By Jerry Long, August 23, 2010
Completing the Customs and Border Protection Form 4457, Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad, in preparation for traveling to the Republic of South Africa.
If something is “supposed to be done” I generally try to do it to be on the safe side. The subject of whether or not to complete the CBP Form 4457 was tossed about on various African hunting forums. Some bowhunters said they completed it while others said they didn’t. One bowhunter said he had been asked for his. For serialized items other than firearms the form prevents a traveler from having to pay tax on an item over and over again. Once completed, the form can be used forever according to the agent who helped me. For firearms the form is required in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) registration form.
A completed CBP Form 4457.
Although I am taking no firearms I decided to complete the form just in case. I downloaded and filled it out to include my two I-Pod Nanos, rangefinder, binoculars, camera, video camera, cell phone and bow. Once that was done I located my local servicing office here and gave them a call. The closest office to me is a one-man-band covering two counties. This guy is as busy as a cat in a dog kennel. After playing appointment tag with him for a couple of weeks he suggested I go to the next closest office. Turns out that was good advice.
I was able to walk in with my bow, electronics and ID (they preferred my passport) into the much larger office, cautiously waiting to be tackled by a CBP officer for carrying a weapon in their midst, the same day. After showing the officer my items he checked my passport to make sure I wasn’t wanted anywhere, then stamped and signed my form. All in less than 7 minutes. He indicated I should carry the form with me at all times while traveling and keep it ready for producing when asked to do so. Again, he also indicated it was good forever. Some forum contributors did note that for firearms a separate form should be completed for each as a traveler cannot pick and choose which firearm off the form is traveling with him or her.
That was it. Quick and painless. So, take a lesson from me if you are near a smaller office. If you run into problems making an appointment go to a larger location.
happy hunting, dv
If you liked this blog you may like the following:
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- dv Goes to Africa – Expenses Part I
- dv Goes to Africa – Expenses Part II
- dv Goes To Africa – Bow and Arrow Set Up
- dv’s List Of Archery and Bowhunting Don’ts
- dv Goes to Africa – Packing List and Packing
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