D'oh! Seized by Customs!

[lcz128]

So! When F2F was having their awesome sale some months back, jumped at the chance of obtaining some of the encores and managed to score Megatron.

Fast forward to after the package is sent, and the package is sitting in customs (according to EMS tracking) for weeks and weeks.

I try and put through a claim and first they can't find the package, and now, finally, after about a month, I've received a letter from Customs saying that the package was seized. Great! At least I know where the heck it is now! Jeebus! >_>

Now I'm trying to follow up with the VIC licensing Services Branch to hopefully get my toys. :( It's been so bloody long and if I succeed, it'd be a nice birthday present :) (upcoming - on the 17th).

Argh. what a month >_>

Now it's off to try calling the bloke :) Fingers crossed!

---Update---

Ooookay. They guy I spoke to sounded quite aggravated. Was surprised at that. When I told him I'd seen it around town he was really aggro, saying that I don't care that they're there or how or when. wow! He said that there's 0% chance of getting the toy, but the other toys that I received with, as long as they cannot resemble a firearm, will be released.

So, I'm not too fussed about Encore Megatron now. I just want to get the other things I ordered...

I've called the customs number twice now and they BOTH go to answering machines. What the!?

The saga continues :\

[Pulse]

I feel for you Mate... :(


He said that there's 0% chance of getting the toy

They can just go & get f#%@$d... :mad:

[gamblor916]

I thought the problem was with MP not Encore megs?

[lcz128]

Negative. I told him it wasn't MP-05 (He was the one who actually said MP-05! Lol) and I told him no, it's an older Megatron toy. He then said that as long as it can be assembled to resemble a firearm, I will not be able to get it. :(

WHY then do retail stores have it!?

[GoktimusPrime]

Because those retail stores are breaking the law. You can report them if you really want. Either way, in the eyes of the law it doesn't excuse your actions.

So VIC fans still haven't found a way to legally import/possess gunformers yet? Wasn't there a thread about this issue for Victorians??

When I got reissue Megatron back in 2001, although customs hadn't cracked down on gun TFs as they did from last year, I had it sent to me in robot mode in hope that it wouldn't arouse suspicion from customs. It got through fine, but I don't really know if that would've helped or not. That's what I'd do if I were in your situation. You could also have the toy shipped without the box/paperwork if you don't want it, or have the box/paperwork shipped separately.

There's got to be a legal avenue for VIC fans surely?

[Pulse]

I wonder how that small store in Sydney managed to get that MP Megs?

[GoktimusPrime]

We already discussed that at the meet Pulse.

[Pulse]

Oh Yeah (Der :o)

[lcz128]

Wow! Service!
Emma from Customs just called and I informed her about what had happened when I called Vic Police and that I couldn't keep Encore Megs. I then expressed my concern over the other toys that were sent together, and she said she must've missed them, and that she'd have it back into the mail system next week and it'll arrived to me like a normal postage parcel.

Cool! Phew. Bloody oath- after a month of waiting, I'm glad I'm still getting most of what I ordered. Thank goodness the Encore Megs was cheap. Huge loss, but what can you do? Oh well :)

Phew.

[GoktimusPrime]

Huge loss, but what can you do?
Well... as a Victorian I'm not entirely sure what you can do other than take a gamble as you did. :/ Reminds me of how grateful we NSW-fans should be for having a legal way of importing and owning Megatrons (and grateful to Tiby for establishing it). Getting the permit is a massive pain in the rear, but hearing a story like this makes me think that the effort was worth it. (-_-) I just hope that Victorian fans can find a way to legally own/import gun TFs.

[JuzMel]

Glad for you mate, and hope you get your items soon.

I wasn't so lucky, ordered from Angolz for Mp-05 together with rumble headphones and Revoltech ultra magnus and they never arrived. Status also showed stuck at customs and contacting customs or post office didn't help, they couldn't give me an answer about my parcel. My parcel is probably lying around somewhere with THEM, but the lucky part is PayPal refunded my money taken from seller's account.

There are other ways to get Encore Megs or MP-05 if people really wanna complete their collection and ignore the "oh-so-stupid-and-ridiculous" customs rule.

