Sending swords from the UK to Germany

[stephan_hiller]

Hi,

 

I recently acquired a Japanese sword from a seller in the UK. The seller today wanted to ship the sword to me (to Germany) and went to his local post office (he talks in his email about a courier). When he told the guy at the post office that he wanted to send an antique Japanese sword to Germany the guy told him that this won't be possible as they do not take weapons and Germany would not allow them into the country.

At least for the latter I can say that this is bullshit. Over the years I (and many other collectors in Germany) have imported many Japanese sword and never had an issue with that - getting a sword from a EU member state is usually even much easier than from a non-EU member state.

As I said I do not yet now which courier he wanted to use but would want to ask our UK collectors if they know of any issues with e.g. Royal Mail, DHL or other when sending swords from the UK to Germany.

 

And advice would be really appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Stephan

[christianmalterre]

Dear Stephan,

 

of course this is nonsense-at least that comment about german custom...

I just this afternoon did pick up an sword on local custom here-there were absolutely no problems at all!

I think if it is declared appropriately-there will be no difficulties at all!

Perhaps an error in declaration this seller made?

 

Good old Germany is still the biggest weapons exporteur-so we all do have an interest that the "stock" in our´s country still holds it´s level-LOL!

 

Christian

[Guido]

The world's largest arms exporter is the US, followed by Russia; Germany is # 3.

[pcfarrar]

I've sent quite a few swords to Germany over the years. For short wakizashi,tanto its best to use Royal Mail Airsure. I sent a package to Germany a few months back and it arrived in 3 days using Airsure. There is no need at all to tell the post office its a sword. Cost is around £15-£20.

 

For Katana and long wakizashi you would have to use Parcelforce. I normally use Parcelforce Global Priority. It will cost around £50 to Germany. Again it is best not to mention the package contains a sword. You can send parcels via Parcelforce Global Priority from most post offices in the UK.

 

The only thing to note is that none of these methods will allow you to insure the sword, you would have to use one of the specialist couriers and the cost is upwards of £100.

[stephan_hiller]

Hi Peter,

 

many thanks for the informative post. I have sent this information to my UK seller and hope that he accepts one of the alternatives. I am willing to accept the risk of an uninsured package - doesn't really bother me from UK to Germany.

 

Best Regards

 

Stephan