Buying Ammo in Northern Ireland

Feisar

Was chatting to a few lads in work from NI and the prices of ammo was very favorable to say the least. Is there anyone buying ammo from across the border and what exactly is the process? Any issues since Brexit etc?

Cass

I've bought from the North a good few times over the years (and the UK) and its the same process as importing a firearm, you even use the same form. Download the form,

eu-import-application-by-individual (1).docx

, and fill it in with your name address, contact details, etc. and then the bit for ammo (Part B). Return it to DoJ and wait about a week or so for the import license.

You can then have the ammo sent down, but the handiest way is to apply for a PSNI visitors pass and go up and collect it yourself (might need an EU firearms pass too (I've not done this since Brexit). That or have someone up there meet you on the Border and hand it across the invisible line. Keeps it all nice and legal.

Agin I haven't done it since Brexit. NI is still in the sinlge market afaik, but (and I only know this from looking at cars) if the product originated in the UK or came through the UK it is subject to VAT. Now how that works, or even if its applicable given you'll be getting it yourself is anyone's guess. The shop won't care, they'll sell it to you once you're legal and VAT is already applied at the point of sale however its the VAT that may be applicable in Ireland, but again its guess work and might not be germane.

Wadi14

To apply for a NI firearms pass, you will require an EU pass, also someone in the north to act as a sponsor ( a firearms dealer will do ) it costs 16 pounds sterling and can be up to a year in duration if your firearms license renewal date is long enough.

RFD,s in the North may want a copy of your Irish license if they don't know you. I have my firearms and ammo amount listed on my NI firearms pass and have no bother purchasing ammo in the North for use there.

There are even RFD,s up there that will have ammo couriered down South, I think it was 10 pounds I was quoted from Co Tyrone to Donegal.

Feisar

Gents, thank you very much. I always knew this wasn't a cheap game to be at but the latest rounds of increases have broken some metal limit in my head!

smmember20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119015395#Comment_119015395

For an individual in possession of a Garda issued firearms certificate there is no requirement to make application for an import license, (as long as you are carrying the ammo) to purchase ammo in NI you require a NI Visitors permit, you may purchase the ammunition up to the limit on your NI pass in NI and lawfully carry it down without any complications, at this point NI due to the existence of the NI protocol, nothing has changed related to movement of goods across the boarder.

Transportation of ammo of course must be in a locked receptacle, I shoot a lot in NI and on occasion purchase ammo there, with the current exchange rate the ammo is not much cheaper that you can get it locally in the South and supporting local dealers has always been my goal. Of course it pays to shop around and purchase in bulk if your certificate allows, stick rigidly to your ammo allowance and you will never have an issue.

Cass

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119117715#Comment_119117715

You could well be right, if you're driving up to collect. Most of mine was shipping it down but even for the few times I did collect I always got the import regardless as its free and only takes a week.

The other reason is record keeping. Come renewal time, and I was asked this once, when you have never had a round of ammo for a particular rifle recorded as being sold to/bought by you (in the South) you may be asked why you need a gun you don't, apparently, shoot. The import shows I'm importing and my local FO knew I was importing ammo without me telling him as he was obviously informed of the fact.

So I had a record of ammo being bought, brought it "ultra" legally and used. No issues when it came to renewal time. Not saying this will happen and I don't know anyone else who was ever asked about it (of course I never checked with anyone either), but just a FYI.

Feisar

I'm all for supporting the local sheriff but there is a limit. I was quoted* £10/box for Hornady Frontier. That's about €11.50. They are €21/22 here.

*I say quoted, it was a brief chin wag on the phone, I haven't got then in the ball of my fist yet.

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119120475#Comment_119120475

Precisely, the last round of increases were just mental, and that is when you can actually find your favoured loads anymore :P

Mind sharing the dealer who was willing to ship ammo from NI?

End of the month and I'll be ordering a batch soon 😉

Feisar

I was going to run up, I do be over the boarder a fair bit with work.

Wadi14

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119122182#Comment_119122182

get yourself a NI visitors firearms pass first, to cover you in possession of the ammo in the North.

smmember20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119120475#Comment_119120475

Recently acquired Hornady 55grn FMJ "Training" for £23.00 50, alloy cases not brass! it does pay to shop around, but again I urge folks to support local, remember a minimum of 225Km round trip to NI depending on where you are including tolls: Cost about €35 so factor in if heading North, PSNI permit will also only grant the number of rounds on your local certificate and in fairness the dealers stick to what's on the cert, so you may be penny wise but pound foolish. Delivery of ammunition from NI unaccompanied needs to be dealer to dealer, so just be mindful of that also.