crypto import to the UK

lists@notatla.demon.co.uk lists at notatla.demon.co.uk
Thu, 13 Aug 1998 02:17:17 +0100


[A slightly edited version (for list-relevence)
 of a mail I sent a year ago to some people...]


I bought a CD from Remo Pini which has this on the outside
of the packaging:

   Since exporting some of the included programs and sources from
   the USA is prohibited under the ARMS TRAFFICKING ACT, this
   CD may not be reexported from that respective country.  Importing
   it on the other hand is NOT considered arms trafficking!?!  [1]

After being selected for a bag & pocket search in the 'Nothing to declare'
channel at UK customs I had to explain this for about 15 mins to 3 officers
without a clue between them.

Questions like: 'The US restricts this. Why? It must be bad stuff.'

I got it in, but they did mention the possibility of detaining it
for inspection.  How about putting legal notices on the CD itself
so only the user sees them ?



1) Remo's CD dates from the ITAR, not the BXA, period.

--
##############################################################
# Antonomasia   ant@notatla.demon.co.uk                      #
# See http://www.notatla.demon.co.uk/                        #
##############################################################