[Gutsman Heavy]

When I got my TFC megs the post box had a big "opened and inspected by customs" sticker on it, had no issues, probably cos I live in SA, and the customs guy was probably all like "omg cool, Megatron! gotta see this" ...maybe.

[Pulse]

There are other ways to get Encore Megs or MP-05 if people really wanna complete their collection and ignore the "oh-so-stupid-and-ridiculous" customs rule.

I found that I had to be very crafty to get mine... :)

[sifun]

mp-05 isn't that great. its flimsy and boring. it only looks semi decent in robot mode.

Anyway bad luck about encore megs, i'm sure there are other ways you'll be able to get one at.

[Lord_Zed]

mp-05 isn't that great. its flimsy and boring. it only looks semi decent in robot mode.

Anyway bad luck about encore megs, i'm sure there are other ways you'll be able to get one at.


I'll have to take your word for it, when mine was siezed (before Tibys fine club had been established) I tried to get it back at first but then just decided to cut my losses. So I can sympathize with lcz128.

[MV75]

I want to eventually get an encore megatron, so I should ask someone in nsw to get it for me? :)
________
VAPORIZER REVIEW (http://vaporizers.net/)

[roller]

Sorry to hear about your Megatron

i hope you get it back or find a way to get another one

When you get it or a replacement, send a photo of it with you with a mask on to the angry customs guy

[dirge]

I want to eventually get an encore megatron, so I should ask someone in nsw to get it for me? :)

Strictly speaking, that someone in NSW can only pass it onto you if you also have the legal right to own a Transformer replica firearm. This is covered in the permit.

I saw this (Megatron being seized) coming years ago, sadly. Which is why I sourced my Megatron & Megaplex toys locally. Granted, I keep them in the same locked cabinet as MP-05 (and Browning), but I didn't have a permit at the time I acquired them.

It's a damn shame for lcz128 and anyone else in this position, but I don't think this reality is going to go away :(

[JuzMel]

I found that I had to be very crafty to get mine... :)
:D Heehee who cares, as long as you get it anyway, rules are meant to be bend (esp. when they are stupid & illogical ones) ;)


mp-05 isn't that great. its flimsy and boring. it only looks semi decent in robot mode.

Tell me about it! It takes hours to transform! :rolleyes:

Anyway I think to import Encore Megs, it's best to get seller to transform it into an odd shape before sending, that might work. It doesn't work with MP05 because customs scanner sort of has a way to detect the figure in robot mode already.

Encore Megs still available from Collectoybles, but for a hefty price of $99.95: http://www.collectoybles.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2827

[griffin]

Please be aware guys that it is in the board rules not to encourage or solicite an offence. It could be used against you in a court of law, if you or someone else here is prosecuted over the offence.
As much as it subjectively seems unfair, objectively the laws were created for a reason. If you have a problem with the law, change it, don't fight it.


I wasn't so lucky, ordered from Angolz for Mp-05 together with rumble headphones and Revoltech ultra magnus and they never arrived. Status also showed stuck at customs and contacting customs or post office didn't help, they couldn't give me an answer about my parcel. My parcel is probably lying around somewhere with THEM, but the lucky part is PayPal refunded my money taken from seller's account.

Doesn't seem fair for the seller. They lose their stock and their money, because it was legitimately confiscated by customs, rather than it being lost in the mail or not sent by the seller. I hope this was before you knew that customs would confiscate Megatron, otherwise claiming a refund may constitute fraud.

[GoktimusPrime]

True story: there was a Transfan (some of us here know this person - let's call him Maynard MacGuffin) who took a G1 Megatron toy in gun mode to an airport. Security guards saw him and immediately tackled him. When they realised that it was a toy gun they let him go with a stern scolding. But idiots like that make you understand why we have laws that restrict realistic looking toy guns, and unfortunately it is irresponsible people like Maynard MacGuffin who make it more difficult for the vast majority of TF collectors (who would never dream of doing something like that) to own gun Transformers.

I hope that Victorians can find a way to legally import/own these toys.

