South Africa Gun Imports

Important New Requirements Now In Effect

     There are some new paperwork requirements – namely, you must fill out a new SAP 520 Form, preferably before you arrive, and be able to provide some kind of proof of ownership of the guns you want to import. Americans have been allowed to use a US Customs Form 4457 for that purpose. That form can be obtained from U.S. customs offices in the USA.

To import a firearm into South Africa you now have to provide more paperwork, and it has to be generated ahead of time. The new paperwork consists of what’s called a Motivation Letter From Client; an Invitation Letter from Hunting Outfitter; and, for those importing a handgun, a “letter from an association in the country of origin stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.”

The first letter mentioned above is a typed letter from you (the client) stating that you are temporarily importing certain referred-to firearms for the purpose of hunting. The letter must state that the firearms are required for the type of hunting you will be doing, and it must include a list of the animal species you will be seeking. Include make, model, caliber and serial number of all the firearms you want to import.

The second letter (the one from the outfitter) must state that you will indeed be hunting with the outfitter and that the firearms you are importing are appropriate for the hunting you will be doing. The letter must include the full name of the company, full contact details, phone, fax, address and the outfitters and PH license numbers.

The third letter – the one that handgun importers have to have – is more problematic. The information required includes your full name (as it appears on your passport); your mailing address; the make, model, caliber and serial number of the handgun you want to import into South Africa, the date of your hunt in a letter from an association in the country of origin stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.

If you are headed to South Africa you should take particular note of the ban on importing more than one rifle of the same caliber…the ban on importing more than 200 rounds of ammo for any one firearm…the ban on importing ammo for any firearm/s other than those you are importing…and the ban on the import of all semi-autos.

The ban on semi-autos is particularly noteworthy, as many popular bird-hunting shotguns and most popular hunting handguns are technically semi-autos, or revolvers. On the face of it, these guns appear to be illegal. But the word is, revolvers with scopes are being allowed into the country. Presumably, they will continue to be allowed into South Africa if you produce the “association” letter mentioned above. However, to be on the safe side, you can pre-apply for an import permit through your outfitter.

The South African form for importation of firearms can be downloaded in PDF format from the following website.

http://www.saps.gov.za/crime_prevention/firearms/forms/english/e520.pdf

The South African form for importation of firearms can be viewed and/or printed from this website by clicking the following.

South African Police SAP 520 Form

Instructions for Filling in 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.

   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 are the following:

1. Identity and Flight Details
   1. Passport
   2. Return Airline Ticket
2. Other Supporting Documentation
   1. Proof of Ownership
      Firearm licenses, documentary proof, etc. For USA Citizens, Customs Declaration Form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable
   2. Proof of Export
      Documentary proof of export from the country of origin. Again Customs form 4457 is acceptable.
   3. 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.
   4. 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. This letter must also include the outfitters license number and his PH license number.

    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.