US import ban on Burmese goods??

[kahnjar1]

Hi Nathaniel,
I usually request any sword to be described simply as "Old sword". So long as the item is described as what it actually is, rather than for example a "Letter opener", then I have never had any problems. The country of origin is NOT required by our Customs unless of course you are importing "commercial quantities". In any case it would probably be truthful to say that the item is a Thai sword as most are probably made there anyway.
Stu

[Rick]

From my reading of the statuate, hand made 1 off swords would be exempt as they are both art and craft .. I really think this one is up to the officer inspecting the package .

Still, looks like there's a possible loophole there .

Remember, no tips on cheating Customs are allowed in these Hallowed Halls .

'Old Sword', however does not fall into that category .

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Rick

From my reading of the statuate, hand made 1 off swords would be exempt as they are both art and craft .. I really think this one is up to the officer inspecting the package .

Still, looks like there's a possible loophole there .

Remember, no tips on cheating Customs are allowed in these Hallowed Halls .

'Old Sword', however does not fall into that category .

Hi Rick, I certainly was not intending to suggest ways to get around the problem! The mention of "Letter opener" was in fact somthing which happened to me due to the seller trying to be clever, despite my explicit instructions regarding accurate description! The result was that the item was seized by our Customs on arrival in NZ. ....so MAKE SURE YOUR SELLER COMPLIES WITH YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
In my opinion, trying to "cheat" Customs is a stupid thing to do, especially in a small country like ours. Names soon appear on the "Watch this person list" and future imports are given a very close examination, or disallowed.
Merry Xmas,
Stuart