stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Mar 29, 2019 14:07:08 GMT
I wonder how this will affect private sales to the EU, I usually dont use USPS for international but wonder if the other couriers will eventually get hit
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AndiTheBarvarian
Member
"Lord of the Memes"
Bavarianbarbarian - Semper Semprini
Posts: 10,324
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Mar 29, 2019 14:42:12 GMT
Afaik no new EU restriction.
Never heard of, can't google something about, no warnings from German stores.
Looks like a problem at USPS or their air carrier.
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Post by pellius on Mar 29, 2019 14:45:47 GMT
Terrible news.
RK posted something similar on FB.
Bureaucratic policy making and rule enforcement is notoriously resistant to democratic and constitutional systems and safeguards. I suspect that this is not only permanent, but soon to expand to knives and the like.
For example, a custom maker recently had to fight to get a custom knife shipped *out* of the UK to me in the US.
I’ll fight the very strong urge to make political statements here.
I wonder how this will affect shipping antique swords from Europe to the US.
Very sad and troubling news indeed.
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Post by Ronin Katana on Mar 29, 2019 15:16:34 GMT
I had a conference call with a USPS export supervisor in Chicago (where EU and Canadian bound packages depart the US) and my import agency this morning and was told that the following terms were updated as no go for air freight; sword, martial arts equipment, and historical replica. The suggested fix is sporting goods. USPS enforces package restrictions provided by countries and zones. I can confirm the following country changes through package rejection Ronin has had recently; Bulgaria, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, France, and Spain. We have had seven come back with four pending and probable returns. Countries that have had no problems; UK (required more documentation from Ronin to exit customs) Poland, and Germany.
USPS does not know anything further other than once something is added to the list it can't be transferred to the air carrier, or, if it makes it through, it will be rejected at the sorting facility in Europe. There are no shipping refunds via USPS if a shipment is rejected at any sorting facility.
Currently Ronin is seeing 30+ days on returns of rejected items with two different stickers and one stamp depending on the county. France had 3-4 stickers.
That's everything I know about shipping from the US to Europe. China to Europe is another animal all together. I don't see that one reopening for Ronin at this time. Rejected packages are total losses. Paul may decide to do things differently than Ronin of course.
Hope that helps. Further replies here on recent (items ordered from February - current) and ongoing shipments will be very helpful from the community.
Examples of what I see tracking wise on a few shipments. Tracking ends at Chicago and there is no new scan in Europe in many cases. Customers are not notified their package is in the EU.
1)
Your item was processed through our CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER facility on March 3, 2019 at 9:24 am. The item is currently in transit to the destination.
Status
In-Transit
March 3, 2019 at 9:24 am
2)
Processed Through Regional Facility
CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Your item is being held in Customs at 6:56 pm on February 17, 2019 in MADRID AP, SPAIN.
Status
In-Transit
February 17, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Held in Customs
MADRID AP, SPAIN
3)
Your item was processed through our CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER facility on February 18, 2019 at 12:16 am. The item is currently in transit to the destination.
Status
In-Transit
February 18, 2019 at 12:16 am
Processed Through Regional Facility
CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
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Post by airborne on Mar 29, 2019 16:57:35 GMT
Yes totally agree with you Cya , The European stores that import swords from China etc should be pulling the stops out NOW and getting the updated and correct information to us in the EU '
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Post by Ronin Katana on Mar 29, 2019 19:05:17 GMT
I exchanged a few emails with dealer contacts and can confirm this is industry wide, or soon will be. Looks like the age of USPS shipments of swords and knives to Europe has ended. Sorry guys. You were already paying a lot and it's going to get worse with private carriers charging more and being very strict on documents for VAT.
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659 
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Mar 29, 2019 19:09:42 GMT
Since it seems unclear exactly what is going on, I hope nothing interferes with the custom polearm I'm expecting from the UK (sent to the US).
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Post by strigoil on Mar 29, 2019 19:43:11 GMT
I just really hope this doesn't in any way eventually extend to also not being able to send such items within Europe itself, that would be terrifying.
This hobby seems to be getting more and more threats, as if the issues in the UK and outgoing from china weren't enough, this is a big hit and honestly, I'm not sure if there is any point but the smiths and vendors, and hell even customers should really try to rally and make some loud complaints, these companies want to earn money shipping our items so there must be some serious reasons why this is happening.
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Ifrit
Member
More edgy than a double edge sword
Posts: 3,284
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Post by Ifrit on Mar 29, 2019 22:00:27 GMT
Collect your swords while you can, boys. Everything we like is about to be banned lol.
