What's the deal with importing American-made armor?

[HDN]

I was looking into importing used M113s and was reading that American-made armor can't be brought back to the US? Yet I can bring former Soviet armor in?

 

[mkcoen]

Take it apart. I believe you can import pieces just not the vehicle as a whole (I am not an import expert so do you own diligence).

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Having watched 13 former US M113A2s in service under the Israeli flag just be imported before Christmas I can say it's possible but there's more red tape than bricks on the golden brick road. I can't quote law directly, nor am I an attorney, but form my understanding is if the vehicle remained under US ownership, no foreign service/government ownership, it can't be imported. This is all subject to filing an import request (form 6?) with the state department for approval before anything happens at all. Anything approved still has to meet demil requirements etc.. Of course expect to pay big money and wait. There's a few stories on SS about importing armor.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Reach out to Mark. He imported a half track from Africa.
(7) African Queen to go on Display at the National Museum of The US Air Force | SteelSoldiers

 

[HDN]

@1943ht - can you provide any insight into the customs process based on your experience repatrioting your halftrack? I'm wondering if there's a difference with the halftrack due to its age?

 

[SCSG-G4]

I think from the halftrack story, the item must have belonged to the foreign government for five years or more before the state department would allow it to be brought back in. That is in the original thread on the 'african queen'.

 

[1943ht]

I think from the halftrack story, the item must have belonged to the foreign government for five years or more before the state department would allow it to be brought back in. That is in the original thread on the 'african queen'.

 

[1943ht]

@1943ht - can you provide any insight into the customs process based on your experience repatrioting your halftrack? I'm wondering if there's a difference with the halftrack due to its age?

Its a combination of several things

1. Hired a very experienced broker out of Norfolk VA. (Kuhn and Naggle)
2. Bill of sale from the French Army with all the official ribbons and wax seal.
3. Shipped it as an Active Duty Colonel to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Depot where it was stored by my buddies until I got home in Apr 2007.
4. Ignorance - I did not know of any issues with customs regards shipping her back to the states as this was my 1st vehicle and therefore was not the least bit concerned with anything other than cost as broker was handling all the paperwork
5 JUST PLAIN LUCKY!!!!

Markus

 

[HDN]

Its a combination of several things

1. Hired a very experienced broker out of Norfolk VA. (Kuhn and Naggle)
2. Bill of sale from the French Army with all the official ribbons and wax seal.
3. Shipped it as an Active Duty Colonel to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Depot where it was stored by my buddies until I got home in Apr 2007.
4. Ignorance - I did not know of any issues with customs regards shipping her back to the states as this was my 1st vehicle and therefore was not the least bit concerned with anything other than cost as broker was handling all the paperwork
5 JUST PLAIN LUCKY!!!!

Markus

Thank you for your insight! I could probably take care of items 1, 2, and 4, but for 3? It's going to take me a few years before I attain the rank of Colonel... And my wife most likely won't allow that to happen at home

Thanks for mentioning the broker you used. I'll have to keep them in mind if I decide to import stuff

 

[Wolfen]

Following.

 

[DoctorCheney223]

Having watched 13 former US M113A2s in service under the Israeli flag just be imported before Christmas....

It was fifteen M113A2's

V/R
Ron