International Orders
Sheffield Knives has been supplying hand-manufactured knives to customers around the world for generations. We welcome international orders and ship to many countries outside the United Kingdom. However, importing knives is subject to the laws of the receiving country, and it is your responsibility to ensure that any order you place complies with your local regulations before ordering.
These are estimated delivery times and cannot be guaranteed. Customs inspections and local postal delays are outside our control.
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Important: Before placing an international order, please check with your country’s customs authority or a legal professional whether you require an import licence or any other documentation. Sheffield Knives will not be able to offer a refund if there is any issue with overseas delivery resulting from import restrictions, customs requirements, or local knife laws.
Before You Order
Knife import laws vary significantly from country to country. Some countries require import licences or permits, some have restrictions on blade length or knife type, and a small number prohibit the import of knives entirely. It is your responsibility to:- Check whether the specific knife you wish to purchase is legal to import into your country
- Obtain any required import licence or permit before placing your order
- Ensure the knife type, blade length and construction comply with your local laws
- Be aware of any restrictions on carrying or using knives in your country
Customs, Duties and Taxes
When your order is shipped internationally it may be subject to customs inspection and charges by the receiving country’s authorities. Please be aware of the following:- Customs duties and import taxes are the sole responsibility of the recipient and are not included in our prices or shipping charges
- Your courier (DHL, DPD, Royal Mail etc.) will typically contact you to arrange payment of any applicable duties before releasing your parcel
- Customs clearance times vary by country and may add several days to your expected delivery time
- Sheffield Knives will accurately declare the contents and value of all shipments on customs documentation — we are unable to under-declare values or mark shipments as gifts to avoid customs charges
- If a parcel is seized or refused by customs due to import restrictions, Sheffield Knives cannot be held responsible and a refund cannot be offered
Country-Specific Information
The following guidance is provided as a general overview only. Knife laws change frequently and vary by region within countries. Always verify current regulations with your local customs authority before ordering. This information does not constitute legal advice.United States of America
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US federal law prohibits the import of switchblades, gravity knives and other automatic opening knives. Individual states have their own additional knife laws which may be more restrictive than federal law. Before ordering, please check both federal regulations and the laws of your specific state. Sheffield Knives does not supply any prohibited knife types, but we recommend verifying that your chosen product is legal in your state.
Important notice for US customers: Due to current US trade regulations, we are unable to accept orders for delivery to the USA exceeding $800 USD in value. Additionally, as of 2025, all knife imports to the USA are subject to a 50% tariff regardless of value, with the previous de minimis exemption no longer applicable. Please factor this into your order.
European Union
EU member states generally permit the import of traditional fixed blade and folding knives for legitimate purposes such as hunting, fishing, collecting and professional use. However, regulations vary between member states and some countries have restrictions on blade length, locking mechanisms or specific knife types. Automatic knives, gravity knives and disguised knives are prohibited across most EU countries. VAT will be charged on imports at your country’s applicable rate. Notable country-specific restrictions within the EU include:- Germany: One-handed opening folding knives and fixed blades over certain lengths may be restricted for carrying in public
- France: Carrying knives in public is generally restricted — importing for collection or professional use is typically permitted
- Italy: Restrictions on blade length and knife type for public carry — import for legitimate purposes generally permitted
- Spain: Regional variations apply — check with local authorities
- Switzerland: Not an EU member. Switchblades and double-edged daggers are prohibited. Standard import VAT of 7.7% applies
Canada
Canada prohibits the import of automatic knives (switchblades), gravity knives, balisongs (butterfly knives) and push daggers. Fixed blade and traditional folding knives are generally permitted for import. Some provinces have additional restrictions on blade length and public carry. Sheffield Knives does not supply any Canadian-prohibited knife types. Standard customs duties and GST/HST apply to imported goods.Australia
Australia has strict knife import regulations. Importers must obtain permission from the Australian Border Force to bring certain weapons into the country, and requirements vary depending on the knife type and intended purpose. Prohibited weapons including flick knives, gravity knives and butterfly knives cannot be imported under any circumstances. Traditional and collectible knives may be importable with the appropriate permits. We strongly recommend contacting the Australian Border Force before placing an order. GST of 10% applies to imports.New Zealand
New Zealand allows the import of most traditional knives for collection or practical use. Switchblades and certain other automatic opening knives are prohibited. Standard customs duties and GST of 15% apply.Japan
Japan permits the import of knives for professional, culinary and collection purposes. Blade length restrictions apply for public carry. Double-edged daggers and blades over certain lengths are subject to restrictions. Please verify current regulations before ordering.Middle East and Gulf States
Knife import regulations vary significantly across Middle Eastern countries. Many Gulf states have strict restrictions on importing bladed weapons. We recommend seeking specific legal advice before placing an order for delivery to this region.Countries We Are Unable to Ship To
We are unable to fulfil orders to certain countries due to import restrictions, shipping limitations or legal prohibitions. If you are unsure whether we can deliver to your country, please contact us before placing an order.Shipping International Orders
Delivery Times
International delivery times vary considerably by destination and are subject to customs clearance in the receiving country. As many of our knives are made to order, please allow additional time for manufacturing before dispatch. We will contact you if there is an unexpected delay.| Region | Estimated Delivery After Dispatch |
|---|---|
| Europe (EU) | 5–10 working days (subject to customs) |
| USA and Canada | 7–14 working days (subject to customs) |
| Australia and New Zealand | 10–21 working days (subject to customs) |
| Rest of World | 10–28 working days (subject to customs) |
Tracking
All international orders are sent with a tracked service. Once your order has been dispatched you will receive a dispatch notification with tracking details so you can monitor your delivery.Packaging
All international orders are securely packaged to protect the contents during transit and to comply with carrier requirements for the shipment of bladed articles. Contents are clearly and accurately declared on all customs documentation.Returns – International Orders
If you need to return an international order, please contact us first at accountsoffice@sheffieldknives.co.uk. Please note:- You are responsible for all return postage and customs charges on international returns
- Items must be returned using a tracked and insured service — Sheffield Knives cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit
- Customs duties and taxes paid on import are not refundable by Sheffield Knives — you may be able to reclaim these from your national customs authority
- If a parcel is refused or seized by customs, a refund cannot be offered
- All other returns conditions from our Delivery & Returns policy apply
Contact Us About International Orders
Questions About Ordering?
If you have specific requirements, cannot find what you are looking for, or have any questions about ordering from outside the UK, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have been supplying customers worldwide for many years and are happy to help.Telephone: +44 (0) 114 272 3612
Email: accountsoffice@sheffieldknives.co.uk Office hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 3:30pm (UK time) Post: J. Adams Ltd, 124 Scotland Street, Sheffield, S3 7DE, United KingdomThe country-specific information on this page is provided as general guidance only and is subject to change. Knife import laws change frequently — always verify current regulations with your country’s customs authority before placing an order. Sheffield Knives accepts no liability for orders refused or seized by customs authorities. This page should be read in conjunction with our Delivery & Returns policy and Terms & Conditions.