IMPORTANT: Immediate Changes to South African Firearm Registration Guidelines for American Hunters

[JimP]

The problems are going to start when 2020 comes around and they are still using the forums dated 2019.

 

[mdwest]

The problems are going to start when 2020 comes around and they are still using the forums dated 2019.

Namibia here I come...

Problem solved...

I've found that voting with my wallet usually helps me find satisfaction in these sort of situations...

Their country their rules...

But...

My wallet, my choice as to whether I want to play their game in the first place..

Just my 2 pesos...

 

[Hogpatrol]

Look at the bright side. The more difficult the travel. The more onerous the regulation. The more complicated the permits. The more complex the pre-authorizations. The more harassment upon entry and exit.....

Demand decreases.

Thus, with decreased demand will reduce the price of safaris for those willing to endure it all.

So the good news is for those that stick it out, you'll get great deals as the whole safari biz circles the drain! :/

I'm not sure if this is a silver lining after all.

Hopefully with some change in our administration and a sympathetic ear to hunters, some of the onerous restrictions enacted
previously will be eased. On RSA's end, they've seen the numbers but are increasing impediments. Hard to figure that one.

 

[JMM]

Yes, I will also vote with my wallet. I am going to Namibia.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

ALERT UPDATE: South Africa Will Accept Form 4457s Without Expiration Dates Only If They Are Issued in 2017

Mar 27, 2017
SCI has been informed by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) that the South African Police Service will accept U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 4457s without expiration dates only if they are issued in 2017.

Last week, we alerted you that PHASA had notified us that the South African Police Service’s Central Firearms Desk had announced that they would no longer accept United States Department of Homeland Security Certificates of Registration, commonly known as CBP Form 4457s, if the date in the top right hand corner of the form had expired.

SCI received many questions from members who are in possession of Form 4457s that have no expiration dates. SCI learned that CBP has been issuing at least two different types of Form 4457s. At local offices (e.g., in airports), CBP officials have been issuing Form 4457s without expiration dates, but the Form 4457s downloadable from the CBP website bear an expiration date in the upper right hand corner.

SCI’s Hunter Advocacy Department contacted PHASA for clarification about how South Africa would treat Form 4457s that have no expiration date. PHASA advised us that the South African Central Firearms Control Register will only accept Form 4457s without an expiration date if the form was stamped in 2017.

PHASA acknowledged that South Africa has previously accepted forms without an expiration date and stamped prior to 2017. However, PHASA’s communication with the Central Firearms Control Register confirms that, effective immediately, South Africa will no longer accept those forms.

Many SCI members have correctly notified us that CBP has allowed those traveling with firearms to use the same Form 4457 on multiple occasions. However, South Africa is not bound by U.S. practices and has the ability to apply rules and restrictions that are different than those imposed by the U.S.

The new Form 4457 can be found online here. SCI members with questions about the process for obtaining a valid Form 4457 should contact the Customs and Border Protection Information Center directly. The CBP Info Center is open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time. You can ask your question via email or by calling (877) 227-5511. If you are outside the U.S., you must call 1 (202) 325-8000.

Those needing additional assistance may contact SCI’s Office of Hunter Advocacy at (202) 543-8733 or may email hunteradvocacy@safariclub.org.

SCI also encourages members to defer to PHASA’s recommendations and their travel protocols when hunting in South Africa. PHASA recommends hunting clients pre-apply, through a reputable, registered meet-and-greet agency, for temporary import/export of firearms and/or transit permits.

SCI recognizes that this new information from South Africa poses new obligations for hunters who wish to travel with their firearms. SCI will continue to work on this issue to independently confirm this new information from South Africa and to hopefully find ways to lessen the burden on U.S. hunters planning travel to South Africa.



Source: Safari Club international (SCI)

 

[BRICKBURN]

 

[PWD]

Why would you go thru the hastle when you can just rent a gun from the outfitter. I have hunted New Zealand twice and South Africa once. I rented a gun all three times. Go thru customs with no hastles. Plus in South Africa I got to hunt with a suppressor for the first time in my life. Really nice. Plus no need to get a permit to travel thru Holland and or France. Plus no need to carry your gun when sightseeing. I don't know why anyone would want to carry their own gun.

 

[BRICKBURN]

........ I don't know why anyone would want to carry their own gun.

Cause I like them.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I don't know why anyone would want to carry their own gun.

HUH? My .02, One should hunt with the rifle they are comfortable, capable and proficient at shooting. From what I've seen in over 60 years of pulling triggers, that's not likely to happen with a borrowed firearm. When I place the crosshairs on the boilerroom, I want to be 100% certain that the animal will be humanely killed. Chasing after game with poorly placed shots with unfamiliar, rental firearms? Not in my playbook. YMMV.

 

[Therack]

The date in the corner won't matter, it looks like the stamp will need to be the current year we are hunting. This poses a problem for me. I live 8 hours round trip from a customs office and have to take an UNPAID day off of work and pay for the fuel. I then have to pay for someone to handle my SAP 520 permit. Congratulations to the South African government for making my gun permits cost $1000.00. I most likely won't visit RSA again because of this.

 

[Hogpatrol]

The date in the corner won't matter, it looks like the stamp will need to be the current year we are hunting. This poses a problem for me. I live 8 hours round trip from a customs office and have to take an UNPAID day off of work and pay for the fuel. I then have to pay for someone to handle my SAP 520 permit. Congratulations to the South African government for making my gun permits cost $1000.00. I most likely won't visit RSA again because of this.

The ratings agencies just reclassified RSA government debt to JUNK bonds. What can we expect from a country ruled by a grade school dropout with six wives? The rand is headed to 14:1 now.
From this chair, they could care less about the hunters. I'm with you. I have one trip planned for this fall but that'll be it for me. Namibia is on the horizon next time.

