international shipping of ammunition

[Dmitriy]

Hi,

How can I ship ammunition to Russian Federation? So far I checked with major carriers (UPS, Fedex, USPS) and none of them allow international shipping of ammo. Someone mentioned I need to get TIR Carnet and I also heard there were websites that are "licensed" to ship ammunition to any country. Tried to search web on both, but neither I could find any useful info on TIR Carnet nor any website that would ship to Russia. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Dima

 

[kingpin008]

The short answer, you can't.

The longer answer: you can, but it'll cost you quite a pretty penny. There are issues with licensing, fees, etc and unless you're shipping a HUGE amount, it's likely going to be much more trouble than it's worth.

 

[armoredman]

End User Certificate, etc., bad juju.

 

[GRIZ22]

it would cost you much more than the value of the ammo to export it legally.

 

[TX1911fan]

This thread reminds me of a Brian Regan clip. We here are constantly trying to get ammo FROM Russia:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rihxCb4Hrug

 

[Dmitriy]

so what's exactly the cost? assuming order is for $2-3K

 

[hso]

That puts you into another category than the casual shooter. You'd be better off talking to an importer on the US side that deals with Russian arms sales to the US to learn about getting that much ammunition into Russia legally.

Are you in the US or Europe?

 

[GRIZ22]

so what's exactly the cost? assuming order is for $2-3K

Well if it's that much it may not exceed the cost of the ammo but it will still be pricy.

Last I looked you have to be registered with State Dept Office of Defense Trade Controls and that's about $500. Then you need to register with ITAR and I think that went up to $2750. Then you have to have the export license that's $250 which is an application fee I believe so you don't get it back if they don't approve it. $3500 plus shipping costs.

You can go to an FFL that's already registered with ODTC but he will charge you the $250 plus whatever he feels is needed to cover his overhead but I would expect at least $500. That will cost you at least $750 plus shipping. Once again if you don't get approved you lose the $750.

Add to that whatever CIS Customs is going to charge you. Don't have any idea of duties and fees over there.

All of this can be $5000 or more by the time it gets to who your sending it to.

 

[Dmitriy]

thanks for answers. I'm in US. A buddy of mine owns a hunting shop in Moscow. He requested to buy miscellaneous hunting gear. Ammunition and binoculars are the only categories where I have issues. Orders for the gear will be placed repeatedly throughout the year and if his profit expectations are more or less accurate than even $5000 in expenses will eventually pay off.
He has to have the ammunition order delivered by the end of April though, shipping takes 1 week. From looking at procedures (thanks to GRIZ22 for detailed answer) such deadline doesn't seem realistic. So an importer who currently holds such licenses sounds like a worth-trying option. Any idea where I can find those?

Thanks,
Dima

 

[MAKster]

Shipping ammo from the U.S. to Russia makes no sense. The lowest priced ammo you can buy (Wolf, Brown Bear, Barnaul) is made in Russia! You could also buy inexpensive ammo from Prvi Partizan in Serbia.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

He may not be interested in cheap ammo.

 

[Zoidberg523]

He may not be interested in cheap ammo.

+1 I wonder how hard it is to get American ammo over there.

 

[Dmitriy]

they are specifically looking for american products. does it make it easier anyhow to ship ammunition to Germany or any other European country? does anyone know by chance if an american ammunition manufacturer or retailer would have a dealer in Germany or in Europe overall?

 

[GRIZ22]

does it make it easier anyhow to ship ammunition to Germany or any other European country? does anyone know by chance if an american ammunition manufacturer or retailer would have a dealer in Germany or in Europe overall?

If you ship ammo to Germany with the intent to ship it to Russia that would mean you have to put Germany as the end user which would be a false statement on an export declaration. The false statement itself is a 5 year felony plus whatever the penalty is for the ITAR violation but it would be at least 5 years. That's too big a price to pay!

I don't think there is any US ammo manufacturer with a plant in Germany as there is little use for one with the number of European manufacturers.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Your proposed shipment must comply with Federal law - ITAR - International Traffic in Arms Regulations.