US Export Restrictions for Scopes?

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Bogey

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Anybody know if the US export regulations currently prohibit buying a scope in the US and bringing it in person across the border?

Thanks
 
Thanks for the quick replies. That's unfortunate.

This is not the case with just a scope base or ring, is it? I can bring mounting hardware in?

Thanks again.
 
I'd check into this, I was talking to a customs agent this week and he said Canada customs dont care.

Just going by what he told me.

He said the only one that cares is the ATF which I'm not 100% sure who that is.


However buying them in the states and having them shipped is an issue as now that means the retailer is exporting them.

I'll be going over this weekend and I'll ask Canada Customs again on the way back
 
There is so much misinformation on this topic (along with the "ammo" topic) it is unbelievable.

Perhaps the good folks at CAMERALAND, who are in NY State, and advertise on this site, could fill us in on the fact?

Mods - why not get the facts on this?
 
Bigbubba said:
There is so much misinformation on this topic (along with the "ammo" topic) it is unbelievable.

Perhaps the good folks at CAMERALAND, who are in NY State, and advertise on this site, could fill us in on the fact?

Mods - why not get the facts on this?
Click to expand...

You are so right about that. Every day I get a different answer pending who I talk to. Especially on the ammo stuff. Rings and bases were still fine a few months ago to come to Canada
 
There is a sticky at the top of the Optics Forum that explains all of this.You are breaking US law by exporting a scope not covered by an export permit.If you are caught in a spot check on the US side you will be very sorry that you tried it.Canada Customs usually does not care BUT they can send you back to the US because you are declaring an illegal export item,if they so wish.As far as Cameraland goes Doug will NOT ship scopes to Canada he does not have an export permit, Mur
 
I just found there are so many guys are selling scopes on Ebay. Lots of them are willing to ship to worldwide include Canada. Will it be a problem to buy scopes on Ebay? Btw the sellers have good feedback.
 
My understanding is that as long as you have the right paperwork done in the US, you are good to go. Once you get to the border the Canda border people do not care
 
I'm not telling you to break the law, but my understanding is that the eBay guys may be doing it by describing the item as a telescope. Not legal of course, and are taking a significant risk of it being opened and confiscated.

Again, I'm not telling you to break the law, but remember it is a US law, not Canadian. If you are personally carrying the item and traveling by car, you stop at the Canadian Customs when you leave the US, and not the US Customs. So in this case they (US) have no great way to enforce the law. It really is up to the retailer to verify they are selling to a US citizen, and not a Canadian. It is illegal for them to sell a restricted item to a Canadian.
 
"If you are personally carrying the item and traveling by car, you stop at the Canadian Customs when you leave the US, and not the US Customs. So in this case they (US) have no great way to enforce the law."

Except that the US authorities do spot checks on the US side before you get to US Customs.
And they do enforce US law at these spot checks.
 
The BATF has nothing to do with exports. It's the U.S. Department of State. U.S. Homeland Security enforces the export rules. Good guys who take their job very seriously.
In any case, with the Canadian dollar being at or above par with the U.S. dollar, you won't save much money once the assorted taxes are collected.
"...before you get to US Customs..." Our side. And random spot checks at that.
 
Canada Customs probably don't care, but I'd hate to cross the ATF.

Rings and base should be ok though.

3dmark, please let us know what you find out.
 
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