Help - G1 Megatron nabbed by customs

[Oilspill]

I just bought a G1 Megs (actually it was the Collection version from 2003) but it has been seized by customs, in NSW, (under subsection 203B(2)).

I thought that there were no issues importing Megatron toys in to WA? I'm sure I remembered reading that back when Masterpiece Megs came out, but I can't find the thread now.

Does anyone have any info on whether it is allowed in WA or not? I've tried searching www.customs.gov.au but haven't found anything specific. The seizure notice says it is prohibited by Regulation 4F, schedule 6, item number 9A - but I can't find that anywhere.

The seizure notice is kind of scary, it says that if you want to make a claim for your item, it will automatically mean customs need to commence legal proceedings, which can be costly and customs will seek to recover legal costs from you.

Anyway, I think it may have been incorrectly seized, as I thought it was allowed in WA, but it sounds like making a claim could be difficult and possibly expensive.

Any help much appreciated!

[Ultra Mackness]

This link should take you to the relevant regulation. I'm having trouble scrolling it on my iPad so try viewing it on a pc

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F20...#_Toc337213590

Some others here would know the specifics better than I do (and they vary state to state) but as I understand it, if you can establish that you are a collector and that the item you are/were trying to import is a part of said collection, then for imitation firearms (the specific category that G1 Megs falls under) you can obtain from your state's police chief permission to import said item. You could also get more info here:

http://www.ag.gov.au/CrimeAndCorrupt...nfirearms.aspx

I'm not sure if you can get permission retrospectively, but you may be able to. Good luck!

[Tober]

Interesting, first I've heard of G1 Megatron being seized. It does however fit the criteria for a 'replica firearm'.

From what I vaguely remember, Megs is illegal on a federal level, but not within WA. So customs outside of WA would seize it.

[GoktimusPrime]

Megatron is perfectly legal in WA, but as Tober said, Customs is a Federal body, so they'll still confiscate the toy if they intercept it.

You need to obtain a Form B1709A, Importation of Firearms - Police and Certification permit from the WA Police Firearms Division. Once you've done that, Customs will release the toy to you (you might want to ask if this means them sending the toy to you, or if you have to go and physically collect it yourself from Customs (in which case you'll need to make time to do so)).

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Ourservi...2/Default.aspx
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_WA.htm

Email: LicensingServicesFirearms@police.wa.gov.au
Postal Address: 297 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004.
Phone: 1300 171 011
Fax: (08) 9223 7044

[BigTransformerTrev]

Wow - that really sucks man! First I've ever heard of a G1 Megs getting sized as well.

A tip for the future that I used. I had friends getting their Masterpiece Megatron's from Japan (the ones without the orange caps on the end of their barrels - that seems to be the issue. Like in America all replica guns need to have an orange cap on the barrel so that cops don't think kids have a real gun and shoot them by mistake) confiscated under the 'replica firearms' law. So when I got mine imported I had the sender Transform him into robot mode, and then send the instruction booklet and box separately. That way unless the immigration guy was a Transformers aficionado he wouldn't know the purpose of the toy robot. Worked a treat!

[Tober]

"You cannot legislate against wrongful encouragement."

. . . Mark E. Smith - The Fall

.

[Sworc]

I purchased Encore Megs from HLJ not too long after it was released (2006/07?).

Was seized by customs and got a similar letter, although don't remember it being as dramatic as yours. More along the lines that if I wanted it I had to provide the appropriate paperwork from SAPOL.

Can't remember the exact procedure, but involved contacting the firearms branch and filling out a little paper work and writing a letter requesting permission to collect it.

Wasn't a problem but the person I picked up the release form from told me it would be better to contact them first next time and that the laws may change in the future, which I think they subsequently have in SA.

Then had to make a time with customs to go see them and have it released to me. Apart from a bit of running around it was all done pretty quickly and everyone I dealt with was really helpful.

I think the replica gun laws are tighter now and more in line with NSW/Vic.

[Bidoofdude]

That's tough. I think you should be able to get it back. Best of luck!
I'll have to be careful when the eventual purchase of a G1 or Encore Megatron comes to pass. Probably will be a while though.

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow - that really sucks man! First I've ever heard of a G1 Megs getting sized as well.

A tip for the future that I used. I had friends getting their Masterpiece Megatron's from Japan (the ones without the orange caps on the end of their barrels - that seems to be the issue. Like in America all replica guns need to have an orange cap on the barrel so that cops don't think kids have a real gun and shoot them by mistake) confiscated under the 'replica firearms' law. So when I got mine imported I had the sender Transform him into robot mode, and then send the instruction booklet and box separately. That way unless the immigration guy was a Transformers aficionado he wouldn't know the purpose of the toy robot. Worked a treat!

That old trick isn't as reliable as it used to be, because in 2007 Australian Customs worked out how to identify Megatron in robot mode (because that's how MP Megatron is packaged). Any Gunformers that may have slipped past Customs in robot mode since then may have been more due to luck I'd say.

I purchased Encore Megs from HLJ not too long after it was released (2006/07?).

Was seized by customs and got a similar letter,

Encore Megatron was released in August 2007, so by that time Customs was experienced in detecting and confiscating Megatron toys.

Wasn't a problem but the person I picked up the release form from told me it would be better to contact them first next time and that the laws may change in the future, which I think they subsequently have in SA.

If there have been any changes in SA laws, the Megatron Club doesn't appear to have been informed. Their site still states that it is legal to own it in SA, but not legal to import.
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_SA.htm
If anyone has any new information, I'd recommend contacting the Club so they can update their site info.

I think the replica gun laws are tighter now and more in line with NSW/Vic.

NSW and VIC have very different laws about it. In VIC it's just outright illegal to own or import, in NSW it's legal with a permit.
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_VIC.htm
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_NSW.htm

[theshape]

Good to see our tax dollars are well spent on keeping Australia safe