Air guns import: New rules

[silver9]

Hi Shooters,

Spoke with a Fedex agent over the phone today. Said, there's no issue in importing the air guns/pistols. But they no longer help you clear the shipment as there are a lot of people who don't follow the rules (may be they because they don't know), and order air guns online. Fedex had a lot of issues with the people complaining when their guns get detained by the customs, and then put all the blame of Fedex.

For imports, we'll need to appoint a broker for custom clearance. Need to know if any of you have had a similar kind of an experience while importing.

Cheers,
N.

[Subal das]

you are not the first one, reporting about "new rules" here...

I did not hear such things about Fedex, but that is quite possible. even if so that does not means, that rules regulating import of air guns changed. In such case you simply going to give authorization letter not to Fedex but to another custom clearance agent, whom Fedex may recommend.

so, nothing changed actually.

[silver9]

May be I have not put it in a right way. If you're registered with a shooting club, you don't even need any agent or Fedex- you can do it yourself. The point is, Fedex is not clearing the stuff for you anymore. You either do it yourself, or appoint a broker.

Let's be more specific, its Fedex new rule.

Cheers,
N.

[vmanicks]

This is weird.

However we have friends who import without knowing the rules (No Membership, Wrong Caliber) and when it gets detained they put the blame on FedEx.

Trust me there is no way to challenge FedEx or Customs.

Till the time the product gets cleared they have full control to release or detain your product.

Also I am not sure on the procedure in appointing another clearing agent when FedEx has all the papers. It will be a big procedure to for a new clearing agent to do the entire process all over again.

[Subal das]

May be I have not put it in a right way. If you're registered with a shooting club, you don't even need any agent or Fedex- you can do it yourself. The point is, Fedex is not clearing the stuff for you anymore. You either do it yourself, or appoint a broker.

Let's be more specific, its Fedex new rule.

Cheers,
N.

to be honest, you do not sound like some who imported an air gun via Fedex. Let me share my experience on getting Makarov BB Co2. Friday I paid via Paypal to Pyramidair, Tuesday next week I got gun delivered to my door. OK. They know me, they do have my docs and they do have my authorization letter. That is the whole process, no emails, no phone calls. And I'm pretty sure, that Fedex sick of large army of fake members of clubs who just a pretending to be a shooter and want to exploit the possibility to import.

[silver9]

Yes, Subal, you're right - I have never dealt with FedEx. I have had a hard time dealing with UPS though. They're least bothered about your shipment. Just posted here, what FedEx guys told me. May be I can share your smooth import experience with them, and get the clarification on why would they treat me differently. Think, I should meet them up with the club docs. Even they would know me then. What say?

Thanks,
N.

[Subal das]

Yes, Subal, you're right - I have never dealt with FedEx. I have had a hard time dealing with UPS though. They're least bothered about your shipment. Just posted here, what FedEx guys told me. May be I can share your smooth import experience with them, and get the clarification on why would they treat me differently. Think, I should meet them up with the club docs. Even they would know me then. What say?

Thanks,
N.

sure good idea, nothing better then meet in person

[silver9]

Thanks, Subal- its nice knowing you.

Thanks, vmanicks.

Cheers,
N.

[vmanicks]

UPS: I have had night mares back in 2009 dealing with UPS Mumbai team.

However as I mentioned earlier. When you break the rule please be ready to face the consequences.

Regards,
Manick