Customs Seizures

[eternalsearcher]

I am becoming annoyed with Customs and it's inconsistancy with what is ok and what is not. For example, I recently bought 2 knives, exactly the same, from 2 different locations. One knife was seized, because if you apparently flick your wrist to the point of dislocation, it would open one handed. The other knife was intercepted, checked, and came with the usually piece of paper.

I have emailed the correct departement and info within Customs, asking guidance on certain items. I received no reply. I wonder if it actually 'red flagged me',as almost everything I have bought since has been held up by Customs for one reason or another. Becoming painful to the point of harassment.

At last they got something to keep. A consignment of PRT '14 in 1' credit card size wallet tool. I have had these pass customs inspection before, yet this time the items were seized due to having a 'concealed blade'. Now, let's not confuse this type with the 'Swiss type', that has a little knife that pulls out. This type has a blade type edge on a outer right angle. Exposed not concealed. Once again, don't confuse with 'concealible'. This item is not being seized as a concealible weapon or blade, but for having a concealed blade. Very different and specific points of law. 

This effectively means credit card type tool, can opener type tools with a blade edge at any point, Wallet Ninjas, will, can, could be, dependant upon consistancy, be seized by Customs.

I wish customs were more importer friendly for ebayers, and be able to email them links or photos of items for a yes or no response within 24 to 48 hrs. They might say we could do this, but it doesn't happen. I study the rules and laws. What is allowed what isn't. I don't wish to be guilty of any offence ever, however, there is just too much ambiguity and inconsistancy. 

[wendshees-rocks]

If you've had stuff sent that Customs take exception to, then yes, you are red flagged for awhile. Was one of the knives sent from the US via the Global Shipping Program? They refuse to send knives of any description, even bread and butter knives, despite them being allowed into the country. They don't tell you it hasn't been sent, you find out when it doesn't arrive.

Did you have any issues getting the riggers multi tool knife in? I noticed that sellers sends a lot of stuff via the GSP, so if that shipment didn't arrive, then that's why.

I'm not sure how long the red flag lasts, but something is telling me 2 years.

[lyndal1838]

I have never had a problem with Customs but I don't have a buying history like you have.

I am not at all surprised that your imports are under scrutiny.

Are you sure it is Australian Customs that are stopping your knives from entering the country?

If you are buying any sort of knife in the USA and the seller is using the Global Shipping Program then you will never see your item.  Pitney Bowes WILL NOT ship any sort of knife to Australia.  They blame AU Customs when it is not the case at all.

[eternalsearcher]

I take offence at your comment 'but I don't have a buying history like you have'.

You know very little about my buying history. 

I have usually no trouble importing knives into the country for the knives I import are legal. I have regularly imported knives from a US seller, via DHL, have them stopped, inspected, invoices supplied, no problems. The example I used was to highlight the inconsistancy in the application and interpretation by different people. It should be more 'black and white', and even being cautious, you are unsure what sometimes 'ridiculous' interpretation has been placed upon the product or governing laws. 

A Siezure Notice is pretty good evidence that it is Customs. If you choose not to contest it. No problems, all good. If you choose to contest it and loose... they rattle of the riot act. Pretty obvious the choice the average person makes. 

The picture attached to the original post is item they have recently seized. You will see I am not importing deadly ninja weapons and the like.

[eternalsearcher]

Yes. The riggers tool was an issue. They had no idea what it was. When I retire, I want to take a job with customs. I had to provide the original ad and a copy of the invoice. Any ex-service person knows exactly what they are, and are basically an army issue pocket knife. It comes under the classifcation of a 'multitool'. Even as a knife it meets the criteria. The silly thing is, if the ad from where I purchased it, said it was some type of combat weapon, I wouldn't be allowed to have it. This is what I mean by they need to become more 'black and white'. The number one buyers of those knives are ex-military or serving navy.

[lyndal1838]

Yes, a Seizure notice is pretty conclusive.

But just to make the point again....if you ever buy a knife from the USA or the UK and the seller is using the GSP you will never see your knife.   Pitney Bowes will blame Australian Customs even if the knife is not a prohibited item.  There is no arguing with them.

Just make sure you don't get caught by the system.  At least you can appeal an Australian Customs decision if you are sure you are right.

As for being offended by my remark about your buying history....I can see enough of it to know that a lot of your purchases would ring alarm bells with Customs.  Once they have confiscated anything you are flagged....your purchases will be more closely scrutinised than they would be if there were no seizures noted.

Why would those knives be wanted by serving naval personel?  Ex-military I can understand but not serving Naval members.

[harley_babes_hoard]

I have to agree with Lyndal, If you are importing knives and any kind of 'weapon' then you are going to be watched very closely. I bought a clutch purse once which was deemed as having knuckle dusters as the purse opening, it was confiscated. My parcel seemed to be flagged for a time after that as most came with the inspection notice in them.

I think it is something you are just going to have to deal with. Every customs officer will assess items differently.

[imastawka]

You know very little about my buying history. 

LOL.   Your buying history reads like you're getting ready for Armageddon  

[hus2385 · Accepted solution]

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@eternalsearcher wrote:

I take offence at your comment 'but I don't have a buying history like you have'.

You know very little about my buying history. 

I have usually no trouble importing knives into the country for the knives I import are legal. I have regularly imported knives from a US seller, via DHL, have them stopped, inspected, invoices supplied, no problems. The example I used was to highlight the inconsistancy in the application and interpretation by different people. It should be more 'black and white', and even being cautious, you are unsure what sometimes 'ridiculous' interpretation has been placed upon the product or governing laws. 

A Siezure Notice is pretty good evidence that it is Customs. If you choose not to contest it. No problems, all good. If you choose to contest it and loose... they rattle of the riot act. Pretty obvious the choice the average person makes. 

The picture attached to the original post is item they have recently seized. You will see I am not importing deadly ninja weapons and the like.

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I don't know how to view your buying history lol, but people could easily cast aspersions on the fact that I have purchsed quite a few bayonets and large bladed machetes (and one 'Prohibited weapon', a WW2 F&S commando dagger which I went through months of convoluted paperwork ensuring I had the appropriate B709 form from the Firearms Registry and Customs import permit)

From what I've read in various online forums, I can tell you that what Customs decide to allow in and what they don't re knives in particular is often down to the individual Officer on that day. YES they will use the 'inertia-wrist-flick test' on knives which on paper are entirely legal tp possess. Some knife forum posts I've read suggest telling the OS seller to specifically tighten the catch/swingarm prior to postage, just to make it unequivocal.

It doesn't matter if you bought two knives of the same model, one may just have been very slightly looser in that regard, so able to flick it just that much eaiser.

You might like to check out and/or join a community like http://www.australianbladeforums.com/vb4/

[eternalsearcher]

The clutch purse had 1. A concealed weapon, and 2. A prohibited weapon, so for me, I would have known not to purchase it in the first place.

Not meaning to sound patronising.

Now imagine the same clutch purse, metal handle on the outside (not concealed), and not shaped like knuckles for the intent of a weapon, yet if you placed your hand through that handle, it could be used as knuckle dusters, and since the purse is small enough to be hidden within clothing they call it concealed. Wouldn't you find that annoying if after several times saying it was ok, to have the items confiscated for those reasons.?

Almost anything from a paperclip up, can be used as a weapon. Whilst understanding your last point and agreeing, I wish there was no variation in assessments. Like a monthly photo file release of yes or no. 

For those that take the moral high ground and say 'well just don't import knives for they are weapons'... many serve a very practical prupose, and many are bought by pig hunters etc. Watch batteries kill people to.