Importing scopes under $100?

[zxcv]

Just got off the phone with the International orders desk at Brownells and I'm somewhat confused.

I ordered a Bushenll TRS25 Red Dot and the whole thing came in under $100 bucks -- a lot less than I would have paid up here! And according to Brownell's own site export licenses are only needed for scopes costing over $100 so I placed the order.

Well four days later I receive an e-mail saying that my order is on hold pending an import certificate and export approval! Called Brownell's and said this cheap little Bushnell red dot falls under some other regulations.

Anyhow, question I have is: What's going on? Is Brownell's being overly cautious or do red dots need approval even if they fall under $100?

P.S: Anyone up here selling the Bushnell TRS 25 for anything near the Brownell's price?

 

[tiriaq]

Only not-specifically-controlled items under $100 are exempt from requiring a specific export permit.
Optical sights are controlled, so the $100 cap is not applicable.

 

[Brutus]

In 2007 the US Commerce Dept declared all scopes as controlled items subject to ITAR import/export regulations.

 

[zxcv]

In 2007 the US Commerce Dept declared all scopes as controlled items subject to ITAR import/export regulations.

But isn't there are less than $100 dollar exemption?

 

[Brutus]

AFAIK the 2007 ruling applies to all scopes/NVG etc.

Edit: Under the 'old' ITAR rules, only scopes made to military specification fell under this export legislation. (if a military customer in the USA issued a NATO stock number, or NSN) to a 'high grade optical sight' this then, and only then, became a controlled item under older US export legislation.

And in 2007 the US export rules tightened significantly to encompass all riflescopes as far as I know. I don't think the $100 exemption applies to optics. I am 99.9% sure of this.

It's not impossible to get it in as a bona fide Canadian citizen. First you apply to our government agency for the equilivant to an end user certificate, with that in hand you can apply for export permits from the US Commerce Dept, while lining up yourself a bonded carrier in the US with the federal permission to export out of the USA. (brokerage fees, $$$)

In a nutshell, and using my very obselete terminology, that's the rough route you would look at.
That's alot of trouble for a $100 optic I think.

 

[Ar180shooter]

Not worth the trouble as all optics are still subject to ITAR regs.

 

[Epoxy7]

A scope under $100? There should be a $50 landfill tax.

 

[tiriaq]

But isn't there are less than $100 dollar exemption?

The exemption is only for items not specifically controlled. Scopes are.
Scope mounts under US$100 at wholesale would generally be OK.
A $1 scope is not exempt.

 

[Radiohead]

Can we get scopes from other countries? Which countries can we buy Bushnell scopes, tax free and low shipping rates?

 

[Papaclaude]

Can we get scopes from other countries? Which countries can we buy Bushnell scopes, tax free and low shipping rates?

AFAIK, just about any country except the US of A. I've bought several from China, taiwan, and Eastern Europe, with no problems (either importing or quality-wise)

 

[sunray]

"...isn't there a less than $100 dollar exemption..." Some stuff requires the export permit no matter what the value.
"...tax free...low shipping rates..." No such thing. You'll pay GST as a minimum. Shipping rates are set by the carrier, not the retailer or where it comes from.

 

[zxcv]

"...tax free...low shipping rates..." No such thing. You'll pay GST as a minimum. Shipping rates are set by the carrier, not the retailer or where it comes from.

Still alot better than paying twice what the product is worth just because you live in Canada. I love supporting Canadian retailers, but not when they're charging double.

 

[SandRoad]

Still alot better than paying twice what the product is worth just because you live in Canada. I love supporting Canadian retailers, but not when they're charging double.

That is definitely not the case. Shop around and there are good prices to be found.

And when you compare prices, compare TOTAL price, including shipping, brokerage, duty, export permit, not just the price of the scope.

BTW, I think LeBaron has them for around $150 less 10%....

 

[Papaclaude]

"...isn't there a less than $100 dollar exemption..." Some stuff requires the export permit no matter what the value.
"...tax free...low shipping rates..." No such thing. You'll pay GST as a minimum. Shipping rates are set by the carrier, not the retailer or where it comes from.

Actually, you should check to see how they ship. If it's UPS or FEDEX, refuse to buy from them. they will charge you outrageous brokerage fees and the taxes. If they ship using the postal service, 95% of the time, you won't pay an additional dime. If you do have to pay, it'll be about $8 plus GST. I have ordered hundreds of items. Got shafted by UPS and FEDEX (it's so bad that there is a class-action lawsuit against both carriers). I only had to pay anything twice when shipped via post office.