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Limitations
The following limitations exist on firearms per person:
- one handgun of .45 or smaller caliber
- one single or double barrel shotgun
- two hunting rifles
Prohibitions
Prohibitions on firearms are:
- automatic rifles and pistols or semi-automatic rifles
- automatic or semi-automatic or pump action shotguns
- hand carbines
A reasonable amount of ammunition per caliber is allowed. Any person importing firearms to South Africa must have proof of ownership, for example a license and export permit from the country of origin.
Note: All firearms, including airguns, require 2 import permits, one from the South African Police and the other from the Director of Import and Export Control.
Temporary Import Permit for Visitors/Tourists
A temporary permit or SAPS312 will be issued for a period of 90 to 180 days. When a visitor leaves South Africa he should take all the firearms, as stated on the import permit, with him. He is not allowed to leave any of the firearms mentioned on the permit in the Republic of South Africa.
Visitors who wish to import firearms for hunting, target practice, protection, etc. are advised to apply for an import permit (Form 311) six to eight weeks before their departure date and address their application to:
Central Firearms Register
Private Bag X811
Pretoria
0001
SOUTH AFRICA
or send a fax to: 011 27 (12) 353-6041
After obtaining a temporary import permit (SAP312) from the Central Firearms Register, an application for an import permit should be made by mail to:
The Director of Import and Export Control
Department of Trade and Industry
Private Bag X192
Pretoria
0001
SOUTH AFRICA
Permanent Importation (South African passport holders)
Returning South African Citizens who wish to import firearms for hunting, target practice, protection, etc., are advised to apply for an import permit six to eight weeks before their departure and address their application to:
or send a facsimile to : 011 27 (12) 353-6041
Once this permit (SAP 312) has been issued application should be made directly to:
The Director of Import and Export Control
Department of Trade and Industry
Private Bag X192
Pretoria
0001
SOUTH AFRICA
or a facsimile sent to : 011 27 (12) 428-7799
Telephone Number : 011 27 (12) 428-7793/7796/7786/7788
Email : vvuuren@dti.pwv.gov.za
The following information is required
-
Owner's full name and address
-
Identity number (SA citizens only)
-
Passport number (Foreigners and permanent resident holders)
-
Type of fire-arm
-
Caliber of fire-arm
-
Manufacturer's serial number (It is illegal to import fire-arms without serial numbers stamped or engraved onto the metal)
-
Type of ammunition
-
Quantity of ammunition
-
Market value in Rand.
After producing the above permits the applicable import duties and VAT must be paid to Customs before the release of the firearms can be obtained.
The owner of the import permit will have to apply for the firearm license before the expiry date on the temporary permit (SAP 312) and the preceding documents (as well as proof of payment of tax) should be submitted with the application.
It is the responsibility of the passport holder to present the South African Police Service with a Certificate of Conduct (Police record) from the country of origin when he applies for a South African firearm license.
Contact the airline with which you are traveling to establish their requirements for shipping firearms and ammunition.