 

[Areaonereal]

It would be beneficial for all if the RSA, SAPS, explain for their reasoning in requiring the 4457 to be dated in the current year that it is used. I would also like to understand what other forms of ownership of a firearm that would be acceptable or in this case that would would replace the 4457, which would pass muster in the eyes of SAPS.

 

[George2014]

In seeing this alert (thank you africahunting) I called up the local office who stamped my 4457 on an 'expired' form only a few weeks ago. He said he has the forms printed (with expired dates) and would not be printing the newer 4457 form off the website unless directed to do so. So I'm in a pickle (leaving for Africa in a month) and will either have to go down there and try to reason with him, escalate to his supervisor or chance going with and 'expired' form. Thoughts?

 

[Therack]

In seeing this alert (thank you africahunting) I called up the local office who stamped my 4457 on an 'expired' form only a few weeks ago. He said he has the forms printed (with expired dates) and would not be printing the newer 4457 form off the website unless directed to do so. So I'm in a pickle (leaving for Africa in a month) and will either have to go down there and try to reason with him, escalate to his supervisor or chance going with and 'expired' form. Thoughts?

Trim off the top of the form with some scissors and make the date disappear.

 

[Hogpatrol]

In seeing this alert (thank you africahunting) I called up the local office who stamped my 4457 on an 'expired' form only a few weeks ago. He said he has the forms printed (with expired dates) and would not be printing the newer 4457 form off the website unless directed to do so. So I'm in a pickle (leaving for Africa in a month) and will either have to go down there and try to reason with him, escalate to his supervisor or chance going with and 'expired' form. Thoughts?

Are you just going to show up and get the permit on the spot in Jo'burg or use an agency for pre-approval? Pre-approval, just white out or otherwise remove the expiration date.

 

[Areaonereal]

You print the most current form off the net with the latest expiration..2018...fill in the form yourself with your name, address and description of the items. Take it with your items to the Customs office and ask for them to stamp, sign and date. I did that locally..no problem...hope you get it done. Just too bad the Government agencies are not cooperating with your request. It is their job, and it can not be that difficult..just put down the coffee cup, donut, and do it.

 

[George2014]

You print the most current form off the net with the latest expiration..2018...fill in the form yourself with your name, address and description of the items. Take it with your items to the Customs office and ask for them to stamp, sign and date. I did that locally..no problem...hope you get it done. Just too bad the Government agencies are not cooperating with your request. It is their job, and it can not be that difficult..just put down the coffee cup, donut, and do it.

Not a bad idea - put a coffee cup stain over the date and maybe they won't notice. Yeah that guy had a bit of an attitude. said he wouldn't print or accept printed form other than his - which are expired. nice!

 

[Heeler75]

ALERT UPDATE: South Africa Will Accept Form 4457s Without Expiration Dates Only If They Are Issued in 2017

Mar 27, 2017
SCI has been informed by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) that the South African Police Service will accept U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 4457s without expiration dates only if they are issued in 2017.

Last week, we alerted you that PHASA had notified us that the South African Police Service’s Central Firearms Desk had announced that they would no longer accept United States Department of Homeland Security Certificates of Registration, commonly known as CBP Form 4457s, if the date in the top right hand corner of the form had expired.

SCI received many questions from members who are in possession of Form 4457s that have no expiration dates. SCI learned that CBP has been issuing at least two different types of Form 4457s. At local offices (e.g., in airports), CBP officials have been issuing Form 4457s without expiration dates, but the Form 4457s downloadable from the CBP website bear an expiration date in the upper right hand corner.

SCI’s Hunter Advocacy Department contacted PHASA for clarification about how South Africa would treat Form 4457s that have no expiration date. PHASA advised us that the South African Central Firearms Control Register will only accept Form 4457s without an expiration date if the form was stamped in 2017.

PHASA acknowledged that South Africa has previously accepted forms without an expiration date and stamped prior to 2017. However, PHASA’s communication with the Central Firearms Control Register confirms that, effective immediately, South Africa will no longer accept those forms.

Many SCI members have correctly notified us that CBP has allowed those traveling with firearms to use the same Form 4457 on multiple occasions. However, South Africa is not bound by U.S. practices and has the ability to apply rules and restrictions that are different than those imposed by the U.S.

The new Form 4457 can be found online here. SCI members with questions about the process for obtaining a valid Form 4457 should contact the Customs and Border Protection Information Center directly. The CBP Info Center is open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time. You can ask your question via email or by calling (877) 227-5511. If you are outside the U.S., you must call 1 (202) 325-8000.

Those needing additional assistance may contact SCI’s Office of Hunter Advocacy at (202) 543-8733 or may email hunteradvocacy@safariclub.org.

SCI also encourages members to defer to PHASA’s recommendations and their travel protocols when hunting in South Africa. PHASA recommends hunting clients pre-apply, through a reputable, registered meet-and-greet agency, for temporary import/export of firearms and/or transit permits.

SCI recognizes that this new information from South Africa poses new obligations for hunters who wish to travel with their firearms. SCI will continue to work on this issue to independently confirm this new information from South Africa and to hopefully find ways to lessen the burden on U.S. hunters planning travel to South Africa.



Source: Safari Club international (SCI)

Y'all know a PDF document can be saved as word document don't you??? Hint, Hint.

 

[robertq]

I recommend that anyone going to hunt in RSA this year, tell your outfitter that you had to take a day off from work to travel to get a NEW 4457 and that extra money you were going to spend with them hunting went toward expenses for the new 4457.....Problem solved......

 

[George2014]

Are you just going to show up and get the permit on the spot in Jo'burg or use an agency for pre-approval? Pre-approval, just white out or otherwise remove the expiration date.

In the past - have arrived a Jo'burg with paperwork and got approval there.