i dont have much computer time left today, but as this is a subject very near and dear to my heart (and wallet) i'll write up what i know.
the ban came in last april,
initially the ban banned everything with a curved blade, including weapons like sabres etc
unless;
1- you have aquired a licence
2- the sword was an antique
the ban was 'rushed in'
this is not only my opinion, but a quote from a pollitics guy...
several appeals and petitions were created, and hell yeah i signed em all.
at this point i didnt have my iai licence, but i still had various swords on thier ways to me.
i think i was last september when the ban was finally SOMEWHAT ammended
now it only covers 'samurai swords' (they dont even say katanas)
swords that are now exempt are;
1- katanas imported by someone with an iai (or equivelent) licence
2- antiques
3- newly made katanas that are made traditionally
that part 3 is a killer
the sword will PRETTY MUCH HAVE to be differentially hardened
not 'cheap' (as this was the original intention for the ban, aimed at wall hangers, it has gone saddly wrong though)
high carbon steel*
*hanwei stainless steel iaitos are 100% illegal without a licence
but you can buy a kaze with next day delievery
(not to complain, but wtf is traditional about 9260)
ive had trouble with customs left right and center
i am friends with a couple of sellers over here, after them talking with hmrc, ive been told;
cold steel katanas are "non traditional" and they will be refused entry
to my knowledge musashis masahiros etc are also siezed without return (although i want to get some of those DH musashis, if only so i can say F*CK YOU to the customs office when they try to sieze them) especially if 'samurai sword' is written on the box
but on the other hand my 1601, which is actually differentially hardened, and to my knowledge complys with 'traditional', was impounded for months while i was 'checked out/investigated' (i even had to pay a fee months before i got it for someone to pretty much just look at it to judge it on 'traditional' and it bloody failed)(whoever you are, if you are reading this, you PR*CK, its more traditional than my musha)
ok my times up, i'll close with this;
"UK customs are a joke, even if you comply they will screw you, even if they screw you they will charge you, and even if they charge you, you may not even recieve the sword."
be careful what you import guys.
whereever possible use
www.rgwhandforgedkatanas.co.uk & say ric sent you.