Importing Caps into the U.S. of A.

Post by ChenKenichi

Hello,
I am somewhat confused with the situation of importing caps to the US. If I ordered some caps from Japan or Hong Kong, would customs seize them?
I am currently studying Japanese, hence I will be in Tokyo this spring. My idea is to purchase a bunch of shells and caps while I'm there. One of my famliy members is an airline emplyee, so I receive not only airline benefits, but shipping benefits as well (75% off shipping ) . If I were to ship the items back here, would there be a risk of them being seized do to the "dangerous goods" (caps) ?

Thanks!
-Thomas

Post by John

Hi Thomas,

Firstly, there is no caps in Hong Kong as it is illegal to import & sell them here. I also don't think it is a good idea to carry lots of cap on board of an domestic flight as caps are dangerous & hazardous.
Many countries already declared any sort of gun powder (no matter how small quantity) are illegal to carry on board & impose heavy fine for offence. Even matches, cigarette lighters are also forbidden to carry on board, at least from the airport here.

For cartridges, you have to prepare a good answer to the Customs if they happen to find them, especially in large quantity.

My view is it's better to give this transport job to the professional forwarder / courier instead of taking it by yourself.

Post by Mark

The legal importation of caps might take some work to acceive as they are explosive charges and they are not supposed to be mailed via USPS. However, companys like UPS can be used to ship them provided that the proper channels/paper work is filled out. As for the cartridges, they are classed in the same area as dummy training cartridges and there is no problems importing them in bulk. But, i would not suggest trying to bring them back on your flight. I would ship them seperately to your home address via UPS, Speed Post etc. during your stay in Japan. I had one of my modelguns siezed by customs however, they released the 500 caps that where in the same box to me with no problems. So, i would say that customs would have no problems with the caps if the proper homework was done.
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)

MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms

Post by ChenKenichi

I appreciate the information.

Is there a website that sells the caps in the US? Where do you guys buy yours?

Thanks
Thomas

Post by John

canned cap ?
cap in plastic tube ?

I saw this in an auction site in Taiwan.

http://tw.pageuser.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auction/1139029136?u=%3aepoun2003

Post by fightdesigner

There's a guy I found on ebay, going under 'private punchy airsoft', who I've bought stuff from before.

Ordered from the UK before too, but had some pretty bad shipping problems a couple times, that I lost a fair bit of money over.

I'm also looking for good US sources of both caps and brass.

Update- just got some from Franky (Sent to the US from Japan). Quick turnaround, good service, good prices. Shipping wasn't that bad.

Other thing that might be worth looking into though is if you do place an order, ask around here and see if there's other folks in the US wanting to do a group buy. Might be able to order an extra large batch, divvy 'em up and re-pack and re-ship them when they get here.
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Freelance hack... and slash, and gun.

Post by kharris

I do have alot of the old style paper caps if the guy is interested in them. and a few of the tommy cartridges to. let me know .