Gun-Formers (imitation weapons) laws and requirements for Australia

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

There's absolutely no chance that I'm going to risk a heavy fine, possible jail term, and a criminal record, for a toy. I'm jumping through whatever hoop it takes to stay legal.

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A jail term? You really think they will throw you in jail for importing a toy?

I am friends with a few cops and have a nephew that was in law. Do you know how busy these people are dealing with robbers and wife-beaters and real criminals? Come to think of it I live in a rural coummunity where i am the only guy in my area that doesn't own a real gun.

Seen the statistics for repeat-stalkers being let out on bail? No one is going to jail you for a toy. In fact chances are no one will give a crap if you don't draw attention to it. I got MP05 imported from Japan no problem and the powers that be couldn't have cared less. Bigger fish for them to fry. If anything all the attention paranoid TF collectors have brought to the authorities will, more than anything else, make them feel they are expected to do something about it whereas otherwise they wouldn't care. It's causing an issue where before none existed.

I just finished serving a 5 stretch in the big house for importing and displaying Apollyon and Despotron all over social media.
With my criminal record, I can't even get a job at Macca's scrubbing floors.
If only I knew :(

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

There's absolutely no chance that I'm going to risk a heavy fine, possible jail term, and a criminal record, for a toy. I'm jumping through whatever hoop it takes to stay legal.

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Well you may as well cuff me now boys!
Touch of black paint on the tip there and we have a winner, and all for three bucks!
Maybe I should get them to import me some MP-36's since they must already have all the permits and whatnot :rolleyes:
http://i.imgur.com/BXdv61w.jpg?1


It's a delusion to think that any of what you mentioned are at all likely outcomes as punishment.
In the extremely unlikely event that the relevant authorities learn you own a toy gun that breaks this replica firearm law and decide they must act upon it, they 100% confiscate it, and when noticing that you are a transformers/toy collector they will probably inform you that such a law exists and warn you not to repeat offend.

Plenty of people tried to import (illegally but ignorantly) MP-5 back in 2007. Customs seized them, told them via a letter that it's against the law and destroyed them. No one got fined or got a criminal record or went to jail or any such nonsense. The same would happen in this case.

The only think you risk by not jumping through hoops and spending money on locks and safes and 3-yearly permits is losing the toy as per the above.

If you (or anyone) want to sink time and money down this path, by all means go for it, but realistically I think unless you're a hardcore completist (eg one who owns say the MP Bape primes bought at current prices), it really isn't worth it.

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Originally Posted by Borgeman

Plenty of people tried to import (illegally but ignorantly) MP-5 back in 2007. Customs seized them, told them via a letter that it's against the law and destroyed them. No one got fined or got a criminal record or went to jail or any such nonsense. The same would happen in this case.

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This happened to me. I wasn't on forums or aware of it at the time. I received a letter and they simply said get a permit or they will destroy it. I got the permit and they released it to me.

However, had I known beforehand I would have obtained the permit. I would encourage everyone to get it, but to each their own.

At a $2 shop the other day there were toy guns with no orange on them at all.

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Originally Posted by Thurmus

At a $2 shop the other day there were toy guns with no orange on them at all.

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Well obviously that business owner has a current import permit and permit to sell imitation firearms, and I'm sure they'll ask to see your relevant paperwork before selling to you.
Good to see businesses do the right thing.

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Originally Posted by Raider

This happened to me. I wasn't on forums or aware of it at the time. I received a letter and they simply said get a permit or they will destroy it. I got the permit and they released it to me.

However, had I known beforehand I would have obtained the permit. I would encourage everyone to get it, but to each their own.

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It didn't happen to me with MP05 but if it does with this guy I'll just hit up one of my copper mates to take care of it :)

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Originally Posted by BigTransformerTrev

A jail term? You really think they will throw you in jail for importing a toy?

I am friends with a few cops and have a nephew that was in law. Do you know how busy these people are dealing with robbers and wife-beaters and real criminals? Come to think of it I live in a rural coummunity where i am the only guy in my area that doesn't own a real gun.

