Buying Knives and Swords Internationally: What You Need to Know About Laws, Customs, and Shipping

Updated August 2026

Introduction: Can You Buy a Sword or Katana From Another Country?

Yes, in many countries you can legally order a real sword from overseas.

Katanas, wakizashi, tanto, longswords, Viking swords, sabers, rapiers, medieval swords, and other historical blades are bought and shipped internationally every day. However, the rules are different from one country to another.

Before ordering, most buyers want answers to five questions:

1. Can I legally import the sword into my country?
2. Are sharpened katanas allowed?
3. How much will international shipping cost?
4. How much VAT, GST, duty, or customs tax will I pay?
5. How long will the sword take to arrive?

This guide answers those questions for buyers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.

The most important thing to understand is that a normal fixed-blade sword is not automatically treated the same way as a prohibited knife.

A traditional katana, for example, may be legal to import while a switchblade, butterfly knife, sword cane, disguised knife, or automatic knife is prohibited.

Laws can change, so international buyers should always confirm the current rules in their country before ordering.

---

---

Can You Legally Order a Real Katana Internationally?

In many countries, yes.

A conventional katana is a fixed-blade sword. It does not automatically fall into the same legal categories as automatic knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, or disguised weapons.

However, some countries regulate swords based on:

• Blade length
• Curvature
• Whether the sword is sharpened
• Manufacturing method
• Intended use
• Age
• Whether the buyer has a permit
• Whether the sword is considered a weapon under local law

There is also a difference between owning a sword, importing a sword, transporting a sword, and carrying a sword in public.

A country may allow you to own a katana in your home but prohibit carrying it in public without a legitimate reason.

How Much Does International Katana Shipping Cost?

Swords are unusual items to ship because they are long even when they are relatively light.

A typical packaged katana may be approximately:

• 40–48 inches long
• 5–12 inches wide
• 4–8 inches deep
• 6–15 pounds depending on packaging and accessories

Longer swords such as nodachi, ōdachi, European longswords, and large two-handed swords may require significantly larger packages.

International carriers normally calculate shipping using either actual weight or dimensional/volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

This means an 8-pound sword can sometimes be billed like a considerably heavier package simply because the shipping box is long.

Typical International Sword Shipping Cost

For a single katana shipped from the United States, a reasonable planning range is:

Destination	Typical Shipping Budget
Canada	$60–$150
United Kingdom	$100–$250
Western Europe	$100–$250
Eastern Europe	$120–$275
Scandinavia	$120–$275
Australia	$120–$300
New Zealand	$120–$300
Japan / East Asia	$100–$250
Southeast Asia	$100–$275
Mexico	$75–$200
Central America	$100–$250
South America	$125–$325
South Africa	$150–$350

These are estimated ranges, not guaranteed shipping prices.

An economy service can sometimes cost less, while an oversized sword, remote destination, premium express service, insurance, or large order can cost substantially more.

Why Does Sword Length Affect Shipping Cost So Much?

Shipping companies have limited room inside aircraft and delivery vehicles. Because of this, carriers do not look only at pounds or kilograms. They also calculate how much space your package occupies.

For example, a long katana box may only physically weigh 10 pounds, but its dimensional weight could be much higher.

A longer nodachi or ōdachi can therefore cost considerably more to ship than a katana even if the actual weight is similar.

Other factors that affect shipping price include:

• Package length
• Package width and height
• Actual weight
• Destination country
• Residential delivery
• Remote-area delivery
• Fuel surcharge
• Insurance
• Declared value
• Number of swords
• Oversize handling
• Express versus economy service

How Long Does International Sword Shipping Take?

Once the sword has actually shipped, typical delivery ranges are approximately:

Destination	Express	Standard / Economy
Canada	3–7 business days	7–14 business days
United Kingdom	4–8 days	10–20 days
Western Europe	5–10 days	10–25 days
Eastern Europe	5–12 days	12–30 days
Australia	5–10 days	14–30 days
New Zealand	5–10 days	14–30 days
East Asia	5–10 days	10–25 days
Mexico	4–10 days	10–25 days
South America	7–15 days	15–40 days
South Africa	7–15 days	15–35 days

Customs inspection can add additional time.

A package being held by customs does not necessarily mean it has been confiscated. Customs may simply be waiting for VAT or tax payment, an invoice, proof of purchase, identification, import authorization, information about the sword, or a physical inspection.

Also remember that shipping time and production time are different. If you purchase a made-to-order sword, production occurs before the shipping period begins.

