Kampilan requested

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Rick

Flavio, can you explain why it is so hard to import antique swords from the US where you live ?
Yet they are easily gotten from other European countries ?

May i interfeer Flavio ?
It is a question of aproach, Rick.
When sending something between European ( Common market ) countries, parcels are not submited to Customs. That's what makes the difference. So independently from whatever national laws exist on bearing (or detaining) arms (new or antique), there is no "trouble shooting" when the parcel comes through, whereas if it comes from the States or other countries outside the comunity, it will be randomly or systematicaly opened for inspection; in such case Customs are obliged to observe current laws and subject the item clearance to a police inspection; that's when the saga begins.
Probably arms laws in Italy are so tough as in Portugal; that's why Flavio is experiencing problems similar to mine. The "antique" prerogative functions better for firearms than for edged weapons. If of any interest, i can open a thread resuming the recent arms legislation in Portugal, for the members perusal and comparison to their countries ... like Italy.
Sorry again for having antecipated your answer, Flavio; if i talked nonsense, just bit me ... hard .
... I just couldn't resist; i am still under the efects of a huge problem i had with importing an antique sword from the States.
Fernando