Importing to US as a Collector

[Blaser K77]

Hey!

Do we have any US registered Curio and Relics collector’s here?

Have a few questions about the process of importing firearms to the US.

Thanks!

J

 

[migrabill]

I am a C&R license holder. Curio and Relic license holders are NOT allowed to directly import weapons into the United States. You would need to comply with ATF guidelines and have a licensed importer import the weapon. Then, once it is in the United States, you may acquire it.

 

[Blaser K77]

Hi and thanks!

Well, that’s not quite what I and we have experienced at all.

I have sold several rifles in the past, to my friend in Texas. The procedure has been like this:

- We set up a contract or Bill of Sale with all details.
- He applies for an export license with ATF on Form 6, and therefor he doesn’t need any FFL or importer, just because he’s a C&R collector.
- Sends the granted import license to me, together with a copy of his ID/passport and an End User Certificate.

- I apply for the export license, pay the fee and add his granted import license, his passport, the Bill of Sale and the End User Certificate. Then we wait.

When my export license has been processed, he usually visits me in Sweden and carries the rifles as checked luggage on the flight home.

One more hoop to jump through, one has to allocate plenty time to visit with the Customs people before exiting Sweden.

We have done all this several times now so we both have a good understanding of the processes and regulations on both sides of the pond.

However, this time it’s a bit different since he can’t make it here and I can’t make it there any time soon.

So we need a shipping company and that we have found, so, so far so good.

But our main question is, what happens once the shipment has landed in Texas? Since we haven’t used a shipping company before, this is a new situation for us.

As far as I understand it, if you don’t pick it up within 30 days the shipment will go to a bonded store with extra fees etc.

But what about the process, after they touch ground in the US and before they end up in the bonded store?

Anyone?

EDIT: As a C&R collector you are basically a FFL-03, but you can’t import certain military firearms and there are other limitations too.

Some info lifted from a serious site:

”Importing Curio and Relic firearms​

Licensed firearms collectors:​

Under the Gun Control Act (GCA), a licensed Collector of Curio and Relic Firearms may import firearms “occasionally” without the need to become licensed as an importer of firearms, if the occasional importation is for the enhancement of a personal collection. The collector must have an approved ATF Form 6 as required for any other firearm regulated under the GCA. Persons who would like to import firearms classified as curio and relic firearms as a business, must be properly licensed as a Type 08 or 11 Importer.

The licensed collector must follow all other law and regulations pertaining to the importation of firearms by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL).”

 

[migrabill]

Well.., you added the key part. He applied for and was granted an importer license. My original point still stands correct- a C&R license does not allow you to import. An importer’s license does. So your question is better asked to someone that has an importers license and not a C&R license.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I used to own a company the imported goods from the EU.

You must have an agent to clear goods through US customs. Many shipping companies offer this service. Not all. If you do not clear and remove goods timely then you will be charged demurrage (added fees) until you take delivery.

This is the service that licensed importers normally provide. Not exactly sure about shipments of firearms, as all my imports have been as an individual using an importing FFL to clear and remove goods.

 

[SaintPanzer]

Just to clarify the above:

If you are importing for your own collection, you need an approved Form 6.

If you are importing for resale (i.e. "as a business"), you must be licensed as an importer.

Don't look at me for advice on how long it needs to be in your collection before you re-sell, or other hincky ways to get around the law.

Certain firearms (ATF has a list), MUST go through an importer. Some cannot be imported at all.

As an example, when I returned from Germany, I was able to bring everything except for my P08 Luger. That had to go through an importer, as it was considered a "military weapon". Weird fact, if I could have proved it as a former police weapon (even after military use), I could have brought it. This would have required the appropriate Polizei stampings, which mine did not have. But straight up as a military pistol... importer.

Further example, ANY weapon made in Russia (or the former Soviet Union) was verboten, as of February 2022. Sanctions, don't you know.

As I said, there is a list, and yes, the list changes on a regular basis.

Now, to more fully address your question (based on my Luger experience):

The Licensed Importer will coordinate with the Licensed Exporter, to include identifying the Port of Entry used by the Importer. Thus, he knows when it will be there, and he will coordinate Customs Clearance, etc. Your best bet is to identify the Licensed Importer and work out the details with him.

After the Licensed Importer finalizes the importation process (to include marking the weapon), he will forward it to a local FFL. This is an FFL to FFL transaction, as a requirement for an Import License is an FFL, so from there it should be simple to transfer to a C&R license holder.

 

[Blaser K77]

Thanks all!

Since it is legal and possible for an 03FFL (i e my friend the C&R collector) to import without the use of any importer or licensed importer, it has to be doable.

We have done this several times, where he picked up the rifles and carried them home, by air. No problems.

So, we want to know the procedure for when the rifles have landed in Texas/Dallas/Fort Worth?

He, and I, will likely get a notification that the rifles can be picked up, but what then?

I understand it’s easier to hire someone to do it, but we want to learn how to do it ourselves.

Of all the hunters, shooters and collectors, there has to at least a few who’s done this by themselves?

EDIT: Pic lifted from ATF’s site

 

[BonUm16]

Have you talked to the shipping company you plan to use?

 

[Blaser K77]

Yes, but they only provide for shipping to Dallas. Nothing more.
I am waiting for their reply however as I asked again about the procedure when it arrives stateside.