---

United States

Can You Import a Katana Into the United States?

Generally: Yes.

Conventional swords can generally be imported into the United States. State and local possession, transportation, and carry laws can still apply.

Generally Allowed

• Katana
• Wakizashi
• Tanto
• Longswords
• Viking swords
• Sabers
• Rapiers
• Medieval swords
• Historical replicas
• Most conventional fixed-blade knives

Restricted or Prohibited

Federal rules are considerably stricter regarding certain:

• Switchblades
• Automatic-opening knives
• Spring-loaded knives that fall under restricted federal classifications

State and local laws may impose additional restrictions.

U.S. Customs Duty

Swords commonly fall under HTS heading 9307, which covers swords, cutlasses, bayonets, lances, similar arms, and their scabbards.

A commonly applicable general duty rate for this heading is approximately 2.7%, although country-of-origin tariffs and current trade measures can change the amount actually charged.

Example

Sword: $1,000
Estimated shipping: $100
Approximate 2.7% base duty: $27

Estimated total before any additional country-of-origin tariffs or carrier fees: approximately $1,127.

---

Canada

Can You Import a Katana Into Canada?

Generally: Yes for conventional swords.

Canada's restrictions are particularly important for certain knife-opening mechanisms rather than conventional fixed-blade swords.

Generally Allowed

• Katana
• Wakizashi
• European swords
• Sabers
• Historical replicas
• Conventional fixed-blade swords

Prohibited or Restricted

• Certain automatic knives
• Gravity knives
• Certain centrifugal-opening knives
• Knives capable of opening into a locked position through prohibited centrifugal action
• Other weapons specifically classified as prohibited under Canadian law

Canadian Customs Duty and Tax

Swords under tariff heading 9307 may be subject to approximately 7% Most-Favoured-Nation duty, although preferential origin rules can reduce duty in qualifying cases.

Imported goods can also be subject to GST/HST.

• 5% GST in non-HST provinces
• 13% HST in Ontario
• 14% HST in Nova Scotia
• 15% HST in several other participating provinces

A Canadian buyer should reasonably budget approximately 10–25% above the sword and shipping price in a higher-cost scenario involving tax, duty, and processing charges.

---

United Kingdom

Can You Import a Katana Into the UK?

Yes, but the UK has a specific curved-sword rule.

UK law regulates swords with a curved blade measuring 50 centimeters or more. However, exemptions exist for qualifying swords.

Potentially Allowed Under Applicable Exemptions

• Swords manufactured before 1954
• Swords manufactured using traditional methods of making swords by hand
• Qualifying martial arts swords
• Historical reenactment swords
• Other swords falling under recognized legal exemptions

Prohibited or Heavily Restricted

• Flick knives
• Gravity knives
• Butterfly knives
• Sword sticks
• Push daggers
• Certain zombie-style knives
• Cyclone or spiral knives
• Disguised blades
• Shuriken
• Other specifically prohibited weapons

UK VAT

The standard UK VAT rate is 20%.

Example

Sword: $1,000
International shipping: $150

VAT can add roughly another $230 equivalent depending on customs valuation and exchange rates.

A reasonable planning budget could therefore be approximately $1,350–$1,450 equivalent depending on duty, VAT, exchange rate, shipping, and brokerage.

---

European Union

A katana being legal in one EU country does not automatically mean every sword is legal throughout the European Union.

Weapons laws remain largely national. However, EU member states share a broader customs and VAT framework for goods entering from outside the European Union.

Standard VAT Rates for Common Sword-Buying Destinations

Country	Standard VAT
Germany	19%
France	20%
Italy	22%
Spain	21%
Netherlands	21%
Austria	20%
Poland	23%
Sweden	25%
Denmark	25%
Finland	25.5%
Ireland	23%
Portugal	23%
Greece	24%
Czech Republic	21%
Hungary	27%
Romania	21%
Croatia	25%
Slovenia	22%
Slovakia	23%
Lithuania	21%
Latvia	21%
Estonia	24%
Luxembourg	17%
Malta	18%
Cyprus	19%
Bulgaria	20%

For most EU destinations, international buyers should budget for roughly 17–27% VAT, depending on the country, plus applicable customs duty and courier clearance fees.

---

Germany

Can You Order a Katana?

Generally yes, although German law regulates possession and public carrying separately.

