Importing into the UK

[pooleja]

Hey,

1) What are the rules on lasers in the uk
2) Am i likely to get my laser taken at customs? Im buying a 100mw red laser from rayfoss. And what would the consiquences be
3) Where do others from the UK get there lasers?

 

[laserboystuart]

there are no certain rules restricting lasers in the UK, i have just ordered a 150mW green from rayfoss and i am certain that i will receive it.

stuart

 

[jaycey]

Hey,

1) What are the rules on lasers in the uk
2) Am i likely to get my laser taken at customs? Im buying a 100mw red laser from rayfoss. And what would the consiquences be
3) Where do others from the UK get there lasers?

1. Nothing over 5mw for doing professional presentations.
2. Unlikely, consequences would be import tax, vat and a handling charge (depending on the value)
3. O-Like, Dealxtreme, chinesedepartmentstore, laserlands, Odicforce (based in the UK) Modwerx (USA) Hightechdealz (USA)

 

[slammer99uk]

Just to clear up your worries:-

Max is 1mw in the UK for public use (US is 5mw)

Rayfoss describe the item as a LED torch or similar on the customs form with a low value, so no tax or import duties.

If you are really worried ask Faona to ship the laser in 2 seperate packages so customs cannot test it (will cost you an extra $4 or so) They also stick on a less than 1mw foil label with real one inside the barrel.

I am in the UK and get my lasers from Rayfoss as well as other users/builders in the US who advertise on these very forums.

Hope this helps

Jerry

 

[Morgan]

You can always build your own! Good suppliers can be found on the forum for green modules, (O-like, etc), there are parts suppliers for other components with kit already in the UK...

Good luck with your choices. Personally, the only problem I've ever had was importing goggles!

M

 

[laserboystuart]

goggles?!

uk customs eh morgan?..

stuart

 

[Morgan]

Essential part of the hobby but also singularly expensive and not something that can be mistaken for anything else. Got to go to a reputable place for your eyewear too as it's the ONLY gauranteed protection and they're not likely to just put $25 on your package! (Even if asked, which I didn't... Thought it may be a little insulting!)

Anyway, I argued that the charge was unfair as there were a lot of discrepancies and didn't hear anything back so I can't really complain. I think as I'd bought two pairs, there was the assumption I was importing for sale or something and not personal use which would upset them more I think.

Still, they have that right I suppose.

Customs - Doing their job keeping the borders safe and the laser hobby expensive!

M

 

[diachi]

The 1mW rule in the UK only applies to the sale of laser pointers *INSIDE* of the UK. The other regulations apply to commercial/public use - but none cover private use or importation.