Can I import a gun-shaped console controller‎ from the United States into the UK? [closed]

My friend is traveling to the states next week for a short time then he'll be back to England , I would love to ask him to get me this very unique xbox controller.

He doesn't have to carry it with him of course instead he will keep it in his luggage. Would it cause him any problems?

Best Answer

Realistic toy guns are banned in the UK. Based on the information on that page, it seems quite likely that this would qualify and therefore be banned. The penalty for trying to import it could be up to a £5000 fine or 6 month prison sentence.

This mainly hinges on whether this gun is considered "realistic". In the U.S. an orange tip on a gun is sufficient to mark something as a toy, but here is the relevant guideline from UK.gov (emphasis added):

an imitation is to be regarded as distinguishable if its size, shape or principal colour is unrealistic for a real firearm...

An imitation firearm which is principally coloured bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright pink, bright purple, bright blue, or which is transparent should...be regarded as unrealistic

In addition, the controller is styled similar to a real gun and is of sufficient size (longer than 70mm) to qualify as realistic under the regulations.

Beyond that, I would not ask a friend to bring something that is likely to attract the attention of security. Even if it were technically allowed, surely this is likely to attract attention and add extra hassle to travelling.

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Can toy guns be shipped to the UK?

Realistic toy guns are banned in the UK.

Can you import guns to the UK?

Importing firearms and ammunition into the UK For ammunition and live firearms, you must hold: the relevant import licence or certificate from the Department for International Trade ( DIT ) Home Office permission for handguns, pistols, revolvers and automatic or semi-automatic firearms.

Can machine guns be imported?

1 Importation of machineguns. Section 922(o), Title 18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful to possess or transfer a machinegun, except for transfers to or possession by Federal and State agencies or the transfer or possession of a machinegun lawfully possessed before the effective date of the statute, May 19, 1986.

Can you export firearms from USA?

Any person who wishes to export a firearm subject to the National Firearms Act must submit ATF Form 9 (5320.9), Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms and obtain approval from ATF prior to export.

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