FIREARMS AND REGULATIONS

IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS
(Updated – August 2004) - Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes, will be asked to fill in a SAP 520 – Temporary Import Application which is available from your outfitter, or which can be downloaded off the SAPS Website at www.saps.gov.za, or which can be filled out on arrival. We would suggest filling in the form beforehand to save the processing time at the Police Office.

REQUIRED FORMS

SAP 520 to import fire arms

Example of Invitation Letter

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SAP 520 FORM

-1. Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
-2. The form must be left unsigned until the document is
     finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit.
-3. Please note that not all sections of the form apply. Visitors bringing their own firearms in      for hunting purposes should concentrate on filling in the following:
     Section D – (temporary import or export permit)
     Section E – 1 – 25.4
     Section G
     Section I – (Must fill in all details requested)
     Section J - (remember do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ALONG WITH THE SAP 520:


-1. Identity and Flight Details
     a. Passport
     b. Return Airline Ticket
-2. Other Supporting Documentation
     a. Proof of Ownership:
         Firearm licenses, documentary proof, etc.
         For USA Citizens, Customs Declaration Form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable
     b. Proof of Export:
         Documentary proof of export from the country of origin
     c. Motivation Letter from Client:
         This is a letter from the client stating that he is temporarily importing the referred to
         firearm/s for the purpose of hunting, to include that the firearm/s are required as he
         will be hunting (list the species to be hunted), etc.
     d. Invitation Letter from the Hunting Outfitter:
         This is supporting documentation from the Hunting Outfitter/company with whom the
         client will be hunting, to include full name of company, full contact details and address,

         dates and location where the client will be hunting and confirming that the applicant
         will be using the specific firearms as applied for.
     e. Any Other Supporting Documents:

Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.

For visitors clearing customs at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport, please take note of the following procedure to be followed on arrival:

-1. Clear passport control in the Terminal where your flight arrives
     (generally SAA and its co-partners at Terminal 2 and all other airlines at Terminal 1).
-2. Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage, then
     proceed to the respective Airline Help Desk to pick up firearm/s from the
     airline company and sign a receipt for the firearm/s. Ask the Airline Help Desk to direct
      you to the South African Police Firearm Office. Depending on the terminal where you
     arrive, they may need to escort you to the Office.
-3. Proceed to the South African Police Firearm Office
     (Do not at this point proceed to customs)
-4. On receipt of the temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office, proceed to
     Customs, the Red Zone, where you declare the firearm/s and finish other custom
      clearance procedures.

For those visitors clearing customs at any of the other international points of entry, please take note of the relevant information made above which relates to documentation requirements, etc.