Knife Shipping: Austria To Usa - What's Allowed?

Shipping knives internationally can be a complex and confusing process due to varying local laws and regulations. In the case of shipping knives from Austria to the USA, it is important to be aware of the restrictions and requirements in both countries to ensure a smooth and legal transaction. While Austria has relatively relaxed knife laws, with only knives hidden in other objects and push daggers being prohibited, the US has stricter regulations that must be considered before shipping.

Shipping laws in Austria and the USA

Austria has seen some important changes for retailers who ship their products to the country since 2023. A significant rule change has applied to international companies that deliver goods to Austria since 2023, requiring them to appoint an authorised representative based in Austria if they import packaging materials into the country.

In the US, the Jones Act is a federal law that regulates maritime commerce. It requires goods shipped between US ports to be transported on ships built, owned, and operated by US citizens or permanent residents. The Jones Act was passed in the wake of the First World War to boost the shipping industry. It is considered protectionist legislation, as it increases the cost of shipping to non-continental US lands like Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) applies to all contracts for the carriage of goods by sea to and from US ports. COGSA provides that carriers are subject to certain statutory responsibilities and liabilities, including the obligation to provide a seaworthy ship and to properly man, equip, and supply the ship.

In terms of knife legislation, the US has a federal ban on certain types of knives, including switchblades and ballistic knives. Each state has its own laws regarding knives, and some cities have knife ordinances as well. For example, New York City prohibits the possession of gravity knives, which are defined as any knife that can be opened by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force.

Prohibited knives in Austria

Austria has relatively relaxed laws regarding knives. The only types of knives that are prohibited are knives ""hidden" in other objects (sword canes, belt knuckle knives, etc.) and push daggers (which are mixed with the also forbidden knuckle dusters). In addition, certain regulations apply to militaria (trench knives, bayonets, etc.), and it is advised to avoid anything related to World War 2. Furthermore, the recipient of the knife must be an adult (older than 18) and must not have any official restrictions on being allowed to have/carry/own weapons.

When it comes to carrying knives in Austria, there is often an upper limit to the length of the blade that can be carried. In general, a "justified reason" or a "legitimate purpose" is required to carry a knife. It is recommended to avoid carrying certain types of knives, such as a machete, in downtown Vienna, as it may be considered inappropriate according to the local culture and way of living.

Prohibited knives in the USA

Knife laws in the United States vary from state to state, and it is important to check the specific regulations of the state you are in or plan to visit. Here is an overview of some of the prohibited knives in the USA:

Federal Level

On a federal level, the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 prohibits the manufacturing, interstate transportation, importation, and sale of switchblade knives. Switchblades are defined as knives with blades that open automatically through a button, spring, or other mechanical means. However, this act does not restrict the possession or carrying of switchblades in states where they are legal.

Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have established regulations regarding pocket knives in certain contexts. For example, as of April 2021, TSA allows carry-on pocket knives up to 2.36 inches (6 cm) in length without fixed or locking features.

State Level

While state laws vary, here are some common types of knives that may be prohibited in many states:

• Ballistic knives: These are considered the most illegal type of knife in the USA. Ballistic knives have a hollow handle that holds a spring, which, when fired, launches the blade into the air.
• Switchblades: While the federal law prohibits certain activities related to switchblades, individual states may have additional restrictions on possession, carrying, or concealment.
• Knives with specific blade shapes or mechanisms: For example, some states may prohibit the possession or carrying of knives with a blade longer than a specified length, typically ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches. Other prohibited blade shapes or mechanisms include clip point blades, tanto blades, and assisted or automatic opening mechanisms.
• Disguised knives: Some states prohibit knives disguised as other objects, such as sword canes or belt buckle knives.
• Knives in specific locations: Many states have restrictions on carrying knives in certain locations, such as schools, airports, government buildings, and bars.
• Knives with intent to use as a weapon: In some states, carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon or to harm someone is prohibited.

It is important to note that these are general categories, and the specific laws may differ from state to state. Always check the laws of your specific state and consult with local authorities or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Labelling and insurance

When shipping a knife from Austria to the USA, it is important to pay attention to labelling and insurance.

Firstly, labelling the package correctly is crucial. While shipping knives internationally is generally allowed, it is important to declare the contents of the package accurately. Some recommend labelling the package contents as "cutlery", "tools", "pocket tool", "knife", or "pocket knife". Being honest about the contents of the package is important to avoid any legal issues.

Additionally, insurance is an important consideration when shipping a knife. If the knife is valuable, it is recommended to insure it for its full value. This can be done through shipping companies like USPS, which offer insurance services. Keep in mind that insuring a package may increase the overall shipping cost.

Furthermore, customs duties and taxes may apply when shipping a knife internationally. The recipient may be required to pay taxes or duties based on the declared value of the item. It is important to accurately declare the value of the knife to avoid any issues with customs. Providing proof of value, such as a PayPal receipt, may be necessary.

Finally, it is important to be aware of any restrictions on knife types in both the country of origin and the destination country. For example, certain types of knives, such as automatic knives or those disguised as other objects, may be prohibited in Austria. Similarly, the USA may have specific restrictions on the types of knives that can be imported. It is the sender's responsibility to ensure that the knife being shipped complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

Taxes and fees

When shipping a knife from Austria to the USA, the customer is responsible for all fees and taxes. The customer will also need to pay for the company's shipping costs.

Shipping import and customs fees vary significantly from country to country. For example, when shipping to the UK, all orders are sent DDU (Delivery Duties Unpaid). The customer is fully responsible for any and all customs fees and VAT charges and will need to pay the customs department before they release the order for delivery. The customer can expect to pay the VAT rate of their country along with an import and potentially a customs processing fee if the order is over a certain value.

When shipping to Austria from the USA, the customer will be expected to pay taxes and fees if the parcel is checked by customs. If the declared value of the parcel is believed, taxes and fees will amount to roughly 0.25% of the total value, including shipping costs. If the declared value is not believed, taxes and fees could be as high as 30% of the total value.

Frequently asked questions