Seen the statistics for repeat-stalkers being let out on bail? No one is going to jail you for a toy. In fact chances are no one will give a crap if you don't draw attention to it. I got MP05 imported from Japan no problem and the powers that be couldn't have cared less. Bigger fish for them to fry. If anything all the attention paranoid TF collectors have brought to the authorities will, more than anything else, make them feel they are expected to do something about it whereas otherwise they wouldn't care. It's causing an issue where before none existed.

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Originally Posted by Borgeman

Well you may as well cuff me now boys!
Touch of black paint on the tip there and we have a winner, and all for three bucks!
Maybe I should get them to import me some MP-36's since they must already have all the permits and whatnot :rolleyes:
http://i.imgur.com/BXdv61w.jpg?1


It's a delusion to think that any of what you mentioned are at all likely outcomes as punishment.
In the extremely unlikely event that the relevant authorities learn you own a toy gun that breaks this replica firearm law and decide they must act upon it, they 100% confiscate it, and when noticing that you are a transformers/toy collector they will probably inform you that such a law exists and warn you not to repeat offend.

Plenty of people tried to import (illegally but ignorantly) MP-5 back in 2007. Customs seized them, told them via a letter that it's against the law and destroyed them. No one got fined or got a criminal record or went to jail or any such nonsense. The same would happen in this case.

The only think you risk by not jumping through hoops and spending money on locks and safes and 3-yearly permits is losing the toy as per the above.

If you (or anyone) want to sink time and money down this path, by all means go for it, but realistically I think unless you're a hardcore completist (eg one who owns say the MP Bape primes bought at current prices), it really isn't worth it.

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If caught importing I'm sure they'll just confiscate it before reaching your hands. If you are in possession of an illegal firearm and get caught I'm not so sure they'd go lightly on you. It could be minor but why take the risk when you can just obtain a permit?

I'm too pretty to go to jail.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

If caught importing I'm sure they'll just confiscate it before reaching your hands. If you are in possession of an illegal firearm and get caught I'm not so sure they'd go lightly on you. It could be minor but why take the risk when you can just obtain a permit?

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You're in NSW, its different for Victorians (as it stands) - look at the very 1st post to see the difference (i.e $$$).

And as my last post and pic alluded to, I can readily go and buy a "prohibited weapon" from any number of shops for just a couple of dollars. There is ZERO difference between the two in the eyes of the law, but I can go buy as many as I want right now.

Common sense is severely lacking in this thread.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

If caught importing I'm sure they'll just confiscate it before reaching your hands. If you are in possession of an illegal firearm and get caught I'm not so sure they'd go lightly on you. It could be minor but why take the risk when you can just obtain a permit?

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I got robbed when living in Northcote and when the cops came (two guys in their 30s) I think they spent just as much time checking out my TF collection as they did writing a report. Reissue G1 Megatron and MP Megatron were both on prominent display and they didn't remotely care.

In the rural community I live in now, as I said I'm probably the only guy that doesn't own a real gun. No copper is going to care whatsoever about some toy gun in a dudes shed.

I can understand your concerns and if you wanna play it safe then more power to ya. But no policeman is going to arrest you and no court is going to throw you in jail for owning a toy - period. Will never, ever happen.

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Originally Posted by BigTransformerTrev

I got robbed when living in Northcote and when the cops came (two guys in their 30s) I think they spent just as much time checking out my TF collection as they did writing a report. Reissue G1 Megatron and MP Megatron were both on prominent display and they didn't remotely care.

In the rural community I live in now, as I said I'm probably the only guy that doesn't own a real gun. No copper is going to care whatsoever about some toy gun in a dudes shed.

I can understand your concerns and if you wanna play it safe then more power to ya. But no policeman is going to arrest you and no court is going to throw you in jail for owning a toy - period. Will never, ever happen.

