Does VCRA apply to buying parts/components?

[Cannonouscrash]

I... err... pulled the trigger so to speak, lets home a skirmisher membership is enough of a defence should the question be asked.

 

[Lozart]

I've bought loads of parts from Aliexpress and have never had any of them stopped by customs (famous last words and all that).

 

[Sir Chops]

I've just ordered a cheapo chinesium suppressor from Aliexpress and it's gone through heathrow no problems, just waiting for it to get to my local delivery office. 

I know a lot of it will depend on how the package is labelled and what it looks like (ie if it says "gun parts" then a red flag would be raised. I think the majority of those sellers are wise to this and try and make it being stopped as unlikely as possible.