r.

One thing I'm not understanding is that if I need to get the variance before I can buy a laser, how can I get an un-certified laser up to par and certified without having it in my possession?


unless customs catches you, nothing. It rarely happens, but it is happening more frequently. If you buy it as OEM components, and declare it properly. nothing Buy it from US sources, nothing.

Its a catch 22, you want to obey, but many people don't

You should have no trouble finding sources of hardware. If you want to do it right, we will help you here at PL.

Steve