Generally Possible

• Katana
• Longsword
• Saber
• Viking sword
• Historical reproductions
• Martial arts swords

Be Careful With

• Disguised weapons
• Certain automatic knives
• Other specifically prohibited knife designs
• Public carrying of weapons

VAT: 19%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

France

Conventional collectible and martial arts swords may be obtainable, but French weapon classifications still apply.

More Straightforward

• Conventional collectible swords
• Historical replicas
• Lawful martial arts swords

Restricted Categories Can Include

• Certain automatic knives
• Certain butterfly-style knives
• Other blades classified as restricted weapons

VAT: 20%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Italy

Italy has an established sword collecting and martial arts community, although functional blades can still be regulated according to classification and intended use.

Common Collector Items

• Katana
• European swords
• Historical reproductions
• Martial arts swords

VAT: 22%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Spain

Spain has a strong historical sword tradition and collector market, but modern weapon regulations still apply.

Common Collector Purchases

• Katana
• Toledo-style swords
• Longswords
• Sabers
• Historical replicas

VAT: 21%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Netherlands

Conventional historical and martial arts swords may be obtainable, but Dutch weapons law controls certain prohibited or unusual weapons.

VAT: 21%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Belgium

Belgium is an important exception for online sword buyers.

Although certain edged weapons may fall into freely obtainable weapon categories, Belgian regulations restrict remote sales and purchases of weapons through methods such as online or mail-order transactions.

Prohibited or Particularly Restricted Designs Include

• Switchblades
• Butterfly knives
• Throwing knives
• Shuriken
• Disguised edged weapons
• Certain sword canes

Belgium should therefore not be treated as an ordinary international online sword-shipping destination without confirming current local requirements.

Austria

Conventional sword collecting is possible, although Austrian weapon and carrying laws still apply.

VAT: 20%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Poland

Historical blades and martial arts swords have an established collector market in Poland.

Buyers should still verify automatic, concealed, or unusually designed weapons before ordering.

VAT: 23%

Estimated shipping: $110–$260

Typical transit: 7–25 business days

Sweden

Swords may be collected, while Swedish law separately regulates knives and dangerous objects in public places.

VAT: 25%

Estimated shipping: $120–$275

Typical transit: 7–25 business days

Finland

Conventional swords may be collected, while carrying dangerous objects in public is regulated separately.

VAT: 25.5%

Estimated shipping: $120–$275

Typical transit: 7–25 business days

Denmark

Denmark is more restrictive than many European destinations.

A buyer purchasing applicable pointed or sharp weapons abroad may need:

• A weapon certificate
• An import licence

Denmark should therefore be considered a permit-required destination for relevant sword imports rather than an unrestricted destination.

VAT: 25%

Estimated shipping: $120–$275

Ireland

Conventional historical swords may be obtainable, but Irish weapon rules still apply to prohibited weapon types and public carrying.

VAT: 23%

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Portugal

Collectors should verify the legal classification of a sharpened or functional sword before import.

VAT: 23% mainland

Estimated shipping: $100–$250

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

Greece

Historical and martial arts blades may be imported subject to Greek weapons law.

VAT: 24%

Estimated shipping: $110–$275

Typical transit: 7–25 business days

Norway

Norway is outside the European Union and uses its own customs system.

The normal Norwegian VAT rate is 25%.

Import VAT can be calculated using the item price together with costs such as shipping, insurance, applicable customs duty, and certain fees.

Example

Sword: $1,000
Shipping: $150
Approximate VAT base: $1,150
25% VAT: approximately $287.50

Approximate landed cost before brokerage: $1,437.50.

Estimated shipping: $120–$275

Switzerland

Switzerland maintains its own customs and weapons regulations.

Certain weapon designs can require authorization even when ordinary collectible swords are permitted.

Standard VAT: 8.1%

Estimated shipping: $120–$275

Typical transit: 5–20 business days

---

Australia

Can You Order a Katana Into Australia?

Potentially yes, but Australia requires more caution than many destinations.

Australian Border Force regulates weapon imports based on the exact type of weapon.

Some weapons require import permission, and buyers may need documentation from their state or territory police.

Depending on classification, documentation such as a B709B or another applicable authorization may be necessary.

Before Ordering

1. Check Australian Border Force requirements.
2. Check your state or territory's weapons laws.
3. Confirm whether an import permit or police certification is required.

Australian GST

Australian taxable imports generally attract 10% GST.

Example

Sword: $1,000
Shipping: $175
Approximate GST: $117.50

Estimated landed cost before additional applicable fees: approximately $1,292.50.

Estimated shipping: $120–$300

Typical transit: 5–30 business days

New Zealand

Can You Order a Katana?

