great beaches & terrific scenery those beaches have to offer. Beautiful Queensland Beach SceneryAmerica the Beautiful
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George
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Post by George on Feb 23, 2013 20:19:55 GMT
Its just one state, but who knows when the rest of the country will follow. Heres another one for you, one handed opening knives can no longer be imported. So that includes everything with a thumbstud, pretty much every Spyderco knife too. So once all the local one handed opening knives are sold, you will not be able to get them anymore in Aus. Dealers are selling out and even they cant get anymore... The funny thing is though they are legal to carry and own. So work that out lol, you can have them, you just cant get them anywhere... Crazy.
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Feb 23, 2013 20:54:02 GMT
Its the Hanwei Practical Plus Tanto.
I like to think of Australia like a nudist beach or a big party, yeah you cant carry but there are enough cool things to do it dont matter, and cause the bouncers on the door are stopping all the bastards you are pretty safe.
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Post by birdman on Feb 23, 2013 21:05:42 GMT
At the risk of sounding political, you should fear any government that fears armed citizens.
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Post by OttoVonFaart on Feb 23, 2013 21:45:51 GMT
WOW! I know Oz has some really awesome titty bars but clothing optional beaches where the girls actually opt out? Damn... I wonder if my wife will let me go on holiday? She let's me go to biker rallies without adult supervision... I guess I could ask? <grin>
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Feb 23, 2013 22:20:08 GMT
To be honest I'm all for "some" restrictions for dangerous items, swords, knives & firearms. I'm sure we all know one or more people that you wouldn't trust with any dangerous item, so some barriers should be in place.
I think oz has the gun law balance almost right, I think the registry should go. But a bit more work is needed regarding swords and knives. Perhaps not a formal licencing process but I don't mind the idea of background checks and age restrictions.
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Post by Bluntsword on Feb 24, 2013 0:07:36 GMT
I also agree Paul laws regarding weapons are actually OK and understandable. It's the Hoon laws against Japanese cars (imports) and aftermarket modifications to our cars which are a Bit*h in this state. But this is a sword forum so let's leave it at that.
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George
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Post by George on Feb 24, 2013 12:25:19 GMT
I agree the gun laws are ok. Handguns should be easier to get though. For example i can get an illegal handgun easy as. But if i want to go through all the paper work and do it the right way, it is HEAPS of work and i have to keep working to keep my gun and my licence (have to attend so many clubs a year, go to meeting etc etc). All the laws do is make it harder for the law abiding people to do the right thing. Criminals do give a S*%t about the law and they will get their guns anyway.
Swords and knives should be over 18. Alot of stabbings and knife crime is actually kids. Thats a big one, but once again, making it harder for people who want to do the right thing. Customs banning one handed opening knives yet they are legal to carry? You cant buy them anymore most knife vendors are out of stock and cant get more so its a sneaky way to make them illegal (once they disappear off the shelves they are effectively gone). And what criminal is gonna fork over 100's of dollars for a Sebenza to stab or rob someone? They wont, they will use a cheap $2 shop kitchen knife then throw it away...
Yes an unarmed country is free for the taking, that is why i practice martial arts. Ill fight for the people who cant defend themselves, or have had their means to defend themselves taken off them. I have friends in the armed forces and could go on about other things happening right now, but 'No Politics' prevents that, PM me if you would like to discuss it further.
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Feb 25, 2013 11:23:26 GMT
A quick trip over the border and there you have it - makes no sense at all -
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Post by ryadasu on Feb 26, 2013 5:26:51 GMT
Thanks for all the quick replies! Much appreciated I'm really happy to hear that all I need to do is let customs know what's going on, I thought I was going to have some serious trouble importing but it seems like it'll be much easier than I expected I'll just stay out of the weapons debate
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