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Right back at ya. If you want to fly under the radar then more power to you. You got lucky but others not so;

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpo...1&postcount=44

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I had A plastic pellet gun from the 80's, didn't work it was my grandad's I kept it after He passed,police seen it in my house, got arrested ,Queens Council + Solicitor + lot of $$$ later,got a 2 year good behaviour bond plus a bunch of fines! And now I have an Unauthorised possession of a firearm on my record because I had no idea a toy from the 80's Could Cause so much Grief

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Yeah the cops just made a random visit to his place, happened to find a plastic pellet gun from the 80s, and suddenly arrested and fines and court etc etc...

Why were they there in the first place? Why did a 20-30yo pellet gun raise such a reaction when noticed? Who leaves such items just laying about if expecting police presence? If unexpected, did they have a warrant to search the property?

So much detail left out of that one its not funny. I reckon I could invent a better story in my sleep.

Also, I went to another shop today and found more prohibited weapons! Thought I'd dual wield this time - ain't got time for reloading :cool:

http://i.imgur.com/HGw3Nzb.jpg?1

Pretty certain a cap gun can cause more damage than MP-36

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Originally Posted by Borgeman

Yeah the cops just made a random visit to his place, happened to find a plastic pellet gun from the 80s, and suddenly arrested and fines and court etc etc...

Why were they there in the first place? Why did a 20-30yo pellet gun raise such a reaction when noticed? Who leaves such items just laying about if expecting police presence? If unexpected, did they have a warrant to search the property?

So much detail left out of that one its not funny. I reckon I could invent a better story in my sleep.

Also, I went to another shop today and found more prohibited weapons! Thought I'd dual wield this time - ain't got time for reloading :cool:

http://i.imgur.com/HGw3Nzb.jpg?1

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All you are doing is trying to convince yourself that it's ok to own a prohibited weapon without any consequences. Ill quote tiby from the previous page because it seems to have gone unnoticed;

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There is no point arguing about it being a toy, what it looks like, that there are other similar things on the market/Reject Shop/Easter Show, etc. The law is clear on this.

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The law isn't clear on this, that is the issue.
They pick and choose what they want to pursue and what they're happy to let slide.
Borge's photos highlight perfectly the absolute pointlessness of said laws.
And the only reason they probably chose to apply it to MP5 was the thought of wrangling more money from people that can afford to shell out $200 for a toy.

Those toy guns are simply imported from China in massive shopping containers, along with 99% of things you find in $2 shops. But how they get through customs i have no idea. They'd be in trouble with the police if someone can bother to report them. But i think many people dont even know toy guns like this are considered illegal.

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Originally Posted by Borgeman

http://i.imgur.com/HGw3Nzb.jpg?1

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I just want the handcuffs. Don't ask.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

All you are doing is trying to convince yourself that it's ok to own a prohibited weapon without any consequences. Ill quote tiby from the previous page because it seems to have gone unnoticed;

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Nah, I know the risks, just like I know the risks when I jaywalk, or do 104 in a 100 zone, or who knows what other generic thing I do that probably breaks some law. I know there are consequences in theory, just like I know in theory I could get t-boned by a truck driving to work on a given day. I'm applying common sense to the situation at hand in Victoria, and paying $190 every 3 years to own a $200 toy, on top of all the expenses of a lockable case and barred windows, is not a common sense decision.

As for the law itself, the fact that I can cross some imaginary line to go from Victoria to South Australia, and suddenly the toy gun I possess goes from being illegal to being legal, is in itself proof of the stupidity of the law. I am being denied the right to freely possess that toy in my house while fellow Australians can enjoy that luxury because of what, geography? Is an imitation weapon less of a threat in SA or WA?

As I said, common sense is severely lacking in this thread.

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Originally Posted by Megatran

I just want the handcuffs. Don't ask.

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But I get to keep the keys ;)

Those guns have orange tips and triggers which clearly distinguish themselves as a toy.

Check out Aussie retailer armouredheaven.com.au - guy sells a ton of imitation toy guns all over Australia without problems because they are clearly distinguished as toys with the safety markings. On a side note he's a great example on how to communicate with customers on product arrivals.

so, ummm does anyone know if the new MP Megs will be packaged in Gunform or robotform? I just placed a preorder and as soon as I did, it just hit me... waitaminute is it shipped in gunform, coz if it is, we are gonna have a lot of problems :O:(:(:(:( sorry if this was already discussed or asked, too lazy to sift through the thread..