[Pulse]

True story: there was a Transfan (some of us here know this person - let's call him Maynard MacGuffin) who took a G1 Megatron toy in gun mode to an airport. Security guards saw him and immediately tackled him. When they realised that it was a toy gun they let him go with a stern scolding. But idiots like that make you understand why we have laws that restrict realistic looking toy guns, and unfortunately it is irresponsible people like Maynard MacGuffin who make it more difficult for the vast majority of TF collectors (who would never dream of doing something like that) to own gun Transformers.


http://benjskramer.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/businessman-banging-his-head-against-the-wall-ispc026073.jpg3

:(

[Tiby]

My latest news from the Queensland government is that they are in the process of overhauling their replica firearms laws and that my submissions made on behalf of Queensland TFs re MP05 (etc) will be considered. Keep those fingers crossed.

As for Victoria, their reply was far less helpful, and far less hopeful. They basically quoted the law back to me (which I already knew) and said no. I haven't given up on them yet, though...

For those wanting to bend the rules, I'm sure you'll get real flexible after 7 years in prison! This isn't like overstaying your parking or even speeding, which are more regulatory rather than offences. This is right up there with the big ones.

[MV75]

For those wanting to bend the rules, I'm sure you'll get real flexible after 7 years in prison! This isn't like overstaying your parking or even speeding, which are more regulatory rather than offences. This is right up there with the big ones.

*cough*
________
Spirit (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Dodge_Spirit)

[Pulse]

Of all the things you could go to jail for... :rolleyes:, Toys would be the coolest by far... :D :o

(I hope no one takes my ramblings literally)

[JuzMel]

Please be aware guys that it is in the board rules not to encourage or solicite an offence. It could be used against you in a court of law, if you or someone else here is prosecuted over the offence.
As much as it subjectively seems unfair, objectively the laws were created for a reason. If you have a problem with the law, change it, don't fight it.

Doesn't seem fair for the seller. They lose their stock and their money, because it was legitimately confiscated by customs, rather than it being lost in the mail or not sent by the seller. I hope this was before you knew that customs would confiscate Megatron, otherwise claiming a refund may constitute fraud.

Noted Griffin, shush from now on about the issue.

Regarding the parcel, people have been talking so much about "it" being confiscated but now one knew whether it was really true so I just tried my luck to order it anyway (If they took Megs, they should at least send me my RT Ultra Magnus and Rumble/Frenzy headphones).

Until now I have received no letter or whatsoever from any authority and the only letter I got was from AustPost asking if I received the parcel, so there's no prove as to where the parcel really is (apart from the parcel tracking status on website itself). Plus I called and emailed customs like 2-3 times and they even told me if I had a parcel seized, a letter will be sent to me in 5-10 business days. (It's been 2 MONTHS since)

Paypal probably refunded me because the seller refused to communicate with me anyway, it's like they have repetitive cases like this and they can't seem to be bothered. And I'm guessing they can claim insurance for loss of parcel on their end as well. I emailed them before to ask if they had problems about sending MP-05 to Australia, they said probably not, so I think they also wanted to take a chance to make the sale.

[TheDirtyDigger]

..

For those wanting to bend the rules, I'm sure you'll get real flexible after 7 years in prison! This isn't like overstaying your parking or even speeding, which are more regulatory rather than offences. This is right up there with the big ones.

Don't discount speeding fines. I got a mandatory jail sentence just for being caught twice driving whilst suspended. Lucky I'm so flexible ;) but I would have rathered going to jail for Megs over just drag racing my HX.

Way past time I acquired a firearms license with all the nice high powered rifles and shotguns I'm set to inherit anyway.
Megs Masterpiece you will be mine!

Tiby, would you know how the law pertains to those that have owned Megs since 1985?

[Tiby]

I guess what I meant is that prison is a last resort for speeding, etc, or for repeat offenders ( :D ) but pretty high on the list for firearms offences, especially with the current "terrorism" climate.

In NSW, G1 Megatron seems to be safe, although the law has changed a few times over the years. Encore Megatron and older versions of him have been coming through without any hassle, but it is a fine line. I wouldn't be waving him around.

Simply owning something before it was illegal does not change the current legal position, which goes for people who got MP05 through before customs got involved. Case in point, the firearms changes with certain types of rifles and the ensuing amnesty to hand them in.

VIC seems to have cracked down quite a bit. But, all of the states are working on a uniform system, so I have hope for the NSW model being used in the other states. A full licence should keep you safe, but you may need to put the figure into the same lockup as the real guns, not the watered down version we have in NSW for MP05.

