English, such a simple language that is so easily confused by those who read it. Worse are those who do not understand and, or or, and the value of a comma. Like the classic lines. Lets eat grandma and Let's eat, grandma. It does help to have things printed but even then slow in the head people will struggle to read and comprehend what it says beyond what they think it says.
I think we all have a grasp of what importing involves. I certainly got an education the first time I had to deal with importing pre 1898 guns. But learn, understand the law, get things printed as clearly as possible, with easily verified web sites to confirm your facts, be pleasant about things because most people do not know and are trying to safeguard their jobs and do not be afraid to engage a higher level of authority. Once you do it, then the second time is easier and if you are lucky the person who you dealt with, will recall things and make it so much simpler. Or you will at least have all your ducks in a row, or in this case facts, for another adventure in the wonderful world of bureaucracy.
This saved my day a while back. Copied directly from the Customs and Border Protection web site.
"If the firearm you intend to import is an antique firearm and was manufactured in or before 1898, you or an FFL do not have to submit an ATF Form 6 to ATF; however, you must be able to prove to CBP that it was manufactured during that period. If you ship the antique firearm, be sure the package includes the required documentation. CBP will accept a certificate of authenticity or bill of sale with the year the antique firearm was manufactured as proof of age. If the firearm was manufactured after 1898, an FFL must submit the ATF Form 6 to ATF for authorization to import the firearm."
"If the antique firearm is at least 100 years old or more and you can provide proof of age, the firearm will be eligible for duty-free treatment under the antique provision in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule."
If your gun is pre 1898 it should be duty free as well a legal to import. But if you do not bring up the antique status they will collect duty on it. Been there and paid that. Only once but it still bugs me.