Unknown at this stage, but my MP05 and Appolyon were both packed in robot form. But it won't really make a difference with Customs as they still managed to seize Mp05.

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Originally Posted by Ralph Wiggum

Those guns have orange tips and triggers which clearly distinguish themselves as a toy.

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Unfortunately not the case (at least in Victoria), see here:

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/retriev...media_id=70080

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Originally Posted by bakakun

Thank you for all of your effort, Tiby. Especially in trying to get The Megaton club registered in Victoria.

Also while you're here, is it legally possible for an Australian store to refuse a refund for a pre-order such as Megatron? I just want to be covered in case I have no other option but to cancel.

If this club can't be recognized in Victoria for an exemption, then I'm going to have I'll need to scrape together roughly $180 for the permit.

I also still need to get around to getting a lockable case for this. Since money's tight right now I might just get a lockable cube instead of tower.

There's still time between now and when stock arrives in Australia late April, but I have to admit I do feel a bit worried as the release date gets closer each day.

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My pleasure!

Regarding the refund, much will depend on the terms of purchase set by the shop. A pre-order would not normally fall into the normal return/refund/repair laws, so it would likely fall to your contract with the shop, which is probably contained in its terms and conditions.

I am a bit worried about where this thread it heading. Here is a summary of my concerns:

1. Police do have a discretion, but we are dealing with Customs first. They are much more strict.

2. I visited the Commissioner of Police in Sydney when MP05 was happening and the Firearms people showed me an impressive number of pistols comparable to MP05. Some were larger, some the same and some smaller. MP05 (or any gun former) could be mistaken for a firearm very easily, especially if you are working a petrol station or some other high risk job. There is also a risk that someone else thinks it is real and uses their own real weapon to attack back.

3. The Registry is aware of the $2 shops and could absolutely do something about it if they chose to, but the majority of those are clearly toys, unlike the much higher quality of the Megatrons.

4. The law is the law. Weighing up the risks of getting caught is not advisable and neither is suggesting such an approach in a public forum. The Registry has reviewed this forum in the past, and much of the work I did early on was trying to show the Registry and Customs that we were just normal people interested in collecting toys, and not habitual law-breakers.

5. When MP05 hit, many people received a summons to Court. I assisted in having some of those cases initially adjourned, and then dismissed. Confiscation/destruction was a given, but the charges were much more serious than that. Some people may not care about a criminal record, but I do, as do many others, whose livelihood may be severely compromised.

6. If Customs stops your Megatron, local cops will have no power to do anything. Customs is a Federal body, and work with local cops for the licensing, etc. (I also have a number of police friends and clients).


Please let us all take this a bit more seriously so that we don't undo the work that has been done. We can all have our thoughts about common sense, more important "crimes", etc, but we must deal with what we are given.

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Originally Posted by liegeprime

so, ummm does anyone know if the new MP Megs will be packaged in Gunform or robotform? I just placed a preorder and as soon as I did, it just hit me... waitaminute is it shipped in gunform, coz if it is, we are gonna have a lot of problems :O:(:(:(:( sorry if this was already discussed or asked, too lazy to sift through the thread..

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Irrelevant. Customs had x-ray images of MP05 in robot mode to compare to when scanning. They also knew where they were coming from.

To those speculating about megatron in what mode he would be in, I assume he would be in robot mode, because of how panel heavy he is I would assume he would be in his strongest most stable state, and *might* be a way around customs in some countries.

Of course its just a guesstimation, after getting shockwave I would assume all bets are off.

Its just crap in victoria we have to pay all these fee's, a one time fee would of been nice, just trying to get the stuff to have him gun safe is painful in the wallet.

If you get lazy and forget to pay after the next 3 years the cops might just come down to shaking the money from you, never understood why there isn't a universal set of laws in each state...least we can all share the pains :c

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Originally Posted by Tiby

My pleasure!

