South Africa Export Laws

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coltsfreak18

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This June I am travelling to South Africa for a hunting trip, and I am unable to find certain regulations regarding exportation of firearms. I have no problem bringing my rifle (300 Win Mag) into the country; however, immediately following this trip, I am going to Rome. I need to get my gun shipped back stateside, and I don't know the laws regarding to that transfer. If it needs to go to an FFL, I can do that easily, but if this is impossible to do, I can use the resident's guns (not preferable).
 
One of the first things you need to do is call your closest DHS (formerly U.S. Customs Service) to register your fiream on a form 4457 or 4455. If you have your bill of sale it's a good idea to make some copies and keep them handy too. When you arrive back in the states you just present your 4457 or 4455 to the inspector and it's your's.
 
Ok, thanks; however, is there any way to SHIP the rifle back to the states via Fedex or UPS freight or something, as I am going straight from Africa to Rome on an unrelated trip, and I wouldn't like to deal with my gun while cruising the Mediterranean and Germany.

Edit: Are you saying that I can ship it back to the US, but when I get back, I present the form to customs and receive my shipped gun?
 
Customs (DHS) will place your rifle in general order if it's not claimed in 10 working days after it's arrival. It will be placed in a bonded whse. where you will have all kinds of additional chgs., stge.,whse handling, cartage fees, etc. You, as the owner, must make entry with DHS upon arrival.

I would call DHS and see if they have a viable solution. I know I would not want my rifle in some whse. for any length of time. Maybe they could list your wife, mother, father on the 4455 or 4457along with yourself.
 
Customs (DHS) will place your rifle in general order if it's not claimed in 10 working days after it's arrival. It will be placed in a bonded whse. where you will have all kinds of additional chgs., stge.,whse handling, cartage fees, etc. You, as the owner, must make entry with DHS upon arrival.

I would call DHS and see if they have a viable solution. I know I would not want my rifle in some whse. for any length of time. Maybe they could list your wife, mother, father on the 4455 or 4457along with yourself.
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Considering that I'll be in Europe for over three weeks, it seems as if the only logical way would be to sign on a family member to pick it up upon arrival (they can pick it up if they are already in the country, correct?) because it sure would be a pain to go through hoops to get it out of some trashy warehouse.
Thanks
 
That's a question you need answered by DHS. If they tell you a family member can be added on the registration form than so be it.

Good luck
 
Since it's been a while (I'm a retired Customs Broker), I looked it up. You will need a 4457 as the 4455 is for commercial shipments. The 4457 states that it is not transferable. You could request that the carrier issue a "Lay Order" to DHS as this will let them hold on to your rifle for up to 30 days without entry or general order (general order is a real pain and is very costly). Maybe you could hire a broker to issue the lay order on your behalf.

What is the closest port of entry to where you live? I may know of a good Broker.
 
You're in luck. Knoxville is a Customs (DHS) port of entry. Google it for their phone number and address. If you're taking your rolex or laptop I would register them too (along with anyother foreign made or restricted items. From what I've heard they aren't as interested in your watch or laptop as they are your rifle, but if you get an inspector who's had a bad day he can ruin your day unless you have receipts for foreign made items with the serial number listed.
 
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