Conventional swords are not automatically treated the same as New Zealand's specifically controlled offensive weapons.

Restricted Weapons Include

• Flick knives
• Butterfly knives
• Gravity knives
• Swordsticks
• Disguised weapons
• Certain other offensive weapons

Some require Police authorization before arrival.

New Zealand GST

GST is 15%.

GST can be calculated using the value of the goods together with applicable duty, freight, and insurance.

Example

Sword: $1,000
Shipping: $175
Approximate taxable value before duty: $1,175
15% GST: approximately $176.25

Higher-value imports can also attract additional customs or processing levies.

Estimated shipping: $120–$300

Typical transit: 5–30 business days

Japan

Japan is one of the most complicated destinations for importing a real sword.

Japanese law regulates possession, registration, and importation of swords. A sword legally qualifying as a sword under Japanese law may require authorization or registration before it can legally remain in Japan.

Antique and traditionally significant Japanese swords also operate under Japan's specialized registration system.

Japan should therefore be considered a special-approval destination.

Do not ship a functional sword into Japan without confirming that the recipient has the documentation required for lawful importation and possession.

Singapore

Singapore specifically regulates swords as arms.

Importation can require authorization under Singapore's arms-control system.

Singapore should therefore be considered a permit-required destination.

GST: 9%

The buyer should obtain any required authorization before shipment.

---

South Africa

Conventional swords may be imported subject to South African customs and weapons requirements.

Buyers should be particularly cautious with unusual, automatic, concealed, or specifically prohibited weapon designs.

VAT: 15%

For goods imported from outside the Southern African Customs Union, the VAT calculation can use the customs value plus a statutory uplift and applicable customs duty. This can make the effective tax somewhat higher than simply taking 15% of the purchase price.

Estimated shipping: $150–$350

Typical transit: 7–35 business days

Mexico

Collectors should confirm Mexican weapons and customs rules before importing a functional sword.

Ordinary historical swords should not automatically be treated the same as firearms, automatic knives, or concealed weapons, but customs classification still matters.

International shipments can also attract:

• Import duty where applicable
• VAT
• Courier processing charges

Typical VAT rate: 16%

Estimated shipping: $75–$200

Typical transit: 4–25 business days

Brazil

Brazil can be one of the more expensive destinations for international buyers because of import taxation.

Depending on the import method and value, international purchases can face substantial federal import taxation as well as state ICMS.

For some international purchases, federal import tax can reach approximately 60%, while state ICMS commonly adds another substantial percentage depending on the state.

Brazilian buyers should calculate taxes before placing an expensive international order.

Estimated shipping: $150–$325

Typical transit: 10–40+ business days

Chile

International swords may be imported subject to Chilean weapon and customs rules.

Buyers should verify the blade's classification before purchasing and expect potential:

• Customs processing
• Import taxes
• VAT
• Courier handling charges

Estimated shipping: $125–$300

Typical transit: 7–30 business days

Colombia

Collectors should verify Colombian regulations governing the specific sword before importation.

Customs may request identification, invoices, product information, or other supporting documentation.

Estimated shipping: $125–$300

Typical transit: 7–30 business days

Argentina

Argentina has historically maintained stronger import controls than many neighboring countries.

Buyers should verify:

• Current courier import limits
• Sword classification
• Import taxes
• Recipient identification requirements

Estimated shipping: $125–$325

Typical transit: 10–40 business days

---

Which Countries Can International Sword Sellers Ship Katanas To?

There is no completely universal list because laws change and some destinations require permits rather than banning swords entirely.

Conventional katanas can potentially be shipped to many international markets when local requirements are satisfied.

North America

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

United Kingdom and Europe

• United Kingdom, subject to applicable curved-sword exemptions
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Poland
• Sweden
• Finland
• Ireland
• Portugal
• Greece
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Romania
• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Bulgaria
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Iceland

Oceania

• Australia, subject to applicable federal and state or territory requirements
• New Zealand, subject to weapon classification

Asia

• Japan, with required authorization or registration
• Singapore, with required authorization
• Other Asian destinations where local law allows the particular sword

Africa

• South Africa
• Other destinations where local import and weapons laws permit the sword

Latin America

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Other destinations where customs and weapons laws allow the particular sword

Permit-required destinations should only receive a shipment after the buyer confirms that the necessary authorization has been obtained.

---

How Are Customs Duties Calculated?

