$5500 penalty for illegal slingshots - Friday, 10th August 2007
penalty for illegal slingshots
Customs has warned importers to make themselves aware of Customs regulations before ordering goods from overseas.
The warning follows a $5500 penalty handed down in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday 6 August 2007 for the importation of 1000 disassembled slingshots.
The slingshots were discovered by Customs officers at the Fremantle Container Examination Facility when they examined a sea cargo container when it arrived from China in December 2005.
The contents of the container were declared as toys.
Mr Robin Bin Lu appeared in court charged with importing prohibited imports under the Customs Act. He was fined $3000 and ordered to pay costs of $2500.
Customs Director Investigations Western Australia, Roland Dixon, said that many weapons that could legally be purchased overseas could not be imported into Australia without a permit.
"It is important that importers familiarise themselves with Customs regulations. Failing to check what items are prohibited will not protect you from prosecution," Mr Dixon said.
Slingshots with a wrist or forearm brace are considered prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 unless prior permission has been obtained.
Media inquiries:
For further details contact Customs Media (02) 6275 6793
Media note:
Images of the slingshots can be found in the Image Gallery.