[Pulse]

Regarding the parcel, people have been talking so much about "it" being confiscated but now one knew whether it was really true so I just tried my luck to order it anyway (If they took Megs, they should at least send me my RT Ultra Magnus and Rumble/Frenzy headphones).

Until now I have received no letter or whatsoever from any authority and the only letter I got was from AustPost asking if I received the parcel, so there's no prove as to where the parcel really is (apart from the parcel tracking status on website itself). Plus I called and emailed customs like 2-3 times and they even told me if I had a parcel seized, a letter will be sent to me in 5-10 business days. (It's been 2 MONTHS since)

Paypal probably refunded me because the seller refused to communicate with me anyway, it's like they have repetitive cases like this and they can't seem to be bothered. And I'm guessing they can claim insurance for loss of parcel on their end as well. I emailed them before to ask if they had problems about sending MP-05 to Australia, they said probably not, so I think they also wanted to take a chance to make the sale.

Well if you look on the brightside, Atleast you received a refund :) (unlike alot of others who never got back a cent... :()

[Geminii]

I guess that on the plus side, if/when the law is changed, Customs is going to have a lot of seized MP-05s to sell off cheap.

Unless they're destroying them, I suppose.

[GoktimusPrime]

They're destroying them.

[Rampage]

They're destroying them.

or having the most awesome game of cops & robbers ever one of the 2:p

[Kyle]

I guess that on the plus side, if/when the law is changed, Customs is going to have a lot of seized MP-05s to sell off cheap.

Unless they're destroying them, I suppose.

They'll just take them home and play with them. :o

[JuzMel]

Well if you look on the brightside, Atleast you received a refund :) (unlike alot of others who never got back a cent... :()

Yeah I'm pretty lucky to get the refund back.. and get my desire from another source.. ;)

Anyway if you watch Border Security, then you'd know items seized by customs are destroyed by them. They dig a large hole and dump the items in. Thats what they did with a whole heap of fake billabong and roxi clothing some people tried to import in one episode.

[Mixmaster]

Because those retail stores are breaking the law.

Actually they're not. They simply truck it across state borders from states that can import it from overseas. There's nothing illegal about it.

[Mixmaster]

My latest news from the Queensland government is that they are in the process of overhauling their replica firearms laws

This could actually be the opposite of what people want. I was told that SA may be also overhauling laws, but it would be to prevent stores like TRU trucking in replicas across state borders. :(

[Tober]

Actually they're not. They simply truck it across state borders from states that can import it from overseas. There's nothing illegal about it.

There's plenty illegal about trafficking replica firearms to prohibited states. It carries the same penalties too.

[Robzy]

Because those retail stores are breaking the law.I think it depends on what state you're in! I know a few toy dealers and collector stores in SA that are having no problems getting these (and other replica firearms without orange tabs) in.

[GoktimusPrime]

Well SA laws are obviously different as your experience with retrieving your MP Megs proved, Mixie (if only it was that easy in NSW and VIC). :) In NSW it's odd seeing MP Megs at stores and booths at conventions and fairs because even if they had a permit to possess that toy, as a condition of that permit the toy needs to be in a locked display unit. And I would think that a person purchasing that toy would need to be in possession of a permit. Otherwise it's like selling a firearm to a person who doesn't have a firearms licence.

[Vector Sigma 13]

I used to have a firearms licence but i let it lapse. I pretty sure its illegal to get any firearms from people who dont have the relevant licenceing/permits. Youd never be able to send it in the post. Besides that you have to put in the paperwork, buy the rifle/gun and wait 30 days (or was it 3 months?) or more before you get it. And also on that note you may need a "C class" licence for that type of firearm and they are quite difficult to get (semi auto). Its been awhile so dont take this info as gospel.

[roller]

ive been thinking of applying for a job at customs

maybe i could smuggle the mp05s out of the office :D But i doubt i could hide it in my pants, unlike that G2 colourchange Autobot:)

[Mixmaster]

There's plenty illegal about trafficking replica firearms to prohibited states. It carries the same penalties too.

I understand the frustration, but I do believe the police have ingrained this sense of defeat in peoples heads. I don't mean to be rude by saying that. The police will never consider a convoy of BigW, TRU, Toyworld or Target trucks carrying cap pistols across state borders as firearm traffickers.