Regarding the refund, much will depend on the terms of purchase set by the shop. A pre-order would not normally fall into the normal return/refund/repair laws, so it would likely fall to your contract with the shop, which is probably contained in its terms and conditions.

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Thanks. The store I'm getting it from seems to have an option to use the amount paid as credit for other purchases, so I might go that route if worst comes to worse.

With regard to Victorian requirements though, are barred windows actually necessary? I can't seem to remember that being a definite requirement for imitation firearms in any of the documents I read awhile back.

Also the structure of in storage section is a bit confusing. am I correct in that the last paragraph is ts own separate requirement and does not apply to imitation firearms, body armor etc? Because if so, then that might make acquiring the appropriate storage could be a little easier.

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Storage requirements
Prohibited Weapons owned or possessed under this Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval must be stored in the following manner:
Imitation firearms (including laser/infrared devices) are to be stored safely and securely in a manner to ensure that:
• The devices are not readily accessible to others;
• The devices are not available for possession, carriage or use by others unless they are also holders of a Chief Commissioner of Police Approval (Prohibited Weapons) issued for the same reason or are otherwise exempt (if applicable); and
• When being transported between the usual place of storage and place(s) at which the devices are legitimately used (the reason of which is stated in this authority), they are stored in a manner that is not readily accessible to others and concealed from plain sight.
Blow guns may be on open display in the approval holder’s home, but both ends must be sealed and all darts surrendered.
Body armour must be stored in safe and secure manner.
Swords must be stored in a manner to ensure that they are not:
(i) readily accessible to anybody other than holder of the Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval or Government in Council Exemption; or
(ii) available for possession, carriage or use by a person who is not a holder of a Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval or does not fall within another class of exempt person.
General category crossbows must be store in a manner to ensure that they are not:
(a) readily accessible to anybody who is not a holder of a Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval or does not fall within another class of exempt person. Specifically the crossbows must be:
(i) fitted with a trigger lock and the keys stored in a separate place; or
(ii) stored with a cable lock through the footclaw and connected to the string; or
(iii) stored in the unstrung condition with the prod/bow assembly demounted from the stock (where possible);
(b) available for possession, carriage or use by a person who is not a holder of a Chief Commissioner’s Prohibited Weapons Approval or does not fall within another class of exempt persons.
Other prohibited weapons should be stored in a locked cupboard, cabinet or safe of sturdy construction. If the storage unit is glass fronted, the glass must be at least 5mm thick. If the mass weight of the storage unit is less than 150kg, it must be affixed to either the frame of the floor or wall (where applicable) so as to prevent easy removal. Wood screws and the like are not acceptable; however, ramset/dyna bolts are sufficient. The locks fitted to these storage units must be of sturdy construction. Padlocks must have shanks of hardened steel.

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Originally Posted by Tiby

I am a bit worried about where this thread it heading. Here is a summary of my concerns:

1. Police do have a discretion, but we are dealing with Customs first. They are much more strict.

2. I visited the Commissioner of Police in Sydney when MP05 was happening and the Firearms people showed me an impressive number of pistols comparable to MP05. Some were larger, some the same and some smaller. MP05 (or any gun former) could be mistaken for a firearm very easily, especially if you are working a petrol station or some other high risk job. There is also a risk that someone else thinks it is real and uses their own real weapon to attack back.

3. The Registry is aware of the $2 shops and could absolutely do something about it if they chose to, but the majority of those are clearly toys, unlike the much higher quality of the Megatrons.

4. The law is the law. Weighing up the risks of getting caught is not advisable and neither is suggesting such an approach in a public forum. The Registry has reviewed this forum in the past, and much of the work I did early on was trying to show the Registry and Customs that we were just normal people interested in collecting toys, and not habitual law-breakers.

5. When MP05 hit, many people received a summons to Court. I assisted in having some of those cases initially adjourned, and then dismissed. Confiscation/destruction was a given, but the charges were much more serious than that. Some people may not care about a criminal record, but I do, as do many others, whose livelihood may be severely compromised.

