LASER Pointers...Again

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Apologies in advanced as I know this topic has been done to death on IIS.

What are the rules to owning a 5mW LASER Pointer in Queensland, in particular can a traveller bring one back through customs?

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Resourc...nters%20V2.pdf

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by ghsmith45

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Resourc...nters%20V2.pdf

Thanks Geoff

[Peter Ward]

Ah... one of my favorite chestnuts...

Sadly, these coherent light producing flashlights have been elevated to "firearms" status by legislators that frankly don't have a clue.

..and despite over 20,000 (maybe more) laser tags of various aircraft to date, there has not been a single safety consequence....in fact I have struggled to find a single laser injury/safety consequence. Period.

I'd also imagine, if a 1.9 metre, 130 Kg Hell's-Angel bikie was just about to rearrange your anatomy, he'd back off in an instant, realizing you were packing a 20 mW LASER!

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Hans,
Just be grateful you're not trying to bring it in through Tullamarine!
They are illegal (above 1mW) in Victoria.

[Barrykgerdes]

I am interested in getting one of those lasers that were shown in the news yesterday. The ones that can shoot down a plane. Do you think I could get it through customs?

Barry

[Ric]

Watch out Barry, you'll be getting louds knocks on the door saying things like that.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Barrykgerdes

I am interested in getting one of those lasers that were shown in the news yesterday. The ones that can shoot down a plane. Do you think I could get it through customs?

Know anyone in defense who could get one "for evaluation"? They shouldn't have a problem with customs.

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

Hans,
Just be grateful you're not trying to bring it in through Tullamarine!
They are illegal (above 1mW) in Victoria.

I asked the question on behalf of another person (resident of QLD) whom posed the question to me. I had no answer and I knew someone on IIS would.

I knew there were strict rules in Victoria but I didn't know they were illegal. I had thought of buying one, a 5mW, but I guess I can forget about it now.

[MichaelSW (Michael)]

Hans,

For private importation of 20 mW Max Output laser pointer in Queensland, the Customs and Border Protection guidelines are set out at http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...PersonTest.pdf The "Test" you need to satisfy if Customs is to grant permission is the Specified Persons Test. It's all in the above guidelines.

The application to Import is made using Form B710 at http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...710AUG2009.pdf

And thanks to Geoff for the link to QPOL information sheet.

[Shano592 (Shane)]

I'll have a wander around some of the electronics markets tomorrow.

I am in China now ... I think you would probably be wanting say, a 500W diode of doom?

You may need a portable generator to power the thing though ... and don't even ask me about a lens!! Maybe something out of an Ethos ...

</jk>

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I wish life was so simple....
See my previous thread re-importing lasers into Vic.
You need a Deputy Commissioner of Police permit and pay $170........

[doppler (Rick)]

Two different sets of laws regarding lasers are involved here. Federal (customs) and state (police) and a definition (laser and laser pointer).

A laser "pointer" is a restricted import item (customs), all other laser items ie laser light projectors, modules and parts are not restricted. You can legally import the parts needed to assemble a pointer (in separate packages of course). Your state law might say its illegal to put the parts together though.

State laws do vary, but most do allow members of registered astronomy clubs to posses and use low powered laser pointers.

Then comes the definition. A mains powered laser does not come under the definition of "hand held" and is perfectly legal anywhere in Australia. Most laser modules run on 3-5 volts so you can power them of a mobile phone charger and fix them to a scope to use as a finder scope.

Rick

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Rick,
I repeat:
Customs in Victoria will not allow the importation of hand held laser pointers (>1mW) without Police authority.
Membership of the ASV etc carries no weight in Victoria.
I can't comment on your other suugestions.

[MichaelSW (Michael)]

Further to Ken's warning about Laser Pointers being imported into Victoria and requirement for Vic Pol Permit:-

Before you start down the private importation process, contact the FIREARMS & WEAPONS Section of Australian Customs and Border Protection in Canberra. These are NOT the people you will talk to when you phone the Customs Information Line 1300 363263. Ask to be put through to the Firearms and Weapons Section, and ask them what specific Police requirements, if any, need to be met by you for your particular State.

I am currently going through the process for a Queensland Importation, and as mentioned in earlier post:-

For private importation of 20 mW Max Output laser pointer in Queensland, the Customs and Border Protection guidelines are set out at http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...PersonTest.pdf The "Test" you need to satisfy if Customs is to grant permission is the Specified Persons Test. It's all in the above guidelines.

The application to Import is made using Form B710 at http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...710AUG2009.pdf

[caveastola]

If you don't want to do the paper work it is legal to import the parts ie laser module and then make your own housing or import a housing to suit the module. It is only illegal to import ready made laser pointers over 1 mw.

Its up to your local state laws about the legalites of posessing the finished product.

If you fix and wire a laser module to your scope tracking power supply it does not come under the classifiication of a laser pointer (it is not hand held) and is therefor not restricted by law anywhere in Australia.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4372.asp read the bottom of the page about laser modules.

Because a laser beam is less than 1 mm thick it is only visible for a few meters at 90 degrees, bright when standing and viewing from behind but brightest when the beam is pointing towards you. So if you dont point it at people or planes only you and your friends will enjoy the beam and no one else will ever know that you have one.

cheers cav

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

This is one reason for me joining an Astro club. Being a member, you are permitted to have and use a laser pointer (as per the NSW police legislation in the link provided below). It's my insurance policy when I'm doing a star viewing for the public and someone declares "HEY! You're not allowed to have one of those, you freaking terrorist!" (has happened, )

[Ric]

Originally Posted by mental4astro

It's my insurance policy when I'm doing a star viewing for the public and someone declares "HEY! You're not allowed to have one of those, you freaking terrorist!" (has happened, )

That's really sad to hear Alex.

Some people just have the IQ of a worn thong.

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Ric

That's really sad to hear Alex.

Some people just have the IQ of a worn thong.

Don't insult worn thongs Ric.

[ChrisM]

Just to confirm, in Victoria: "Control of Weapons Regulations 2011 - SCHEDULE 3

PROHIBITED WEAPONS

33. A hand-held battery-operated article commonly known as a "laser pointer" designed or adapted to emit a laser beam with an accessible emission limit of greater than 1 mW."




I would have no hesitation using one with a few tens of mW output, provided that it was bolted to my scope and powered not from within itself - that is, it couldn't be readily demounted and used by hand. As an added safety precaution, I would install a key switch in series with the laser on/off switch.