UPS RIF Declaration for Parts

[JimFromHorsham]

Full value declared, but the R.I.F acronym wasn't used, however, it is named as "GBB AIRSOFT" so not sure.  

Have you’ve personally checked your UKARA is live on the database ? And the UKARA address matches the shipping address ? I see a lot of folk who who just think it renews automatically and sadly without the usual size 10 encouragement it rarely does ? 

other than that I’m at a loss for the legal aspect , usual border farce fuckery

 

[PewPew4U]

Have you’ve personally checked your UKARA is live on the database ? And the UKARA address matches the shipping address ? I see a lot of folk who who just think it renews automatically and sadly without the usual size 10 encouragement it rarely does ? 

other than that I’m at a loss for the legal aspect , usual border farce fuckery

I'll try check the database, thanks for the tip. I had no idea I could look myself actually.

 

[JimFromHorsham]

I'll try check the database, thanks for the tip. I had no idea I could look myself actually.

if you can’t do it yourself or get your site to do it drop me a line and I can help ??

 

[PewPew4U]

if you can’t do it yourself or get your site to do it drop me a line and I can help ??

Thanks Jim, I'll check in with my site, they are still open...nice of you to offer though, cheers =D 

 

[JimFromHorsham]

Thanks Jim, I'll check in with my site, they are still open...nice of you to offer though, cheers =D 

No problem , I’ve been at the shitty end of the stick with border force through no fault of mine ,it was an entirely legal importation just utter incompetence from the “system” . I had to push very hard to get a written letter clearing my name ??

 

[PewPew4U]

No problem , I’ve been at the shitty end of the stick with border force through no fault of mine ,it was an entirely legal importation just utter incompetence from the “system” . I had to push very hard to get a written letter clearing my name ??

I have just called my club...and sure enough, I'm not live on the system.  

I have just called my club...and sure enough, I'm not live on the system.  

The club told me I don't have to be on the database, but I have a feeling that's why my pew has been seized, oh well.

 

[Rogerborg]

I'm very sorry to hear this.

We've had a few members who've had Dibble show up to look into their importation of an assault-style-toy.  However, nobody's been prosecuted or convicted for it (absent some chancers with CO2 powered 'self defence' .50 cal paintball guns).

So, deep breaths.  It's a long, lonnnng way from here to any real consequences.

What I'd suggest that you do is to contact https://www.ukapu.org.uk/ and ask for advice.  Someone there will be able to talk you through the legislation, the airsoft defence that applies, and how you can demonstrate it, should you need to.

If it were me, I'd print off several copies of an information pack listing the offence (VCRA 2006, S36 causing a realistic imitation firearm to be imported), the defence (S37 as amended, permitted activity, airsoft use) and your defence (membership of an airsoft skirmish site with 3rd party liability insurance, I hope), plus contact details for anyone who can confirm that.  Keep this handy, get in some decent tea and a nice biscuit selection (Garibaldis!), and welcome in any coppers sent out to investigate your criminal empire - they won't have any real clue why they've been sent out.

It almost certainly won't come to that, but better to have the information and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

[mightyjebus]

If you UKARA/Site Membership isn't valid then get the site to provide a email or letter with your game days over a 12 month period along with a copy of the Sites public Liability Certificate. This is enough for Border Force.

The letter from BF should state they are seizing but also offer options for why it might be released.

 

[PewPew4U]

I'm very sorry to hear this.

We've had a few members who've had Dibble show up to look into their importation of an assault-style-toy.  However, nobody's been prosecuted or convicted for it (absent some chancers with CO2 powered 'self defence' .50 cal paintball guns).

So, deep breaths.  It's a long, lonnnng way from here to any real consequences.

What I'd suggest that you do is to contact https://www.ukapu.org.uk/ and ask for advice.  Someone there will be able to talk you through the legislation, the airsoft defence that applies, and how you can demonstrate it, should you need to.

If it were me, I'd print off several copies of an information pack listing the offence (VCRA 2006, S36 causing a realistic imitation firearm to be imported), the defence (S37 as amended, permitted activity, airsoft use) and your defence (membership of an airsoft skirmish site with 3rd party liability insurance, I hope), plus contact details for anyone who can confirm that.  Keep this handy, get in some decent tea and a nice biscuit selection (Garibaldis!), and welcome in any coppers sent out to investigate your criminal empire - they won't have any real clue why they've been sent out.

