Has anyone had much experience with importing airsofts / RIFS to the UK just using your AFRA membership?
I am currently trying to order WW2 guns from RSOV but they only seem to work with UKARA members due to feedback from customers who have had trouble with customs.
Has anyone got any tips/ info, maybe a phone number to talk direct to a customs department. I have had a browse on their site but as usual these days it is hard to be able to talk direct to a person. 
Free speech is expensive these days!
There are not any noted problems with UK Customs and importing Rifs using a valid AFRA card and number.
The issue here is that the retailer is ignorant of the law and AFRA.
We must try to educate him.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
OK
I have put this to them and got the following response.
Dear Sir
If you sure can ship guns to you without UKARA number , we also can send to you .
But there is no guarantee that items can pass to your local Customs.
We will not provide any warranty guarantee or money back guarantee for customs confiscation or return . Ok ?
If you accept the condition , you can place order at RSOV Express again , gun_xxxx is restock now . Thanks .
Looking forward to your reply .
Debby
Now I would never send a gun back to China anyway if it had a fault, I would fix the problem myself or at best ask them for a replacement part.
So maybe this is the best result we can expect, the problem is if the gun goes missing and isn't due to customs 
Free speech is expensive these days!
Thing is, it's not RSOV's responsibility to check all this, being an overseas seller, so I don't know why they're getting their knickers in a twist.
The law prohibits the importation of RIFs, so the burden of proof is with the buyer, which HMRC will check out when they receive the package. You should then be able to provide your AFRA details which should be enough to allow the package through.
Ah, I see they've replied. So they seem to have got the message.
S
RSOV are just trying to help their customers out, not being arsey. Clearly in the past they have had hassle form UK customers who have had trouble with customs and so put in place a simple system, whack UKARA details on the outside of the package. This works well. However, they aren't aware of the AFRA system which is just as suitable - as Poacher says, they just need to be appraised of the info which I'm sure AFRA can do officially (if they haven't already by now 
).
In the meantime, Oddball has been given the 'at your own risk' notice which is fine - RIF imports are at your own risk anyway and up to you to sort with Customs.
Yes thanks CW 
I do like the AFRA package but this will be my first order outside UK to test the system.
I do also push the AFRA membership scheme to re-enactors I meet if I feel they are suitable especially if I think I can talk them over to WW2 airsoft. 
Many are not aware of the quality some WW2 airsoft guns have these days, I am hoping to be recruiting a few new members to both AFRA and CIA soon.
If I can show this system works well it can only help persuade people of the benefits of AFRA.
I was talking to a re-enactor at the weekend who had just spent £600 on a Colt 1911 Deac in mint condition then he was shown a Chinese airsoft 1911 and could not believe the quality. 
Free speech is expensive these days!
When the VCRA kicked in RSOV flatly refused to send kit to the UK at all (I seem to remember) so its good that there are now well established procedures, officially recognised, to smooth legal importation. Hoorah to the organisations that facilitate that.
I created an image file that they could print out and stick to the parcel stating my specific defence, my AFRA number and the contact details for customs to contact AFRA to verify said defence.
Seemed to work a treat, as it went through without a hitch, and even avoided customs charges, which is rare, these days.
Great idea Diesel I will give that a go I think
Did you use the first number on the card for contact with AFRA 07841 162453, I presume that is still the prefered number to use.
Free speech is expensive these days!
Great idea Diesel I will give that a go I think
Did you use the first number on the card for contact with AFRA 07841 162453, I presume that is still the prefered number to use.
I was just looking for the file, but it must be on my home PC. I think from memory, i scanned my Afra card, and added some extra text about the specific defence.
It all worked out fine thanks for the info guys
Free speech is expensive these days!
Super.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
Well I just got a charge from customs of £113.38 dropped on me for an order costing £204 inc p&p. 
So try ringing the UK hub and no answer just perm engaged.
So do I pay and make a case?
Free speech is expensive these days!
I'd certainly query it. That seems a very high percentage.
Who sent the bill? If it's the courier, it could be harder to get it back.
I have been tracking it on the parcelfarce site and know it is at my depot so rang and they told me the charge. Now I know the Parcelfarce charge will be about £8 so the rest of it has been added by Customs.
I may go and pay then send in a claim form
Free speech is expensive these days!
In the long run, you'll have the items in your mitts. That means they can't hold them hostage if you contest the charges.
It clearly says on the box $308 USD = £198
There break down of charges are:-
Import duty £13.76
Excise duty £0
VAT £91.00
Other £0
Parcel Farce handling fee £8.00
On the side of the box it has $487 HK so I think they have worked it out from that but even then it would be £85 not £91. 
Free speech is expensive these days!
What was the value of the goods then - clearly not 487HKD as that is £40 or so.
What was the value of the goods then - clearly not 487HKD as that is £40 or so.
£198 ish due to currency fluctuations, on the day of order £204 I think.
What I mean is they may have read it as £487 UK.
The $487 as you say is about £40 and is a postage charge.
On a previous order value £138 they made a VAT charge of £31.95
Free speech is expensive these days!
