Hi, I'd like to know whether the UK has any rules and regulations for importing stun guns. I heard that they were considered as weapons. Do you need to have any special license?

Even though stun guns were initially conceived for the purpose of law enforcement, and later as a self-defense security device, these items now pose a very serious threat to society as gangs and muggers have increasingly come to use them as a weapon. This trend has become popular as stun guns are not really considered lethal and have several conveniences for crooks: The first one is that it is highly efficient in paralysing the victim, which saves the thief all the extra effort he takes into approaching the victim, intimidating him and robbing him (that, taking into consideration that the victim will not put up a fight, which would also pose an extra problem, specially if the victim wins); the second convenience is that it doesn't actually threaten the victim's life (unless, of course, the victim has a heart condition); the third convenience is that it leaves no traces on the victim's body, so that equals no evidence; and the fourth convenience is that, if caught, the criminal would not be using an actual "life threatening" weapon, such as a gun or a knife, and this would extenuate their offense.

It is for all the above reasons that UK law decided to classify stun guns alongside firearms, knives and other weapons. Whereas firearms, explosives and ammunitions can be obtained, as long as you have a police shotgun license or Firearm Certificate, there is a list of offensive weapons that is absolutely and completely banned, this list includes:

• Flick and gravity knives
• High voltage electric stun guns
• Pepper sprays, CS gas canisters and other self defense sprays
• Martial Arts weapons such as death stars and swordsticks
• Knives that are disguised as everyday objects but have a concealed blade or a sharp point

Importation of stun guns can lead from a fine to up to 6 months in prison, or both. In more serious cases, you can end up spending up to 7 years in prison. Remember this is only in the case of importation, in the case of importation and possession of stun guns, it can lead to a fine or up to 10 years in prison, or both.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA), along with the Home Office, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the regional police authorities, are all working together to put a stop to illegal weapon imports.

You can check more information at the HM Revenue & Customs website: HM Revenue & Customs: Stopping imports of illegal weapons

It is also worth mentioning that stun guns have not only had a strong negative impact in the UK, but have also struck the concern of the United Nations and Amnesty International for their uses in torture.

What's appalling about stun guns is that they are widely sold over the Internet without any restrictions, accessible to virtually anyone. There have been cases of teenagers acquiring these weapons and having them delivered right to their doorstep without any hassle. This is why the UK has had to enforce postal security by monitoring packages and parcels, especially those from private companies.

Thanks for clearing things up. I don't want to be thought of as a felon or anything. It's a good thing I asked first!!!

As you well say, I saw these stun guns on the Internet and thought I could sell some in my shop. I'm really astonished to hear that you can actually get away with purchasing something like that with such ease and having delivered anywhere, just like that. Imagine getting caught by customs when you don't even have a clue that you unknowingly bought and imported something illegal.

I would have been absolutely shocked to have the police at my doorstep.

Believe me, it has happened.