Customs agencies generally consider:

• Purchase price
• Country of origin
• Product classification
• Shipping cost
• Insurance
• Applicable trade agreements
• Destination country

One important detail is that country of origin and country of shipment are not always the same thing.

For example, a sword sold by a U.S. company but manufactured in Japan may still have Japan listed as its country of origin for customs purposes.

Does VAT Apply to Shipping Too?

Often, yes.

This surprises many international buyers.

Several countries calculate import VAT or GST using some combination of:

Sword value + shipping + insurance + customs duty

rather than taxing only the sword itself.

This means a $1,000 sword with $200 shipping may be taxed using a value closer to $1,200 rather than only $1,000.

How Much Could a $1,000 Katana Really Cost Internationally?

The following examples are rough planning ranges rather than customs quotes.

Destination	Sword	Shipping Estimate	Main Tax	Rough Landed Budget
USA	$1,000	$75–$150	2.7% base duty plus possible origin tariffs	$1,100–$1,300+
Canada	$1,000	$75–$150	GST/HST plus possible duty	$1,175–$1,400+
Germany	$1,000	$100–$250	19% VAT plus possible duty	$1,300–$1,500+
France	$1,000	$100–$250	20% VAT plus possible duty	$1,325–$1,525+
Italy	$1,000	$100–$250	22% VAT plus possible duty	$1,350–$1,550+
Sweden	$1,000	$120–$275	25% VAT plus possible duty	$1,425–$1,600+
UK	$1,000	$100–$250	20% VAT plus possible duty	$1,325–$1,525+
Switzerland	$1,000	$120–$275	8.1% VAT plus fees	$1,225–$1,400+
Norway	$1,000	$120–$275	25% VAT	$1,400–$1,600+
Australia	$1,000	$120–$300	10% GST plus possible fees	$1,250–$1,450+
New Zealand	$1,000	$120–$300	15% GST plus levies	$1,300–$1,500+
South Africa	$1,000	$150–$350	15% VAT using import formula plus possible duty	$1,350–$1,600+
Brazil	$1,000	$150–$325	Potential federal import tax plus ICMS	Potentially $1,900+

Actual charges depend on exchange rates, country of origin, customs classification, carrier, package dimensions, insurance, and the laws in effect on the date of importation.

---

What Payment Methods Can Be Used When Ordering Internationally?

International sword purchases are normally paid before the item is shipped.

Common online payment methods include:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Shop Pay
• PayPal where offered
• Other secure online payment processors offered by the retailer

Your bank may convert the transaction into your local currency.

Depending on your bank or card provider, you may also see:

• Foreign transaction fees
• Currency conversion charges
• Exchange-rate differences

These are separate from customs taxes.

For example, buying a $1,000 sword using a card with a 3% foreign transaction fee could add approximately another $30.

When Do You Pay VAT or Customs Charges?

It depends on the shipping arrangement.

In many international shipments, the buyer first pays:

Sword + shipping at checkout

Then, after the package reaches the destination country:

Customs assesses VAT, GST, duty, or other applicable charges.

The carrier may then contact the buyer by email, text message, phone, or tracking notification requesting payment before delivery.

DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal services, and customs brokers may also charge:

• Brokerage fees
• Advancement fees
• Disbursement fees
• Customs-processing fees

What Happens If Your Sword Gets Stuck in Customs?

Do not immediately assume that the sword has been confiscated.

A customs hold can simply mean officers need:

• Your invoice
• Proof of payment
• Product description
• Identification
• An import permit
• Proof of martial arts use
• Proof that the sword qualifies for a legal exemption
• Payment of VAT or duty

Contact the carrier first. The carrier can often tell you what documentation customs has requested.

Can Customs Confiscate Your Sword?

Yes, if the sword violates the destination country's law.

However, customs inspecting a sword is not the same as confiscating it.

A normal legal shipment may be opened, inspected, repacked, and released.

The best way to reduce the risk of seizure is to:

• Research the law before ordering
• Obtain required permits first
• Order a legal blade type
• Provide accurate customs information
• Never ask a seller to disguise the contents
• Never falsely declare the value

How Should a Sword Be Described on Customs Documents?

The declaration should be truthful and specific.

Depending on the actual item, descriptions may include:

• Katana
• Japanese-style sword
• Collectible sword
• Historical reproduction sword
• Martial arts sword
• Decorative sword

The seller should not falsely describe a functional sword as an unrelated product simply to bypass customs.

Likewise, the declared value should reflect the legitimate transaction value.

Should You Insure an International Sword Shipment?

For valuable swords, usually yes.

