doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com importer's license

I've been thinking of getting an importers license. I think there may be a market for British shotshells. My son lives in London so he can help me a bit, no hotel bills, etc. I've also got a place to stay in Ireland and a car there so the ferry to the UK and driving around there isn't a huge problem if that were necessary. Since this would be almost totally a mail order operation could I run it from my home? Would I need a walk in shop. I would be storing the shells at a storage facility. I could keep a few cases in my office and have visitors by appointment only to satisfy that part of the regs. Is this a crazy idea?
nial

I have an import permit. Id check the price of having ammo shipped over here first. Since all guns have to be shipped by air now it is almost not worth shipping the guns. It runs about $200 per gun + customs. I almost didn't renew my permit this year. If it gets more expensive I won't next year.

Hi Nial,
You've prompted my first post in ages......The opportunity is in repatriating good Brit SxSs to their original homes! The US$ rate would make that profitable, even with VAT and Customs rates. There already is quite a trade here in importing second-hand powerboats from the US.
Ammo – cannot be carried on the Ireland / UK car ferries, shipping line rule, I had some confiscated last year when going to Wales to shoot. Carrying guns on the same ferry is a hassle, requires usual permits, inspections, etc., but it was done by a very pleasant lady PC in Holyhead!
I have a good contact in the shipping business here if you need it.
Regards,
Bob.
PS splurged earlier this year on a nice pair of Pedro Arizzabalagas, 1957, 12g assisted openers.

Kerryman, nice to hear from you. Exporting guns from the US is beyond what I could do. Just taking a firearm abroad for sporting purposes is no problem if one intends bringing it back to the US. Exporting guns for sale is a whole nother ball of wax, needing an export permit. All I was thinking of is buying shells from UK manufacturers at wholesale and shipping to the US. There are Lylevale, Gamebore, Caladonian, Eley and some others that I could try. UK prices and shipping likely would make it unworkable but I don't know that for sure. Was hoping for some feedback from this forum. Congrats on your Arizzabalagas. They make guns that stand comparison with the best from anywhere. Now you have to get a flunkey to load 'em. Get an Englishman and remind him often which foot to dig with.
Nial