Napoleonic re-enactors are disarmed by customs chaos

HISTORICAL battle re-enactment societies say customs red tape could prevent them taking part in events overseas.

Members of the UK’s leading Napoleonic re-enactment society have said post-Brexit customs rules fail to account for their firearms, leaving them at risk of having their weapons confiscated.

The Napoleonic Association is meant to be heading to the central SpanishPortuguese border this week for a reenactment of the 1810 Siege of Almeida.

But they fear they might have to wield pitchforks as Portuguese peasants instead of being British soldiers armed with muskets and rifles.

Before Brexit, re-enactors could obtain a free European licence alongside their shotgun licence, which is used for old-fashioned long arms, allowing them to travel freely with their weapons. The activity is so niche, however, that no provisions seem to exist for it under post-Brexit customs systems. Lisa Stanhope, the chair of the association, said she had been in touch with four different officials at HMRC and received conflicting advice from each.

Ms Stanhope added she had been told by French and Spanish officials as well as ferry operators that it was UK rules, not EU ones, that required them to fill out complex and expensive forms.

The re-enactors, whose outfits can cost more than £1,000, say that the cost and uncertainty are putting them off.

“What you can’t risk is having your beautiful, historically accurate and expensive weapon taken off you by a customs officer who doesn’t know the rules,” said Ms Stanhope. “We’re not rich guys going off on a hunting holiday, which seems to be totally catered for,” said re-enactor Richard Cocker.

An HMRC spokesman said: “The EU determines what is required to import goods into member states. We are working on providing clearer guidance that addresses the requirements on temporarily moving items to the EU.”