New To Forum and Model Guns

Aloha!

Question: Ordered a model gun from Japan...got siezed at customs in Tokyo due to there being caps in the package...luckily for me, my girlfriend has a friend who lives in Tokyo so she can go and get the caps out.

However, my question is...will the gun get shipped to me here in Hawaii if the isnt an orange tip on it? Im sure if its looked at by an agent, theyll more than likely be able to tell its not a real fire arm...Im just kinda nervous because I dropped $300 on this thing, and dont wanna lose any money and its already been an aggrivating ordeal. MY girlfriend contacted customs here in Hawaii and they said if there were any questions reguarding the gun, theyd contact me...I mean, it says MODEL TOY GUN on the top of the box...

Thanks for having me here on your forum!!

Jeremy~

Hi Jeremy,

Welcome to this forum and you will see, it's a great forum where you can find a lot of things and a lot of help
Anyway, some members will be better reply to you about your customs questions, I'm not a specialist yet.

I just have to tell you, beware with model guns, when you begin, it's hard to stop ! It's always : just one more !

So bye friend !

A bientôt

Welcome!

Caps are illegal to send in packaged based on Japanese law, so it was a matter of Tokyo customs.
Orange tip is a USA law, so the package should be shipped without issue, but can be stopped by USA customs on import.

I will let USA folks comment on that, but I would say that a tip is needed - maybe painting it orange is enough?

Hi & welcome Jeremy.

Have a read of this eBay post:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Is-it-illegal-to-remove-the-orange-tip-from-my-Airsoft_W0QQugidZ10000000011206028

Various states and municipalities have variations, but it's the transportation that ALWAYS becomes a legal issue.

Quote :

§ 1150.2 Prohibitions.
No person shall manufacture, enter into commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm (“device”) covered by this part as set forth in §1150.1 of this part unless such device contains, or has affixed to it, one of the markings set forth in §1150.3 of this part, or unless this prohibition has been waived by §1150.4 of this part.

From what I understand, this law applies to ALL toy guns, modelguns and Arsoft replicas - namely transporting them - especially importing or exporting.

Quote :

§ 1150.3 Approved markings.
(a) A blaze orange...marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the barrel, covering the circumference of the barrel from the muzzle end for a depth of at least 6 millimeters.

This regulation applies to Commerce and Foreign Trade, NOT ownership by the end user. In other words, Airsoft guns may not be sold, transported or received without the approved orange marking.

When importing from the US to New Zealand I always ensure the person sending to me complies AND includes documentation about modelguns - found elsewhere on this forum. And also when I've exported to the USA.
So far Ive not encountered any problems.

Hope this helps - even if I'm not from the US!

Kiwigunner

Hmm...well what Im worried about is that its not an Airsoft gun...it came from Japan, and I doubt it has an orange tip...I just dont know what will happen when it gets here...will I not be able to take ownership of the gun because it didnt meet the federal regulation?? Or will they let me take delivery of it since I paid for it? Im just trying to make sure there wont be a problem...

Thanks!

Quote :

ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm (“device”)

It appears not to matter legally whether it is an Airsoft or not!

However, you might be lucky, and they let you have it with a warning;
or they might contact you to arrange something;
or some bureaucratic jerk will confiscate it.

I guess it depends on which state you live and the personality of the Customs officials and if they can make exceptions.
In situations like this I tend to expect the best outcome, but prepare for the worst! Be hopeful, but be prepared to be pragmatic and write it off if needs be!
I wish you luck, and the very best outcome!

Let us know what happens.....

Kiwigunner

Well, I guess I just have to wait...I hope it comes through no problem...and my girlfriend spoke to the customs agent here in Hawaii, and was told that if there were any questions theyd contatct me...Im sure they would know it wasnt a true firearm just by looking at it...and it says Toy Model on the box...I just hope theres not a problem.

Thanks,

Jeremy

Hello Jeremy, welcome to the Forum



I believe that Dealers in Japan and Hong Kong will apply Red/Orange paint to the muzzles of modelguns if you ask them to.

Let them know what Hawaiian Legal requirements are when importing and they'll comply.

Well the place I ordered from didnt ship to the states...I had to send it to my girlfriends mom up in northern Japan before it could ship here...so I doubt it will have the orange tip...my main question is, is if theyll still let me take delivery of it without that orange tip...and if not, what will I have to do to get it?

Thanks!

As written - it is all up to Customs officers now, the rest is guesswork.

Jeremy, since you live in Hawaii, at this point in time I'd make a ritual offering (flowers, or a bar of chocolate???) to the Hawaiian goddess of imported goods!

But Seriously.
Honourig the local culture (similar to Maori culture here in New Zealand) might be worth thinking about - as it's all in her hands now!
It won't do any harm, but it may do some good! You never know!
And it just might make you feel less anxious???


Kiwigunner


PS I work a lot with local superstitions dealing with cultural issues all the time! I could tell you true stories that would make most people sleepless at night!

I called the US Customs office here in Hawaii, and the guy asked if it was an Airsoft gun, I stated it was a model gun, like a cap gun, and if it didnt come with the orange tip how would I take delivery of it. He stated that while they cant inspect every single package, that if it happened to be inspected theyd send me a letter, and I would have to go down there and paint it myself...IF it got inspected...Im hoping that it makes it through, and IF I have to paint it...what orange blaze paint is out there, that can be easily removed?? Is it something I can grab at Home Depot? Wal-Mart?? Lowes?? Im in quite the pickle I guess...lol.

Thanks!

Jeremy

Okay!

IF you have to go, go with some model kit Air Rescue orange Acrylic paint or similar. The law doesn't stipulate what paint to use.
I think most Acrylic paints will come off with easily with water - and give the chocolate or flowers to the customs officer!

Kiwigunner

LOL!! Definately!!

Hopefully I wont have to go through that!! But I will be praying!

Hey guys!

So it seems the gun has made it through customs! YAY!

New question: If theres a company in Japan that doesnt ship to the states, they most likely dont have orange tips on their guns, right??

Just wondering, since I dont think that if they dont ship to the states, they dont do that.

That's where some of our members who live in Japan can advise and help - if you care to ask them. They may be able to organise things if they get to know you & like you on the Forum!
They are great guys and know modelguns better than most people and have access to Japanese modelgun stores!
Write up some posts with photos of your gun(s) and we'll all be interested in seeing you become as badly addicted as the rest of us!!!

Good new about the safe arrival. Go buy some chocolate to celebrate: eat half and give half to the goddess of customs!

Really pleased you don't have to worry anymore!

Kiwigunner