Can I use american 2 way radios in UK?

[chazza55]

I am looking to get a pair of 2 way radios.

I have noticed that ones sold in america are much cheaper and have much greater ranges than UK.

I believe UK use 8 channels....but I notice that most american ones have more than 8 available (usually 22).

My question is: Am I able to use american import radios legally in the UK??

I really would like to as they seem far superior and better value.

Examples:

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0063956229651a.s html

vs.

http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=136435

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

thank you

[Buenchico]

It's a criminal offence to attempt to import into the UK any radio transmitting equipment which does not comply with Ofcom regulations (which American 2-way radios don't).

If your package is intercepted by HMRC, it will be confiscated and you could face prosecution.

If you did manage to get the radios past the customs checks, it would an imprisonable offence to use them in the UK. Additionally, since they operate on different frequencies to UK-approved equipment - and at higher power levels - you would probably cause interference to legitimate users of those frequencies.

Chris