jason c Posted June 6 Report Posted June 6 From ireland here and just trying to figure out how to get a katana here in the country, because the legality is quite specific. It sais that you can only own a katana if it is made pre 1952 with traditional methods to a collector. I think if i was to import one into the country it would get taken through customs. Just seeing if anyone knows a way around this if i could ship one in or another way. Thank you. Quote
Matsunoki Posted June 6 Report Posted June 6 I’m guessing it varies depending on NI vs Southern Ireland. The regulations will be very different. Where are you? In the UK we can’t ship any bladed item. It’s a nightmare. 1 Quote
jason c Posted June 6 Author Report Posted June 6 2 hours ago, Matsunoki said: I’m guessing it varies depending on NI vs Southern Ireland. The regulations will be very different. Where are you? In the UK we can’t ship any bladed item. It’s a nightmare. Im in the Republic of Ireland so it might be a bit different. Quote
Matsunoki Posted June 6 Report Posted June 6 Hmmm, can’t help you there. As part of the EU your regs will be different but probably still very dodgy. Good luck. Be careful. Best. Colin. Quote
jason c Posted June 6 Author Report Posted June 6 4 hours ago, Matsunoki said: Hmmm, can’t help you there. As part of the EU your regs will be different but probably still very dodgy. Good luck. Be careful. Best. Colin. Thank you for helping, ill try but it'll be hard. Thanks,jason. Quote
Rawa Posted June 6 Report Posted June 6 Please check irish law. UK have it more hard I suppose. Find definition of blade [white] weapon and antique in irish law. EU is "collective farm" but individal countries have some own legislation. Antique in ue law is still 100+ years old. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/880/oj/eng "Spirit of the law" should be similar in entire EU but after recent many attacks with knives law can get harsher in your region Look for: -older then 100 years old blade - with proper certificate [NBTHK/NTHK] "government agency" Why? Less vat/customs duty in case of antiques Easier to convince official that "yeah its a weapon but to admire not to hurt anyone" As your first blade dont look for savings in terms of "proper" pappers so try to avoid old nbthk issued before 1982 And maybe do some topic here on forum even just with photos of what you found. [Many forgeries] NBTHK https://new.uniquejapan.com/nbthk-nihon-bijutsu-token-hozon-kyokai-certification-paper-ranking/ NTHK https://new.uniquejapan.com/nthk-npo-nihon-token-hozon-kai-certification-paper-ranking-for-Japanese-swords/ 1 Quote
raaay Posted June 7 Report Posted June 7 Hi Jason , contact the Irish Token society , someone there may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction , there are a few Japanese sword collectors in Ireland . also there lots of fakes turn up at local Irish auction Houses , not sure how much you know about Japanese swords , apologies if you are already an experienced collector . but seek some advice first if you are a complete novice , just my two pennies worth . 3 Quote
jason c Posted June 7 Author Report Posted June 7 6 hours ago, raaay said: Hi Jason , contact the Irish Token society , someone there may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction , there are a few Japanese sword collectors in Ireland . also there lots of fakes turn up at local Irish auction Houses , not sure how much you know about Japanese swords , apologies if you are already an experienced collector . but seek some advice first if you are a complete novice , just my two pennies worth . Thanks a lot😁 will do definitly. Quote
jason c Posted June 7 Author Report Posted June 7 22 hours ago, Rawa said: Please check irish law. UK have it more hard I suppose. Find definition of blade [white] weapon and antique in irish law. EU is "collective farm" but individal countries have some own legislation. Antique in ue law is still 100+ years old. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/880/oj/eng "Spirit of the law" should be similar in entire EU but after recent many attacks with knives law can get harsher in your region Look for: -older then 100 years old blade - with proper certificate [NBTHK/NTHK] "government agency" Why? Less vat/customs duty in case of antiques Easier to convince official that "yeah its a weapon but to admire not to hurt anyone" As your first blade dont look for savings in terms of "proper" pappers so try to avoid old nbthk issued before 1982 And maybe do some topic here on forum even just with photos of what you found. [Many forgeries] NBTHK https://new.uniquejapan.com/nbthk-nihon-bijutsu-token-hozon-kyokai-certification-paper-ranking/ NTHK https://new.uniquejapan.com/nthk-npo-nihon-token-hozon-kai-certification-paper-ranking-for-Japanese-swords/ Thanks for the reply, ill look into that definitly. Quote
The Blacksmith Posted June 8 Report Posted June 8 On 6/6/2025 at 6:41 PM, Matsunoki said: In the UK we can’t ship any bladed item. It’s a nightmare. It is certainly a nightmare Colin! But the really stupid thing is that some UK dealers are able to ship absolutely anywhere, some will only ship within the Uk, some won't ship at all, and others will only ship outside of the EU ! I have had a nightmare week trying to buy items, and had all these scenarios and barriers, all in one week! I jokingly said I'd stop collecting edged weapons and collect coins instead. That came back to bite me, as I found two commemorative coins that I wanted from 1915, only for the dealer to tell me that he couldn't ship within the EU! Fortunately, in this case it worked in my favour as I was able to point out that Norway isn't in the EU, so they are on their way. But I have missed out on an extremely rare bayonet that I tried to buy in France. As you say, a nightmare, in all directions! Good luck Jason. The Republic is probably a bit more enlightened than the UK post office etc., so you may be in luck. Quote
Matsunoki Posted June 8 Report Posted June 8 2 hours ago, The Blacksmith said: As you say, a nightmare, in all direction Hi Russ I believe the EU are also about to bring in some totally crazy regulations regarding importing antiques of any sort into the EU. I think the importer has to get some sort of permit and it sounds totally bizarre. Anyone in the EU who has swords etc in Japan need to find out all about this or they won’t get their swords back….so I’m told. It’s aimed at stopping smuggling…..madness. 1 Quote
Rawa Posted June 8 Report Posted June 8 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/880/oj/eng Im posting it again. You won't be able to import "swamp finds". Quote
Tohagi Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 @jason c,Hello, My advice, buy within EU to professionnal dealer, ask for antiques certificate and clear invoice for customs process. Choose carefully the post service and add air tagg in it. The best should be Japanese paper (NBTHK, NTHK) with translation (looks very official). Easyest way, buy in République of Ireland. Best regards, Eric Quote
Kmad Posted June 9 Report Posted June 9 Hi Jason, I am in Ireland and generally buy in auction houses/private sales as it is a lot simpler all told, I am not too interested in certificates etc. though as I just buy what i like. Look at my previous posts and you will see what i have picked up Regards, Ken Quote
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