Taking saws abroad

[Bob Slade]

Taken saws over to France loads of times, make sure they are empty of fuel and the bars and chains are off. knives are a bit of a grey area, if you have one (and you should) with your climbing harness either bury it under all the other kit or lock it away in the boot. Last time i went they did ask me if i had any knives but i just said no but I've got chainsaws, axes, bill hooks, turning chisels, gouges, a froe and....... thats as far as i got before they asked me to open the bonnet to have my engine compartment searched.

[born2trot]

Chainsaw not a problem . French customs took my knife off me ( was quite a large survival type though )

[KevR]

I live in France and I'm backwards and forwards all the time. Not always with saws, but always with the car stuffed full, often with all sorts of potentially hazardous gear including welding gas and big scary tools. Never had the slightest problem. As has been said though, they're not keen on full jerry cans etc.

[SPC Trees]

It would be quite un-business minded to not allow tools so it makes sense really. Good to know it shouldn't be a problem.

[NFG]

Hi,

 

I took a saw via Brittany Ferries to France a while ago, wrote a letter to them explaining it would be dry & with B&C plus spark plug removed, got a letter back saying thats fine, just tell the people on the gate & show copy of letter.

 

However, I would contact who ever you intend to travel with & check their requirements, they may have changed.

 

 

N

[Mick Dempsey]

I've taken the ferry numerous times with saws, never any bother, just empty the fuel tank,

Jerry cans can be problematic however.

[Riggerbear]

I've taken saws on the ferry to France many times over the last 8 years, never had a problem.

[borris]

I do it on an almost monthly basis and have no problems. Inform them at the gate and they will tell you what to do. Also take the chipper and stumper on occasion and no probs.

 

A few times on BF i have been told to put on hazards and get escorted onto boat and away from truck, rent-a-cops and jobs worths mostly on customs and almost always on the UK side.

 

Borris

[FatherJack]

My experience has been that it's usual the "security" knobs on the UK side who cause issues. If they see you with a van full of kit, they'll pull you in for an inspection, and they love confiscating knives. Hide your legal knives, and anything that is coloured orange as they are blind most other colours.

[StephF]

Hi all,

 

Got a possible job in France coming up and wondered if anybody has any experience in taking chainsaws, climbing kit etc... over there on the ferry? Just simply a case of taking saws dry I assume?

 

Thanks,

We've taken all our kit in the back of l200' just a soft roll down cover, on the ferry, to France, never had any problems at customs checks. They were more interested in what cheeses etc I'd bought back when they looked under the cover for illegal immigrants hiding!