I would be very interested at this point to see the NSW and VIC gun legislations and where replica firearms fit into this. Honestly I only concentrated on SA laws, so I am unfamiliar with the other states but if someone can direct me that would be good. It's worth a shot I guess.

[GoktimusPrime]

Under NSW law we need to acquire a P638 Prohibited Weapons Permit. For more information click here (http://www.megatron.net.au/).

[Tiby]

Thanks Gok. You beat me to it.

[dirge]

The police will never consider a convoy of BigW, TRU, Toyworld or Target trucks carrying cap pistols across state borders as firearm traffickers.


True, but those stores will be buying cr4ppy cheap toys with orange caps that can't be removed. Encore Megatron & MP-05 are quality with a good silver finish. And - vitally - no orange cap.

It's that orange cap which makes all the difference.

[Mixmaster]

True, but those stores will be buying cr4ppy cheap toys with orange caps that can't be removed. Encore Megatron & MP-05 are quality with a good silver finish. And - vitally - no orange cap.

It's that orange cap which makes all the difference.

*sigh* If that was the main issue then we'd have no problem importing the orange tip versions from America. And even with orange tips I've seen some pretty good replicas in TRU and Toyworld lately, M-16's, MP-5's (the machine gun not Megatron), Berretta pistols and revolvers all of which with a lick of paint would look real enough. Some of these revolvers are even die cast.

Hmm, I'm not sure how I am coming across. I certainly don't want to appear to be a know all twat. If I am putting people off I apologise. I'm just one of those people that need to know 'the why and the reasonings' in the law.


Under NSW law we need to acquire a P638 Prohibited Weapons Permit. For more information click here.

That does appear to make things very difficult. The only way to comply would be to obtain a Class H firearms licence since the firearm comes under the heading of which it replicates. Pretty impossible unless you are in security or a police officer. Sports shooters can obtain them as well so if people don't mind joining the SSAA and going to a firing range six times a year...shrug. It's rediculous I know.
There is a section about collectors though. There's also that fact that G1 Megatron was banned back in 86, which I didn't realise. It is looking very grim for NSW and all Megatrons. :(

[Tober]

I'm just one of those people that need to know 'the why and the reasonings' in the law.

This article basically explains the reason why the laws came into effect:

Call for National Replica Gun Controls (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21023502-1702,00.html)

[lcz128]

There's also that fact that G1 Megatron was banned back in 86, which I didn't realise. It is looking very grim for NSW and all Megatrons. :(


Damn,
Didn't know about that! :o *shock!*

[Mixmaster]

This article basically explains the reason why the laws came into effect:

Call for National Replica Gun Controls (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21023502-1702,00.html)

I know the 'why it has happened' but not the 'why it has happoened like this'. I believe WA is setting a good example in this countries affairs and now SA has seem also to have come to the same realisation. If we continue down this path we will end up like China and won't be able to scratch our backsides in public. No offense intended, I'm just using reference to the media blocking, etc. We should not all be treated as criminals and punished as such for the stupid acts of a small few. Get rid of replicas, and by replicas I mean the definition used in the past, that is, metal non firing guns modeled from real firearms. I'm all for that, they can be modified to shoot but laws should not classify what is obviously a plastic toy into that category. This is not America, no offence intended again. We are not overrun by gun carrying gangs in the streets. The police should not be in a mindset of 'shoot to kill' at the first sign of a gun shape, of which the only gun a child would get their hands on these days would be a plastic toy from Toyworld. People get shot by police for carrying mobile phones. This is nonsense. It is the police that need educating, not the public. I remember reading in some legislation somewhere that toys were not supposed to be covered in this new legislation. They could be under the discretion of authorities, but not necessarily. The police can ignore this 'law' if they want. It seems the NSW police are simply choosing not to.

[GoktimusPrime]

Really? I remember Megatron being recalled as early as 1984-85 (different states outlawed them at different times). That toy's been banned since like... forever! Think about it - growing up in the 80s, how many kids did you know who owned a Megatron toy? I knew one kid - and he got it from another state which outlawed the toy after NSW (I think he got it from Melbourne).

