The other thread on the new requirements after July 1 have started to contradict that of the SAPS regulations posted on the SAPS website. Unless I have read them incorrectly a "Tag" with a unique identification number would be affixed to the firearm and remain there while the gun was in South Africa.

If the gun was not Temporarily Imported or In Transit then the Identification number would need to be engraved, stencilled or etched to a depth of at least 0.2 mm.

Are the regulations changing from that posted on the SAPS site? Is there not a way to place a Tag on a rifle without having to etch a number into the metal?



Identification marks on firearms

28. (1) Any permanently imported firearm which does not have a manufacturer�s
serial number or which has a manufacturer�s serial number that duplicates
with a similar make, model, type and calibre firearm that appears on the
Central Firearms Register, must for the purpose of its licensing in the Republic
of South Africa, have the additional identification mark determined by the
Registrar under section 23(4) of the Act, stamped on the barrel and the
frame, or the barrel and the receiver of the firearm in accordance with the
provisions of this regulation, subject to the provisions of section 23(3) of the
Act. An identification mark can be engraved, stencilled or etched on the
barrel and the frame or the barrel and the receiver of the firearm on the
circumstances determined by the Registrar and with prior approval from the
Registrar.

(2) An identification number contemplated in section 23(2) of the Act must be
stamped, engraved, stencilled or etched to a depth of at least 0.2 mm.

(3) A firearm that is temporarily imported or in-transit through the Republic of
South Africa which does not have a manufacturer�s serial number stamped on
the barrel, frame or the receiver of the firearm or which has a manufacturer�s
serial number stamped on the barrel or the receiver of the firearm that
duplicates with a similar make, model, type and calibre firearm that appears
on the Central Firearms Register, must be allocated with a unique firearm
identification number by the Registrar and such number must be affixed to
the firearm in the form of a tag securely affixed to the firearm and that
number must remain on the firearm for the period that the firearm remains in
the Republic of South Africa.

John,

It say's at the the top of the FAQ section that the last update was 5/11/2000.......I actually find that hard to believe, but that's the date on the site.

From the xperiences I've had with the various parties concerned, no-one seems to know what goes on from one day to the next. Probably the best thing anyone can do is consult their particular outfitter and ask for their opinion.

In the interim, we're offering our clients the opportunity to borrow one of our loaner rifles and use our ammunition at no charge......but that decision will be up to each individual outfitter.

I read this simply as a requirement that the temporarily imported firearm have at least ONE UNIQUE serial number on the barrel, OR frame OR receiver. If not, they will attach a tag. So no amateur engravers at the airport, and you can all breathe a sigh of relief.