Maybe I've missed it on a previous post but according to PHASA's web site one of the requirements for the temporary import of firearms into South Africa is Proof of Export. It states that clients must obtain documentation from an official government institution, police/customs, for legally exporting firearms. What do you do if your local police department won't help with this?

They'd probably accept the Customs Form 4457 as proof of sanctioned export (for personal use).

George

Thanks George. I know it depends on the mood of the police officer on duty but the proof of export requirement on PHASA's web site states that this documentation must be written in English and state the following: "It is hereby certified that the owner of the firearm(s) M (state particulars) with calibre (state the calibre), serial number (state the serial number) and type (state type of weapon) is herby authorized to temporarily export the above firearm(s) from country (state the country)."

use US custom form 4457 (assuming you are from the USA) that's all you'll need
go to any US Customs office and take your guns,camera, binos etc along with all serial numbers listed for them on a sheet of paper. It is no big deal for them they do it every day.
Then you'll have proof of ownership.
BTW You'll need it upon your retun as well to the USA
(all else fails a pair of US 20s folded and slid into the right palm on a handshake goes a long way in getting most anything in any part of Africa)

How would one go about locating the nearest customs agent in there state? Otherewise you say the local police department can normally handle this.

7mm. guy

The Customs form 4457 is your proof of ownership. The proof of export is an additional regirement in addition to the customs form 4457.

Just do what I do; stay the hell away from RSA.

George

quote:

Originally posted by 7mm. guy:
How would one go about locating the nearest customs agent in there state? ...<snip>....

7mm. guy

Registration for Dutiable Personal Articles Prior to U.S. Departure
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing_goods/certificate_of_registration.xml

Ports Of Entry
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/

Travel Spotlight
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/

quote:

Originally posted by Robo:
Thanks George. I know it depends on the mood of the police officer on duty but the proof of export requirement on PHASA's web site states that this documentation must be written in English and state the following: "It is hereby certified that the owner of the firearm(s) M (state particulars) with calibre (state the calibre), serial number (state the serial number) and type (state type of weapon) is herby authorized to temporarily export the above firearm(s) from country (state the country)."

Maybe some of our fellow users/posters you have been to RSA recently can help shed some light on this "proof of export" issue. Did anyone need anything besides the 4457 form?

-Bob F.

I just talked to the customs inspector at the Harrisburg Pa. Office. She knew nothing about this and stated that all I would need was the 4457 form, which is signed and bears the seal of US Customs. I emailed my PH to have him check on this, and I hope he gets back to me soon. I leave for RSA on Friday 4/29, so I guess I need to know soon. I suspect that I could convince my local sherrif to do this for me if it needs to be done. Hopefully some of the PHs in RSA will respond to this and let us know.

I'm leaving for RSA on 4/23, and have just gone through the whole thing with a company that meets you on arrival and handles the customs/gun permit process for you. All they need for proof of ownership is the 4457 form. That shows the firearms are legally in your posession in the US.

It is actually more complex to come up with all the other forms SAP520 (new), invitation letter(s) from safari operator, letter of application to Central Firearms Register, copy of passport picture page, etc.

What government official in the US is going to give you the "proof of export"? None that I know of. Type up that form and place it in front of a Customs agent for signature and just wait, he/she isn't going to sign it. RSA shouldn't be imposing specific export requirements on other countries, that is ridiculous.

I suspect a Form 4457 is all you need. RSA has seen thousands of US hunters since the new law, have we heard of any of them having trouble with just the Form 4457?

Regards,

Terry

I hope you are right Terry and Conewago. I can just imagine my presenting this form to my local sherrif and can see his reaction now.

This is the requirement for proof of ownership as I understand it:
7. Proof of ownership of your firearms in the form of
· A letter from your local sheriff in the form of an affidavit confirming ownership or
· An invoice from the gun shop where you purchased the firearms or
· A copy of your firearms license or
· US Customs form 4457, which must be in only your name for only your firearms in your hand when you enter South Africa!

Whatever you use, be sure it lists make, model, serial number of all guns you carry with you and no others. I'd still recommend Customs as they are used to getting stuff into and out of the country all the time. Good luck.

I took 2 rifles into SA on 3/28/05 and and they accepted without question my US Customs 4457 form. They did photocopy all the required paper work.

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Just do what I do; stay the hell away from RSA.

George

Ouch!

But I follow the same policy.

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Just do what I do; stay the hell away from RSA.

George

One last stupid question what if our trip taskes us through RSA on the way to WIndhoek {sp}?

7mm. guy

7mm. guy,

If you are overnighting in RSA, then you have to get RSA's firearm import permit. If you are just connecting to your flight and your bags and guns are transferred by the airlines, then no import permit needed.

See Similar Topic

Regards,

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by 7mm. guy:

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Just do what I do; stay the hell away from RSA.

George

One last stupid question what if our trip taskes us through RSA on the way to WIndhoek {sp}?

7mm. guy

Talk to your PH; he should be aware of the regs and should guide you through this process.

George

I got this reply from PHASA when I emailed them about this "proof of export" thingy.

quote:

The USA Customs Office is correct. It also states on the website that a 4457 is enough for USA Citizens, BUT it must be stamped by the customs people. (For USA Citizens a Customs Declaration Form 4457, that is officially stamped, is essential.) Regards, Marianna

A form 4457 has been working for many years and it is still acceptable...All of my clients use that form and I send about 50 hunters a year to RSA, never a problem...The only thing that has changed is the new SAPP forms..