Importing airguns into India

[Mack The Knife]

Following the Nusli Wadia incident and the suspension of the chap in charge of X-raying the luggage, the X-ray chaps are going to be a bit over enthusiastic for a week or two or possibly more.

Hence, ensure that your friend declares the air-rifle.

Mack The Knife

[vivek009]

Thanks guys. Yes, one has to be careful after the Nusli Wadia episode.

But I am not quite able to understand as to why Mumbai customs should be bothered about where the person is travelling next, and why does one need to tell as to where he is going next.

thanks
Vivek

[Mack The Knife]

But I am not quite able to understand as to why Mumbai customs should be bothered about where the person is travelling next, and why does one need to tell as to where he is going next.

They are not bothered. However, if a connecting flight ticket is shown, they may show some consideration and not insist on a NOC from the Commissioners office. The Commissioners office is at the other end of town and if your friend lands at night, he will have to go back to the airport in the morning, collect the gun (against detention receipt issued at night) and then he and an accompanying customs officer will have to go to the COP's office. Get the NOC, return to the airport, pay the duty and have the gun released to you. This can only be done by the person bringing in the gun.

Ofcourse if your friend is spending a few days in Bombay before leaving for Indore, this is not necessary.

Mack The Knife

[vivek009]

So Mack The Knife, are u saying that a NOC is required in any event? and it does not matter whether the person is ending his journey at mumbai or going somewhere else? Sorry, if Im not understanding this. Please be patient with me.

regards
Vivek

[vivek009]

I have no particular intention of avoiding the duty, but the gun only costs $128 (inclusive of shipping in US), which translates to about 5700 INR. Is this not less than the duty free limit?

regards
Vivek

[Mack The Knife]

So Mack The Knife, are u saying that a NOC is required in any event?

Not necessarily. The Customs ask for an NOC only if they are unsure whether the gun is an airgun or firearm. At least that is how the system has been working.

I have no particular intention of avoiding the duty, but the gun only costs $128 (inclusive of shipping in US), which translates to about 5700 INR. Is this not less than the duty free limit?

Very much so but that may not be the only dutiable item your friend might be carrying with him.

Mack The Knife

[vivek009]

[quote="Mack The Knife Bana";p="10528"]

Not necessarily. The Customs ask for an NOC only if they are unsure whether the gun is an airgun or firearm. At least that is how the system has been working.

[/quote]

So, Is there any way you could convince them that it is nothing but an airgun - will the manufacturer's de.scription of the gun not be sufficient? Also, the Crosman quest is a normal break barrel - It looks, feels, sounds like an airgun only.

regards
Vivek

[Sujay]

The manufacturer's de.scription in the booklet will be sufficient to convince them.

Tell your friend to voluntarily declare it as " I am carrying an Airgun " i.e pre-empt it without leaving the interpretation to them. And do not try to emphasise the 'break barrel' concept. They might dry fire it.

[Mack The Knife]

Hi Vivek,

If it's a breakbarrel and your friend has the owner's manual/de.scription, he should be okay unless he really encounters a clueless wonder.

I feel it should be okay to bring it back and have it cleared there and then but obviously cannot give you any guarantees.

Good luck!

Mack The Knife

[eljefe]

What a mess-all to get a pellet gun in! It was far easier in my days-the air hostess would very politely come up and give you a brown paper sealed parcel -paper packing-of pistol and ammo-at the port of destination in India,you sit and twiddle your thumbs till the custom guy gets free-go up,show him the piece-they have a very good recognition, a duty is reached, paid and one walks out. I remember 7 guns being cleared in my singapore airlines flight from S'pore to madras, circa Jun 1984...now they end up confusing gas lighters for firearms! I share your fears about the clearance -in your place, I too would be petrified.Have deferred bringing in an airgun many times, now I guess I'll pick up one and get it along...
Best
Axx

[vivek009]

Thanks people for all the replies and clarifications. I have two more questions, based on some new found knowledge and ideas:

1. Can the gun be dismantled i.e. stock separated from action (I guess it might just require removal of the two screws on the forearm), and carried. Can be assembled again after it arrives here. Would the local gunsmiths be able to help out on this one.

If the gun can be easily dismantled and put together again, it can be carried in one of the checked-in suitcase, and no separate case would be required.

2. In case, it is not advisable to dismantle: - Delta says the gun must travel in a hard case. TSA guidelines somewhere also say that the case must be FAA (Federal aviation administration) approved. Where do I find a case which has a tag saying FAA approved? Mack The Knife, was your Doskocil case for the HW 45 FAA approved - did u bother about that?

regards
Vivek

[Mack The Knife]

1. Can the gun be dismantled i.e. stock separated from action (I guess it might just require removal of the two screws on the forearm), and carried. Can be assembled again after it arrives here. Would the local gunsmiths be able to help out on this one.

If the gun can be easily dismantled and put together again, it can be carried in one of the checked-in suitcase, and no separate case would be required.

If Delta are okay with this then go ahead and do it. Sure you can seperate stock from action and you certainly don't need a gunsmith to remove the stock screws.

2. In case, it is not advisable to dismantle: - Delta says the gun must travel in a hard case. TSA guidelines somewhere also say that the case must be FAA (Federal aviation administration) approved. Where do I find a case which has a tag saying FAA approved? Mack The Knife, was your Doskocil case for the HW 45 FAA approved - did u bother about that?

I don't know. Suggest you look up the Doskocil / Gun Guard website and if you don't find it mentioned there, e-mail them. What I have isn't really upto the mark and I have seen one crack in transit, though the rifle was still safe. The better one's, I am afraid, will cost more than the rifle.

Also bear in mind that my 45 came from England and not the U.S..

Mark, Mehul, Conty, etc. are TSA really particular about seeing a FAA sticker/tag on the case?

Mack The Knife

[vivek009]

Hi,

Its just about seven days to go now before my Crosman Quest 800X arrives. My friend in the US has taken the gun apart. The two parts are now about 29" long and just about fit in a regular suitcase. That avoids carrying an additional case, and facing extra luggage charges. Also, I guess, now that the gun is in two parts, the customs should not bother too much either. But u never know. Im keeping my fingers crossed.

The gun is rated at 800fps in 0.22 caliber. That's quite something, considering that it could be tuned later to fire at an even greater velocity. Finally, I've been able to find a gun that fits my budget of 10k with enough to save for at least 2000 rounds of pellets, if not more, and also has specifications that I desired. Am only praying now for its safe arrival. Thanks everyone for responding, will keep you posted on how it goes.

Cheers
Vivek

[eljefe]

Sure do-please go through the formlities...
best
Axx

[eljefe]

Good luck and keep us posted Vivek!

best
Axx