Buying from Europe: this is how a purchase with an importer works

Many dealers on Gunfinder also sell to collectors and hunters outside the EU, for example in the USA, the UK, or Canada. However, a firearm never leaves the EU directly to your home: it goes through an importer in your country, who handles the import and hands the firearm over to you. Gunfinder is not involved in the purchase; you arrange everything with the dealer and the importer. This is how it works.

1. Find an importer in your country

You need an importer who is allowed to bring firearms into your country. In the USA, this is a dealer with an import license (FFL with importer status), in the UK a Registered Firearms Dealer with import permission, and in other countries the appropriately licensed dealer. Many importers already know the European dealers and will tell you in advance what import, inspection, and transfer costs. Ask the dealer in the Gunfinder chat which importers they have already worked with.

2. Contact dealer and clarify offer

Click Buy in the listing and tell the dealer your country and your importer. Clarify price, condition, shipping method, and who arranges which papers in the chat. The dealer formally sells the firearm to the importer, not to you; the invoice is issued accordingly.

3. Export from the EU

The dealer or their shipper applies for the export permit in their country. In Germany, this is handled by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), in France and Italy by the respective ministries. This takes a few weeks to a few months depending on the country and firearm. Easier rules apply for firearms before 1900 and some muzzleloaders, which vary from country to country; the dealer knows what applies to their listing.

4. Import and Delivery to You

Your importer applies for the import permit in your country (in the USA the ATF Form 6), accepts the shipment, handles customs and taxes, and hands over the firearm to you according to your country's regulations. Only here do you need your own purchase authorization.

What it costs and how long it takes

Factor in the fees of the importer, transport and insurance, customs and import taxes of your country as well as the export permit. From purchase to delivery usually takes two to six months. Get an overall estimate from the importer beforehand before you commit to the dealer.

What’s not allowed

No firearm or ammunition will be shipped directly to a private address outside the EU, not even as a package or "spare part". A dealer offering this is acting against the laws of both countries. For accessories without firearms classification (optics, clothing, equipment), only customs and import taxes apply, no importer is needed.

This article is a guideline, not legal advice. Which rules apply to your firearm and your country is clarified by the dealer, your importer, and your country’s authorities.