ICE has issued a new guidance clearing up the regulatory fiasco of travel by US citizens with firearms for hunting abroad.

ICE Guidance

In typical federal fashion, the FAQs on the linked page have not been updated to reflect the new guidance!

Here's a link to the applicable regulations.

15 CMR 740.14

One can only hope that this will end the practice by some CBP offices and officers of hassling hunters about AES registration.

Thank you Mike,

Some good information to print off and add to the paperwork that I normally have a copy of.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
ICE has issued a new guidance clearing up the regulatory fiasco of travel by US citizens with firearms for hunting abroad.

ICE Guidance

...

On that link it says

quote:

...travelers must file a CBP form 4457

does this mean we have to get firearms listed on form 4457 like we always did or on top of that we also need to file it with CBP prior to the flight?

Thanks.

thank you!

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
ICE has issued a new guidance clearing up the regulatory fiasco of travel by US citizens with firearms for hunting abroad.

ICE Guidance


...

On that link it says

quote:

...travelers must file a CBP form 4457

does this mean we have to get firearms listed on form 4457 like we always did or on top of that we also need to file it with CBP prior to the flight?

Thanks.

My understanding is that it's just business as usual (before all of the AES nonsense) - get your 4457 and show it to CBP when they inspect your firearm both outbound and inbound.

Great question. I had the same one. Appreciate the clarification as well. Bureaucratic language is often chosen poorly. Like the “file” requirement for the 4457. A better phrasing would refer to “a properly obtained form 4457”.

But it’s a real plus that they finally moved away from the AES nonsense. Been through that at DFW with my passport locked in a plastic box while I waited for a clearance interview. CBP agent finally asked what I was doing in the little room with my little box and some sketchy company around me. I shrugged and he turned me lose. Sheesh.

Frankly I don’t see how anything has been cleared up. In “Firearms in baggage determination quiz” it leads you to question 3. At the bottom it says this

“ A license exemption likely applies therefore: An Export License is not required.

With less than three firearms or 1,000 rounds of ammunition there is a license exemption available.

Anyone who falls into this category MUST file the electronic export information in AESDirect.”

There appears to be conflicting information here but the last sentence does say that you have to file an EEI in AES direct.

Am I reading that wrong?

No. The FAQs have not been updated to reflect the new regulations and guidance.

It’s the federal government at its confusing best.

Thanks, Mike. Believe you're right and they have failed to update the FAQ's. Thanks for posting this have made two copies of both the ICE Guidance and the CFR so can give one to any official who needs the update....

Regards, Tim

Speaking of form 4457, is the SAPS rejecting any of these that are not current or have expired dates on the form?

yes they have. you must have a new one with the year of your hunt stamped in red on it.

Folks,

I recommend that everyone of my clients gets a new 4457 before each safari just to avoid any possible hassle.

Mark