6. If Customs stops your Megatron, local cops will have no power to do anything. Customs is a Federal body, and work with local cops for the licensing, etc. (I also have a number of police friends and clients).


Please let us all take this a bit more seriously so that we don't undo the work that has been done. We can all have our thoughts about common sense, more important "crimes", etc, but we must deal with what we are given.

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As always Tiby, great work and thanks for your contribution to this thread. I don't know where we'd be without your dedication in helping us Transformers fans own Megatron legally. :)

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...ab00d4ab29e5ee

Call of Duty fanboy found with imitation guns in his possession without a permit facing up to 20 years imprisonment.

“Simply saying he is a fanboy and into science fiction, reads comic books and is nerd doesn’t show cause as to why he should be released from custody,” Mr Davis said."

He was selling them online. If he just put them up in his house, nobody would have known.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

There's absolutely no chance that I'm going to risk a heavy fine, possible jail term, and a criminal record, for a toy. I'm jumping through whatever hoop it takes to stay legal.

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Originally Posted by BigTransformerTrev

A jail term? You really think they will throw you in jail for importing a toy?

Seen the statistics for repeat-stalkers being let out on bail? No one will give a crap if you don't draw attention to it. Bigger fish for them to fry.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

Right back at ya. If you want to fly under the radar then more power to you. You got lucky but others not so;

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpo...1&postcount=44

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Originally Posted by Borgeman

Yeah the cops just made a random visit to his place, happened to find a plastic pellet gun from the 80s, and suddenly arrested and fines and court etc etc...

Why were they there in the first place? Why did a 20-30yo pellet gun raise such a reaction when noticed? Who leaves such items just laying about if expecting police presence? If unexpected, did they have a warrant to search the property?

So much detail left out of that one its not funny. I reckon I could invent a better story in my sleep.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...ab00d4ab29e5ee

Call of Duty fanboy found with imitation guns in his possession without a permit facing up to 20 years imprisonment.

“Simply saying he is a fanboy and into science fiction, reads comic books and is nerd doesn’t show cause as to why he should be released from custody,” Mr Davis said."

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Originally Posted by Thurmus

He was selling them online. If he just put them up in his house, nobody would have known.

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D-Boy. We appreciate your passion on this subject. You've made some decent points and the last story you posted was interesting. But quoting stories where all the detail is left out, or otherwise very pertinent facts such as 'he was trying to sell them online' are not mentioned does not serve to convince others of your arguments.

A lot of members here have a different opinion than you do. Not saying your opinion is wrong and as I said, more power to ya. But scare-mongering talk about people going to jail for importing the toy or being found with it in their house, along half-truth stories will not serve to further your cause. Nor will it convince people who have had real life experiences where police have not cared and (admittedly luckily) customs did not bother with their toy etc etc.

We are a friendly online community, but often a pedantic one - we demand details and we fact-check stuff ;)

However any similar stories you come across I would be more than happy to read. I just need to know the whole story when reading them :)

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Originally Posted by BigTransformerTrev

D-Boy. We appreciate your passion on this subject. You've made some decent points and the last story you posted was interesting. But quoting stories where all the detail is left out, or otherwise very pertinent facts such as 'he was trying to sell them online' are not mentioned does not serve to convince others of your arguments.

A lot of members here have a different opinion than you do. Not saying your opinion is wrong and as I said, more power to ya. But scare-mongering talk about people going to jail for importing the toy or being found with it in their house, along half-truth stories will not serve to further your cause. Nor will it convince people who have had real life experiences where police have not cared and (admittedly luckily) customs did not bother with their toy etc etc.

We are a friendly online community, but often a pedantic one - we demand details and we fact-check stuff ;)

However any similar stories you come across I would be more than happy to read. I just need to know the whole story when reading them :)

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Fair enough Trev I just thought it was interesting read regarding imitation weapons and the discussion in this thread.

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Originally Posted by danny-boy

Fair enough Trev I just thought it was interesting read regarding imitation weapons and the discussion in this thread.