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Post by Siward on Mar 29, 2019 22:02:14 GMT
Collect your swords while you can, boys. Everything we like is about to be banned lol. Yup totally agree |
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Ifrit
Member
More edgy than a double edge sword
Posts: 3,284
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Post by Ifrit on Mar 29, 2019 22:04:38 GMT
Collect your swords while you can, boys. Everything we like is about to be banned lol. Yup totally agree I am entirely pessimistic about today's society. Tyranny of the people has been strong lately |
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Post by nerdthenord on Mar 29, 2019 22:28:37 GMT
This is of course extremely frightening to the entire hobby. I have a custom from Rob Miller set for December or so. What happens if they ban exports as well?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2019 22:43:55 GMT
If the EU acts how they do with other industries, exports won't be affected.
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admin
Site Admin
Posts: 2,114
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Post by admin on Mar 30, 2019 1:03:17 GMT
Here's a quick rundown of the situation so far: - USPS are currently seemingly refusing to carry swords INTO the EU from the USA and returning them to sender. Other carriers and couriers such as DHL do not seem to be effected, so whatever is happening is between USPS and the EU..
- Shipments from China to Europe have been very difficult for some time now. However whether or not it is related, currently ALL shipments from China to the EU are disappearing. Previously routing through Hong Kong worked (though added a lot to the cost) - now that's no longer an option, so it appears to be a double whammy and E.U. centric.
- AFAIK internal/within the E.U. shipments are not effected. Neither are exports FROM Europe.
- For the most part, because swords are quite heavy but really long and come in rather big packages - alternatives to USPS are cost prohibitive (always in the hundreds, sometimes close to $1000) and so the industry is left scrambling,,
Currently the only workaround I can think of is to use a freight forwarding service such as Access USA, Forward It, etc as explained on SBG here
Do any EU members of the forum currently or recently use one of these forwarders? If so please advise of recent experiences to see if this will provide at least some kind of temporary solution.
Whatever is happening behind the scenes, we will do all we can to get to the bottom of it and fight for the rights of our fellow collectors in the EU.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2019 12:03:22 GMT
The is no sword ban in the EU. Most Eu countries don't have any restriction on importing or owning swords. Why the shipment are rejected I don't know, but SBG shop as their customer should get an answer. KoA is still shipping to EU by USPS the price is in the 100+ USD range. This. "sword ban" is not existing; at least not in Germany. That is nonsense, i had this checked back with customs office. No one knows anything about a "sword ban". Even more: the EU hasnt the legal tools or right to regulate anything that has to do with weapon laws; that depends on each country itself. Its the infamous USPS, and nothing else. I had things like this happen randomly throughout the years. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2019 12:52:56 GMT
Now... i just ordered a blade from Zombie Tools. Basically i should have no money to waste nor the nerve for this right now, but i took the plunge just to see what other sellers have to say. So far nothing from them; USPS shipping was provided and the only international option.
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Post by airborne on Mar 30, 2019 15:31:00 GMT
Good idea of Pauls to get any EU Forum members who use any of the Forwarding Services to let us know their experiences as soon as possible please .
Thanks
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Post by nddave on Mar 30, 2019 17:50:40 GMT
Now... i just ordered a blade from Zombie Tools. Basically i should have no money to waste nor the nerve for this right now, but i took the plunge just to see what other sellers have to say. So far nothing from them; USPS shipping was provided and the only international option. That's the thing though, according to the reports its not the US that is denying the shipments but the European countries denying receiving. I hope all goes well for you but it seems your sword might be returned back to Zombie Tools when it hits the ground there in Germany. |
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Post by Siward on Mar 30, 2019 18:02:19 GMT
Now... i just ordered a blade from Zombie Tools. Basically i should have no money to waste nor the nerve for this right now, but i took the plunge just to see what other sellers have to say. So far nothing from them; USPS shipping was provided and the only international option. That's the thing though, according to the reports its not the US that is denying the shipments but the European countries denying receiving. I hope all goes well for you but it seems your sword might be returned back to Zombie Tools when it hits the ground there in Germany. Ronin Katana said Germany, Poland and UK (unbelievably) have not changed any import rules so you should be ok Oldvesemir |
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Post by nddave on Mar 30, 2019 18:04:55 GMT
That's the thing though, according to the reports its not the US that is denying the shipments but the European countries denying receiving. I hope all goes well for you but it seems your sword might be returned back to Zombie Tools when it hits the ground there in Germany. Ronin Katana said Germany, Poland and UK (unbelievably) have not changed any import rules so you should be ok Oldsvemir Nice must have missed that when I first read it. Well good for those countries. Maybe a few of the folks from those countries here could be intermediates for those that won't receive shipments from the US? |
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Nov 1, 2024 0:13:58 GMT
