Customs regulations questions

[Esc1221]

OK, I'm an avid outdoorsman (bordering on redneck-level enthusiasm with hunting, archery, woodworking, and camping).

I was wondering if customs would confiscate any toys I may bring into the country (mainland and Taiwan) from the USA including things like compound bow/arrows, hatchet and survival knife, sword (I'm a collector too), and some Lacrosse sticks (modern aluminum, not bringing my traditional wooden sticks).

These will only be for personal use, and will of course be used responsibly. I also will fully declare them at customs, and package them safely in locked containers with lots of padding to protect a customs agent searching luggage.

I'm not bringing any firearms, ammunition or explosives.

I've already tried embassies phone numbers and customs websites, which of course are no help because I'm limited to English.

Thanks for any advice, or experience you can offer!

[Tigerman]

I was wondering if customs would confiscate any toys I may bring into the country (mainland and Taiwan) from the USA including things like compound bow/arrows, hatchet and survival knife, sword (I'm a collector too), and some Lacrosse sticks (modern aluminum, not bringing my traditional wooden sticks).

See This LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Items considered to be weapons (eg. hunting knives, air guns, toy guns, bows or firearms)

See also, this:

PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ARTICLES

Arms (including shotguns, fishing-guns, and airguns), ammunition, cartridges, explosives, poisonous gas, assault knives and other weapons of war.

And this:

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Weapons (including toy weapons), hunting knives, bows, firearms, ammunition and explosives (presence of these items in shipment will result in serious troubles for the customer)

[urodacus]

I was wondering if customs would confiscate any toys I may bring into the country (mainland and Taiwan) from the USA including things like compound bow/arrows, hatchet and survival knife, sword

None of those items you list are toys, they're weapons. Not legal to import, and you'd be in shit if they found you. They're not likely to check but the risk is yours.

No hunting in Taiwan without an license which I suspect you probably won't get if you're not an aboriginal. You're not an aboriginal, are you?

[EigerMarcus]

1. You can apply to import swords and similar restricted bladed items. A regular knife should be fine with customs (but do not quote me on that).

2. You also need a permit to hold the swords from the police and they will come around once a year or so and check your permit and sword.

3. You can buy swords, hunting knives, hatchets, and lots of other stuff here anyway so no need to import - most bladed weapons like knives can be bought without any permits required.

4. Archery. There are licensed ranges here.

5. Lacrosse sticks - no idea on why these would be restricted - hockey sticks are permitted ;-)

6. I would leave everything at home anyway unless you plan on playing some lacrosse here. If you get the outdoors bug while you are here then you can buy all the tools of the trade here.