International transportation involves:

• Aircraft
• Customs facilities
• Sorting centers
• Trucks
• Multiple transfers
• Final-mile delivery

Insurance or declared-value protection can increase shipping cost, but it can be worthwhile for a sword worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

What Happens If an International Package Is Lost?

Start with the tracking information.

If tracking stops updating for an extended period, the seller or carrier may open a lost-package investigation.

The investigation can determine whether the package:

• Is delayed
• Was incorrectly routed
• Is being held by customs
• Was damaged
• Has actually been lost

This is one reason buyers should purchase expensive swords from an established seller that provides tracking and clearly stated shipping and refund policies.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Order a Real Katana Online?

Yes, in many countries. Check the import and possession rules where you live before ordering.

Can a Sharpened Katana Be Shipped Internationally?

Often yes. Being sharpened does not automatically make a katana internationally prohibited, although some countries regulate functional swords more closely.

Do Swords Get Through Customs?

Legal swords routinely pass through customs. They can still be selected for inspection.

Does Customs Open Sword Packages?

Sometimes. Customs authorities can inspect international shipments.

Will I Have to Pay Tax on My Katana?

International buyers commonly have to pay VAT, GST, customs duty, or other import taxes.

Why Is Sword Shipping Expensive?

Swords require unusually long boxes. Carriers can charge according to dimensional weight rather than actual weight, and oversize or handling surcharges may apply.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Katana Internationally?

For one katana shipped from the United States, approximately $75–$300 is a reasonable general budgeting range for many destinations, although unusually long swords and remote locations can cost more.

How Long Does International Katana Shipping Take?

Express delivery frequently takes approximately 5–10 business days, while standard international delivery can take approximately 10–30 business days. Customs inspections can extend either timeframe.

Who Pays Customs Tax?

Unless the seller specifically states that duties are prepaid, the international recipient should expect to pay destination-country taxes and duties.

Can I Order More Than One Sword?

Potentially. However, a large shipment may be treated as a commercial import rather than a simple personal purchase.

Can I Import a Nodachi?

Potentially, but nodachi are considerably longer than ordinary katanas. Their length can substantially increase shipping costs and may create additional carrier-size restrictions.

---

Ordering a Sword Internationally From Pacific Armory

Pacific Armory ships swords internationally to customers in countries where the particular sword can legally be imported and where carrier service is available.

We can serve customers in many destinations throughout North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including countries such as:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom when the sword qualifies under applicable UK law
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Poland
• Sweden
• Finland
• Ireland
• Portugal
• Greece
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Romania
• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Bulgaria
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Australia when the buyer satisfies applicable import requirements
• New Zealand
• Japan when the buyer has the required authorization
• Singapore when the buyer has the required authorization
• South Africa
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Other countries where importation of the particular sword is lawful and carrier service is available

Permit-required destinations must satisfy their local requirements before shipment.

We understand that purchasing an expensive sword internationally requires trust. Pacific Armory provides tracked shipping so customers can follow their order as it travels through the international shipping network and customs process.

If a shipment encounters a problem, we work with the carrier to locate the package and resolve the issue. For eligible orders that are genuinely lost in transit or otherwise qualify under our shipping and refund policy, you will not simply lose your money because a carrier lost your package. We will work to get your order to you or provide the appropriate refund.

This protection does not override the buyer's responsibility to comply with local import laws or obtain any legally required permits before shipment.

If you have any further questions on shipping or want to know if we ship to your country contact us at support@pacific-armory.com

Ready to add another sword to your collection?
Shop Katanas

---

Conclusion: Know the Real Cost Before Ordering a Sword Internationally

Buying a sword internationally is entirely possible in many parts of the world, but the price shown on the product page is not always the final landed cost.

Before ordering, calculate:

Sword price
+
International shipping
+
Insurance if applicable
+
Customs duty
+
VAT or GST
+
Courier clearance fees

That gives you a much more realistic idea of what the sword will actually cost when it reaches your door.

You should also check whether your country:

• Allows the sword
• Requires an import permit
• Restricts particular blade designs
• Requires proof of martial arts, collecting, or another lawful purpose

For most international collectors, the process becomes much easier once these costs and rules are understood.

A properly documented, lawfully imported sword can travel thousands of miles, pass through international customs, and arrive safely at your door.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Weapons, customs, tax, carrier, and import regulations can change. Local laws may impose additional restrictions not covered here. Buyers are responsible for confirming that the item they purchase can legally be imported and possessed in their destination and for obtaining any required permits.