James,
You are walking where angels fear to tread.
The biggest problem in my experience is you are counting on many people, here and overseas, to understand the law and their job perfectly. Some people in the ATF and with US Customs fall into that catagory, and some don't. Some will bring their own personal vendettas to the job as well. All of them, to a one, are afraid of making a mistake. I have reported right here about some of the issues I had right here with Port of Minneapolis Customs people, and the areas where Customs law overlaps with BATF.
Let me assure you, it can go flawlessly, but, it by no means is a promise. I have been involved in more than one case of saving an 01 FFL from himself when I was licensed as an 08 importer.
I'd suggest you attempt to enlist a licensed 08 guy for at least the first few times, along with a customs house broker. I eventually got sick of the unprofessional tantrums I had to deal with from the staff of Port of Minneapolis Customs, and just had my broker handle it for me. He was worth every penny, and knew how to handle even big screwups as they happened-you know that a firearm that ends up at the wrong airport, regardless of who screwed up, is seized by US Customs, no ifs, ands or buts, right?
I have never met an 01 FFL that has a clue what to do in a situation like this. Further, the clock is ticking with US Customs for said gun to be destroyed at that point.
Just because you can legally do something doesn't mean anyone you will deal with in several branches of government, is all that interested in it going well for you.
I'm out of it completely, by the way. Put up with it for 15 years, simply too much BS for the rewards, IMHO.
Fair warning.
Best,
Ted
