Bringing my own Rifle scopes and red dots in South Africa

[Atanas Andreev]

Hello gents

I am flying from Istanbul to Johannesburg towards the end of April and am planning to bring with me (my checked-in luggage) two rifle scopes (1-6x24) and three red dots.
Do I need to have any special paperwork signed for them or it is okay to just bring them with me?

I have never had any issues traveling with such items in Europe but I would like to know what is the status in South Africa?
Thanks

Regards
Atanas

 

[BRICKBURN]

SAPS 520 form.
Plenty of references to it here on AH
No cost


You can use a service to do it for you.

 

[Atanas Andreev]

Thanks for the quick response.
Do I fill & submit this for in prior me flying to South Africa or do I need to fill it in and submit it once I land?
What documents might I be requested to have with me in order to submit the form?

 

[BRICKBURN]

I'll quit being lazy and help you out.

Frankly, for myself, I do the process when I arrive. I always have enough time planned to do so.
No quick connections or need to leave in ten minutes.

Since you are arriving on a flight that will likely not have many hunters on it, the line is likely to be short. If you were coming in from the USA on a typical flight you might have a line up at the police office.

You complete the form beforehand in BLACK INK,
Bring it UNSIGNED to the SAPS office in OR TAMBO.
You will be issued a permit.


https://www.africahunting.com/threa...ough-countries-with-weapons-ammunition.14376/

 

[BRICKBURN]

Attached is a sample of the completed SAPS520

 

[Atanas Andreev]

That's actually very helpful.
However, is it necessary ONLY for rifle scopes and red dots? I am not bringing any firearms with me - only 2 rifle scopes and 3 red dots.
Do I list them under "Details of Firearms"

 

[BRICKBURN]

My apologies for missing the detail of your post.

I thought your scopes/sights were attached to firearms.
Pays to slow down a read the post.

The purpose of the articles arrival in RSA might be required?
Ballast for your bag or gifts for the PH?
Are these for your own use while hunting?


Importation of those items will be controlled.
"Bottom line, scopes are regulated items which require a permit. So no permit and you run the risk of your item being seized, of which there may be other lawful consequences for the sender and end user. If you can get a permit...go for it."


I am not an implements specialist though. At this juncture I would turn you over to
@riflepermits.com

Further sources of information in South Africa that are likely to be confusing.
https://www.gov.za/services/import/import-permit-general-goods

 

[Bruce]

Don't think that RSA requires importation docs for scopes. With the local SAPS..you MAY be subject to importation requirements if you intend selling them in RSA etc. By the CUSTOMS officials...Izf they check your bags.
I personally would not hassle about it.