Gunto Import - Belgium

[Bull McCabe]

Good afternoon all,

 

I am new to this forum and look forward to learning from your expertise in this fascinating topic.

 

I have a Gunto arranged that I would like to import to Belgium. They are legal here but it is unclear to me about the legality of importing rather than owning. As usual, the law is a jumbled mess that does not give clear answers. Has anyone here any advice on this?

 

Also, will I be liable to VAT on a private person to person sale? Is that paid upon delivery?

 

Many thanks!

 

Dave

[DirkO]

Hey Dave, weapons older than 100 years are considered antiques, younger aren't. So if you're importing it, you can expect 21% + handling costs extra from the Douane before receiving the Gunto, antiques have a more favourable customs tariff.
 

[Bull McCabe]

Thank you DirkO for the response! Appreciate it!

 

How about the "wapenwet". Swords are legal but it is an "import" - I presume there would be no issues there? Any advice on that? The shipment would be from US. 

 

Also, on VAT, is that paid on the doorstep or you receive an invoice later?

 

Do you have any recommendations on what the Gunto should be listed as for shipping eg "Japanese antique"?

 

Many thanks!

[DirkO]

Please add your name to your posts (or set up a signature under your account to do that automatically)

Regarding possession - I think you're fine http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/article_body.pl?language=nl&pub_date=2006-06-09&numac=2006009449&caller=summary 

How you describe it, is your own choice, however,  I would avoid the word 'weapon' seeing it will raise questions. So "Japanese Antique" isn't a bad description.

[Bull McCabe]

Thank you Dirk!

Dave

[Bull McCabe]

Last one - VAT would be paid upon delivery to the courier? Or you get an invoice from the douane?

Cheers!

Dave

[DirkO]

I always pay the courier, that should suffice. Basically if you don't pay him, he won't hand you the package. Downside of that is, if you have an issue afterwards, you've already accepted it as-is.

[16k]

POST EDITED:

 

I guess Belgian post is very similar to French post, and so are our customs

 

Read my post (#40) here. Lots of advices about importing swords. Also, tariff code is the same for Europe as a whole.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/30488-shipping-issues-alert-all-post-items-affected/page-2

[Brian]

Necessary disclaimer: The forum does not advise anyone to describe their item in any way that is intended to reduce duties or any other fees, that is not totally honest.
We do not recommend anything underhanded or illegal in any way, and I distance myself from any such advice.
Best to describe things honestly and pay the necessary fees.
That's the official policy. I won't censor posts, but felt it necessary to make the above statement.

[16k]

Duly noted... of course I would never do that and this was the lock down cabinet fever that made me utter those irrational and highly unacceptable words...

 

Though part of my same mind thinks custom fees are far from being honest too and often vary according to the custom officer that deals with your item, so, an eye for an eye.