It almost certainly won't come to that, but better to have the information and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Rogerborg, thanks very much for taking time to post and ease my concerns. Was a little bit "wtf..whaaa" for a moment there, yikes. 

If you UKARA/Site Membership isn't valid then get the site to provide a email or letter with your game days over a 12 month period along with a copy of the Sites public Liability Certificate. This is enough for Border Force.

The letter from BF should state they are seizing but also offer options for why it might be released.

There was no mention of a way forward for recovery of items in the letter I received.  I do have a valid UKARA though, it just hadn't been updated by the member of staff following my renewal. Thanks for the input as well, much appreciated.

 

[EDcase]

Sorry to hear.  For any future use, you can check your UKARA status by calling FireSupport on 01733 247171

Might still be worth sending a letter from your site or renewing your UKARA and letting them know.

 

[PewPew4U]

Thanks for all the help with this from various members, was great guys cheers. Sadly I won't be getting my package it seems. RIF was tested and is, according to them a section 5. 
View attachment 120365

 

[Tackle]

Thanks for all the help with this from various members, was great guys cheers. Sadly I won't be getting my package it seems. RIF was tested and is, according to them a section 5. 
View attachment 120365

Sounds like the retailer is at fault here, either due to their declaration on the documents, or the actual rif supplied being not fit for purpose in the UK. 

If I were you I'd argue this with the retailer, don't rollover & take any BS, & maybe start a claim straight away via your funding source. 

 

[PewPew4U]

@Tackle Claim started 3 weeks ago, thought I'd roll the ball early.

 

[Jacob Wright]

As a UKAPU Rep - we’re starting to see more of these seizures where retailers mark the RIFs as having fps over 1J. 

We are aware of it, and we are pushing Border Force for explanations around the investigation of each seizure. 

 

[PewPew4U]

As a UKAPU Rep - we’re starting to see more of these seizures where retailers mark the RIFs as having fps over 1J. 

We are aware of it, and we are pushing Border Force for explanations around the investigation of each seizure. 

That's great to know you guys are doing something about these kind of situations. I feel I also have to comment on the wording in their letters, it's vague as all hell, and at worst can seem quite scary to be honest. When "unlimited fine" and "no less than 5 year sentence" and "up to 7 years sentence" following "further investigations" are bandied about in the text, making one feel like the flying squad are gonna jump through the effing window any minute.
My wife and I REALLY enjoy shooting and were going to try and get into Real Steel, long distance target shooting next year...I don't think we'll bother if this is the amount of bullshit that gets levelled at toy guns in this country, can't even imagine what RS regs would be like. What a damn shame.

 

[Jacob Wright]

Yes their wording can be quite heavy. Unfortunately, nothing seems to move quickly as far as BF are concerned. 
 

I’m sorry to hear this has put you off taking up other shooting sports, hopefully your future experiences are less painful!

 

[Call23]

Hello, seen this conversation and it’s become relevant to me, wonder if anyone can help. I’m importing a handguard and magazines for a we msk and have to fill out a rif declaration form even though the parts I’m importing don’t constitute a rif. I don’t have ukara I have another defence for owning but there’s nowhere on the form to input that. As mentioned previously the form isn’t great and I have filled one out before if memory serves. Appreciate any help/clarification on the form

 

[Pseudotectonic]

Can you upload the form?

 

[Call23]

I got it sorted, delivery is on Wednesday.      Thanks though

Can you upload the form?

 

[xxmegashot]

Hello, seen this conversation and it’s become relevant to me, wonder if anyone can help. I’m importing a handguard and magazines for a we msk and have to fill out a rif declaration form even though the parts I’m importing don’t constitute a rif. I don’t have ukara I have another defence for owning but there’s nowhere on the form to input that. As mentioned previously the form isn’t great and I have filled one out before if memory serves. Appreciate any help/clarification on the form

Im in the exact same boat as you - imported a rif hanguard from evike via UPS and they want a rif declaration. As in the thread, the wording of the form is confusing and steers towards trying to get you to say something is a RIF when it’s just a part. Anyone got advice on what exactly to put and how to fill it out? I do have UKARA defence but that wouldn’t be needed or apply for a part right?