Question. Is the US form 4457 that I believe shows proof of ownership to return to the US with my guns. Is it good indefinitely or does it have to be renewed? I got it last year and still have the originals but don't see why I would need to go through the process again but wanted to double check. Thanks.

No expiration date - but technically if you change the address listed on the front you're required to replace it. Plastic laminate each card and they'll last for years.

Kim:

Thank you. Good idea to laminate.

Justin

Yes, I do the very same thing-laminate them. Just did two more last week.

Make some certified copies, notarized, before laminating - come in handy for SAP forms...

Orvar, excellent idea! Never thought of that!
My mistake in having to return to Customs was not doing one gun at a time....whenever I changed my two gun battery, had to go back again! Now got them all on separate form. I also have my binocs and digital camera on separate forms since they are not American made....never been questioned but I don't want them being confiscated because I can't prove I got them in States.
I did redo my .416Rigby this year because I changed scopes and since the new scope is a Swarovski, listed it's serial number too.

Yup, have them on seperate forms, with copies

I do them for each new gun, and not at airport if I can avoid it... Local customs office, done in 20mins for 5 guns... And no attitude

I just make a copy when I need it and then have my secretary certify and notarize the copy when I use it. Then there is no question that the certification/notarization is not current with the SAPS application for that particular year.

I have up to 3 guns on numerous 4457 forms. Where are you only allowed one in Tampa every time I go the agent tells me to put all 3 on one form

No problem with having multiple guns on the same 4457. If you add a scope, just add it to the next 4457 as well. No need to change the old one. Just as long as you have all guns / scopes / binos / cameras, etc. and everything else you want to have no issues with, listed, you are fine.

I hdn't ever thought of laminating them. That is a great idea. I've always just had them put on the fewest forms they can fit them on and kept them. Only ran into problems in Moz. 2 Weeks before the hunt was supposed to occur, the PH called me and said that I needed to express mail a new one with only the specific firearms and scopes I was bringing. Nearest customs office is about 4 hours away. He finally got it worked out with the Moz customs.
I will borrow the idea of laminating.
Thanks. I like it when I learn something new and useful.

It amazes me that these countries require your 4457 to have something specific on it. The form is proof of ownership of items you are taking overseas to prove you don't have to pay duty on it when you return. The form ask how many items and the agent is supposed to write the number and put a slash through the blank areas.I just spoke with the supervisor in customs and he too said why are countries trying to use our forms you can put as many items as the form will hold.He made the point it is not a license for weapons.PH's or operators should be informing these people on what the form is and that you can use them for multiple items.probably like telling a stump and you have to go get a bunch of them but you should not have to.

I made a STACK of color copies of mine, then laminated them. I have the originals stashed away and don't mind handing out the color copies like candy to any official who asks for one. Worked out great and never a question by any customs officials!

Never forget, it is way easier to transport and permit a firearm into other countires than for other countries to transport and permit a firearm into the only country with a Second Amendment.....

quote:

Originally posted by LittleJoe:
Is it good indefinitely or does it have to be renewed?

It is good forever, even after you have sold the weapon to someone else. But then it is of limited usefulness.

quote:

Originally posted by gerryb:
He made the point it is not a license for weapons.

The man with whom you spoke is an ignoramus. The form is a license for open carry anywhere in Africa. What a knucklehead.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom In Tennessee:
Never forget, it is way easier to transport and permit a firearm into other countires than for other countries to transport and permit a firearm into the only country with a Second Amendment.....

Too true, Tom. As though anyone troubling to enter our nation to hunt, and who can prove it, and who brings in and declares his hunting weapons, is somehow to be feared. Awful.

It may be a license to carry in Africa but it is not a license to carry or anything else in the USA. The us customs people think that is funny. For usa citizens it is proof of ownership prior to traveling overseas period. I have to add your calling the guy names in a little on the weird side, is it because he is a supervisor at us customs or because he is from the US or because he disagrees with you, it seemed unnecesary to me.if I called him that, I doubt I would get a 4457 to prove ownership.

quote:

Originally posted by gerryb:
It may be a license to carry in Africa but it is not a license to carry or anything else in the USA. The us customs people think that is funny. For usa citizens it is proof of ownership prior to traveling overseas period. I have to add your calling the guy names in a little on the weird side, is it because he is a supervisor at us customs or because he is from the US or because he disagrees with you, it seemed unnecesary to me.if I called him that, I doubt I would get a 4457 to prove ownership.

gerry, I was kidding.

ha you never know on AR

Meanwhile , back in land of 2nd Amemedment, ny CN, RSA and ZIM friends borrow a gun rather than put up with USA BS !