Travelling internationally with laser pistols

Exporting and importing laser pistols

If you are competing overseas in any event which includes laser run, you will need to take a laser pistol with you.  This means you will need to arrange export and import licences (for Australia and for each country to which you will be travelling).  You will also need to make suitable arrangements with any carriers with whom you are travelling (e.g. airlines, trains).

The following guidelines are intended to assist you, but you are responsible for making your own enquiries and ensuring you have everything you need. 

DO NOT LEAVE THIS TO THE LAST MINUTE!

Australian Border Force (ABF)

Website:  https://www.abf.gov.au/

Phone: 131 881

For Australian Border Force purposes, laser pistols are considered to be imitation firearms.  They are to be exported as accompanied baggage and do not require an export permit (according to the Australian Border Force, laser pistols are exempt from requiring an export declaration under section 113(2)(a) of the Customs Act 1901).

However, you will need to complete a B263 form (found here) and present this to the ABF office at your port of departure, to ensure that your temporarily exported laser devices pistol is not assessed for duty, taxes and charges or included as part of the $900 duty-free concession on re-importation.

Further information can be found here.

State/Territory Registry Police

To import imitation firearms into Australia, you must first obtain a B709A – Importation to Firearms, Police Confirmation and Certification form under the Police Certification Test, issued by your State or Territory Police.  The original B709A form must be presented to the Australian Border Force at the time of importation (i.e. when you return to Australia).

The application forms can be found on each state and territory website, and may take up to 28 days to obtain.

Department of Defence

Website: https://www.defence.gov.au/business-industry/export/controls

Phone: 1800 661 006.

You will need to register with Defence Export Controls (DEC) and complete an Application to Export Controlled Goods and Technology, which includes the value (or estimated value) of the goods or technology being exported as part of the description.  DEC may contact you for further details on the value of goods and technology to be exported, if this information is not included in the application. 

The application form is available on the DEC website found here.  Always check the website before completing your permit applications to ensure you are using the most recent version, as DEC does not accept older versions of the form.  [Note that a new portal is being made available from 1 September 2024].  

Airline and other carriers

When travelling internationally for competitions, you should contact each carrier with whom you will be travelling well in advance of departure to understand their requirements and recommendations for travelling with a laser pistol.  This includes carriers within country (e.g. the train taking you from your port of arrival to the city in which the competition will be held).

Remember that each carrier is different and some have much more stringent requirements than others.  Keep a record of a key contact at each carrier, in case you run into any issues.   

Quick reference:

Do you have:

1. Form B263 (Australian Border Force)
2. Form B709A (State/Territory Police Force)
3. DEC Application to Export Controlled Goods and Technology
4. All forms/requirements for each carrier with whom you are travelling
5. Details of all competitions in which you are competing (including a copy of the invitation letter)
6. A supporting letter from your State ASsociation (on letterhead)
7. A supporting letter from MPA (if required) confirming the requirement for you to travel with a laser pistol for international competition
8. Copies and a summary of your import and export details (items 1 - 3 above)

Always keep this documentation handy when you are travelling, as you may need to show it or refer to it.