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It's all good mate. Your various points here, along with what Tiby has stated, has served to make me take extra precautions when importing the upcoming figure rather than just trusting to luck so you've probably done me a favour :)

Is the Megatron club in NSW actually taking new members? I tried emailing them with no response yet :(

edit: Got a response! hooray.

Ha haha! HLJ I could kiss you!


Hello-

This is ****** at HobbyLink Japan. Thank you very much for your order with us for Takara-Tomy's Transformers Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron. We anticipate starting to fill orders for this item on or about April 3 Japan time.

This toy will be packaged in robot mode. However, it can be transformed into a realistic-looking likeness of a gun, which we understand is also pictured on this item's packaging. As a result, for customers in the United States and Australia, HobbyLink Japan will be placing a plastic orange plug into the end of the barrel in order to keep this toy in compliance with Title 15, Chapter 76 of the United States Code.

Installing this plug on the item will require our staff to open the packaging, which will require cutting the tape holding the box flap closed. This will be performed with the utmost care, but of course it will prevent us from delivering this product to U.S. and Australian customers in "unopened" condition. Note that without this modification, your purchase could be confiscated by your country's customs service, and U.S. customers could be charged with a crime under the above U.S. Federal law.

HobbyLink Japan understands and appreciates the desires of toy collectors in the U.S. and Australia related to merchandise of this nature, and we feel this is the best solution to meet those needs under the circumstances. In order to maintain your item's compliance with your country's laws, we recommend that you do not remove the plastic plug after you have received the item.

We appreciate your understanding, and your business with us.


Best Regards,


********
HobbyLink Japan


I don't give a rats that they have to open the box - HLJ just saved me a ton of hassles and it sounds as if the plug can be easily removed :D
Not that I will Mr. Government Importation guy reading this, I totally wont

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Originally Posted by Koroboo

Is the Megatron club in NSW actually taking new members? I tried emailing them with no response yet :(

edit: Got a response! hooray.

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Sorry Koroboo - I was on a short holiday and signal was patchy.

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Originally Posted by BigTransformerTrev

Ha haha! HLJ I could kiss you!


Hello-

This is ****** at HobbyLink Japan. Thank you very much for your order with us for Takara-Tomy's Transformers Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron. We anticipate starting to fill orders for this item on or about April 3 Japan time.

This toy will be packaged in robot mode. However, it can be transformed into a realistic-looking likeness of a gun, which we understand is also pictured on this item's packaging. As a result, for customers in the United States and Australia, HobbyLink Japan will be placing a plastic orange plug into the end of the barrel in order to keep this toy in compliance with Title 15, Chapter 76 of the United States Code.

Installing this plug on the item will require our staff to open the packaging, which will require cutting the tape holding the box flap closed. This will be performed with the utmost care, but of course it will prevent us from delivering this product to U.S. and Australian customers in "unopened" condition. Note that without this modification, your purchase could be confiscated by your country's customs service, and U.S. customers could be charged with a crime under the above U.S. Federal law.

HobbyLink Japan understands and appreciates the desires of toy collectors in the U.S. and Australia related to merchandise of this nature, and we feel this is the best solution to meet those needs under the circumstances. In order to maintain your item's compliance with your country's laws, we recommend that you do not remove the plastic plug after you have received the item.

We appreciate your understanding, and your business with us.


Best Regards,


********
HobbyLink Japan


I don't give a rats that they have to open the box - HLJ just saved me a ton of hassles and it sounds as if the plug can be easily removed :D
Not that I will Mr. Government Importation guy reading this, I totally wont

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Completely unnecessary, for NSW at least. An orange plug will NOT stop Customs from seizing it without the right permit. Lumping us in with the US is wrong.

HLJ’s intentions are noble but misguided for Australia. As they said in their message, the law requiring orange plugs to be placed in the barrel is an American law. Australia has no such laws. With or without the orange plug, the toy will still be seen as an imitation firearm. When I brought in my MP05 he had no orange plug, and never required one. Putting an orange plug in MP36 will NOT make the toy any easier to import. You or whoever is importing him will still require a B709 form to get him through customs and you still need to comply with whatever firearms law your State has.