When I bought a G1 Megatron toy in the 90s from an online purchase, I specifically asked the seller to send the toy to me in robot mode. When Megatron was reissued in 2001, I had the reissue sent to me in robot mode. Yeah... the G1 Megatron toy's always been prohibited.

[blackie]

lol thats hilarious, cause i got a megatron ko about 2 years ago, was transformed in gun mode, and had no trouble getting it in... weird

[GoktimusPrime]

yeah but Australian Customs didn't really start cracking down on Megatron until last year (2007) with the debut of MP Megatron. I just didn't feel like trying my luck. ;)

When I got e-Hobby Megaplex in 2002 I totally forgot to have it sent to me in robot mode, so it was sent to me in gun mode - but it got through fine! I thought getting MP Megatron would be okay since it was packaged in robot mode, but then when reports started cropping up everywhere of Customs confiscating MP Megs I got worried... thankfully mine came through okay. But I went and got myself the permit anyway so that my gun-Megs collection is nice and legal and also for peace of mind if I ever try to purchase any more gun TFs in the future (bring on Encore Browning!).

Ironically I've only ever had one Megatron that was inspected by Australia Post Customs... and customs officers handled the packaging so badly that it was severely damaged. The toy was okay but the package was ruined. It was Machine Wars Megatron! True story. :D

[dirge]

*sigh* If that was the main issue then we'd have no problem importing the orange tip versions from America.


Well, the laws that define what can be sold are State laws - such as those that mandate the orange tip. Customs are federal, and since they are speficially looking for MP-05s after a flood of _illegal_ ones were seized.

You probably could get the American one and legally own it. The trick is convincing customs to release it.


lol thats hilarious, cause i got a megatron ko about 2 years ago, was transformed in gun mode, and had no trouble getting it in... weird

Customs don't pick up everything. Had they detected this one, you could have been in quite a bit of trouble. I'm in no way judging you for it, but customs missing something is not the same as them explicitly allowing it through.

[PirateCop]

imagine all the cool crap in a customs place...lets launch an operation to liberate everyones megatrons!...and nun chuks!

[Tiby]

I've been there - ultra security. 2 main doors just to get to the reception area. Then an airlock type of thing between you and the person behind the desk.

[Mixmaster]

I've been there - ultra security. 2 main doors just to get to the reception area. Then an airlock type of thing between you and the person behind the desk.

lol. The one in Adelaide is basically like a McDonalds counter. Lift the side counter and waltz into the backroom with all the goodies. :D

[PirateCop]

i bet they have a rancor in their basement

[1orion2many]

Really? I remember Megatron being recalled as early as 1984-85 (different states outlawed them at different times). That toy's been banned since like... forever! Think about it - growing up in the 80s, how many kids did you know who owned a Megatron toy? I knew one kid - and he got it from another state which outlawed the toy after NSW (I think he got it from Melbourne).

When I bought a G1 Megatron toy in the 90s from an online purchase, I specifically asked the seller to send the toy to me in robot mode. When Megatron was reissued in 2001, I had the reissue sent to me in robot mode. Yeah... the G1 Megatron toy's always been prohibited.

:)I remember G1 Megs in the stores over here up until about 1988 which was the last time I saw one sitting on the shelf all bright and shiny right next to Optimus:D

[Pulse]

:)I remember G1 Megs in the stores over here up until about 1988 which was the last time I saw one sitting on the shelf all bright and shiny right next to Optimus:D

Showing your age again, ay? ;) :D

[1orion2many]

Showing your age again, ay? ;) :D

:)As long as I'm not senile:p, the last thing I want to do is start wandering around without my pants on, I'd be showing more than just my age then:o:p:D.

[JuzMel]

Customs don't pick up everything. Had they detected this one, you could have been in quite a bit of trouble. I'm in no way judging you for it, but customs missing something is not the same as them explicitly allowing it through.

Oh trust me, they do now, especially Melbourne customs. Pardon me if I said this before but I think Melbourne customs sort of even have MP-05's robot shape programmed in their scanners to be able to detect it in robot form.

I actually browse the ebay feedback one day and found a few people leaving negative feedback because of buying MP-05's overseas like Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia and never receiving it. And the seller replies that the tracking states pending customs inspection and it never changes from there. When I clicked the buyer's ID, they were all from Melbourne and these are recent cases.