South Africa Export Permits

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Good morning all!

I had a quick question or two and was hoping for some insight. Our taxidermy has been completed since about September (we have seen the mounts and the packed crate so we know it's all ready) but there seems to be an issue with getting the South African export permits. We had really hoped to have these home for Christmas but it doesn't look like that's in the cards anymore. Does anyone know how long it normally takes to get all the export permits lined up and such? I only ask because I thought once the taxidermy itself was done the shipping would be relatively simple but that doesn't seem to be the case. Is anyone else waiting on their taxidermy to ship and in a similar situation? As always thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I only ask because I thought once the taxidermy itself was done the shipping would be relatively simple but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Not always simple and can be complicated due to the animals you're having shipped. Are you working with anyone here in the US to handle the import? I would recommend this as that's their job and tend to know it well.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Not always simple and can be complicated due to the animals you're having shipped. Are you working with anyone here in the US to handle the import? I would recommend this as that's their job and tend to know it well.

Hello there!

Yes I'm working with CopperSmith to get them home once they get here but it seems like the issue is across the pond so they can't really do much. Everyone has been really friendly and keeping us updated but...after your first few "still waiting on the permits" updates it begins to wear thin if you take my meaning.

 

[Bruce]

You must have the IMPORT PERMITS in place before the EXPORT PERMITS are issued.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

You must have the IMPORT PERMITS in place before the EXPORT PERMITS are issued.

It is entirely possible I'm misunderstanding what they told me. I just know that they were saying the reason for the delay was a "go slow" strike in the issuing department and then the person who issues the permits went on a vacation or some such. I was under the impression that everything on our side was done and we were only waiting for their end. As I said though, I could be wrong. This is my first time so it wouldn't surprise me if I mixed something up.

 

[Bruce]

If your end is done, then definitely your SA guy is screwing around!!
If you have CITES permits to deal with then more complicated, BUT these guys KNOW the ropes so should be on the ball.
Difficult to say without the details etc.
Who is your taxidermist this side?

 

[Rolf_T]

I’m in the same situation with a container waiting for permits (now about 5+ months and counting). Seems the export permit process is extremely slow. A good idea is to ensure no daily storage fee are incurred during your wait...

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

If your end is done, then definitely your SA guy is screwing around!!
If you have CITES permits to deal with then more complicated, BUT these guys KNOW the ropes so should be on the ball.
Difficult to say without the details etc.
Who is your taxidermist this side?

I'm not sure, I know I'm going through Safari Cargo Systems to get the trophies here and Copper Smith is handling them once they touch down.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

I’m in the same situation with a container waiting for permits (now about 5+ months and counting). Seems the export permit process is extremely slow. A good idea is to ensure no daily storage fee are incurred during your wait...

Oh wow that is a good idea, thank you for it!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Beyond any "permits" finger pointing dance , I am going to give you another piece of information.

CONSOLIDATION of SHIPMENTS.
Waiting until the entire container is filled is a more likely issue.

Shipping on the ground before you ever get near a plane:

eg. Mochaba in Botswana has "scheduled" shipment dates from their shop every 90 days. If your stuff is finished one day late you will miss a truck departure date you are waiting. Then you will wait again when the crate gets to Joburg to get onto a plane.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I'm not sure, I know I'm going through Safari Cargo Systems to get the trophies here and Copper Smith is handling them once they touch down.

SCS, has done a great job for me. You are not being charged any storage fees for the wait (on the RSA side) by either SCS or the taxidermist.

You do not need US Import permits first unless you have CITES I trophies.
Otherwise, in reality you are waiting for the RSA National and Provincial permits or other parts of the transport scheduling.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I hate to tell any prospective Africa trophy hunters this, but it's the truth. When it comes to export/import of mounts, the Africans operate on their schedule, not ours. Even when the crate is at the airport awaiting shipment to the U.S., it can sit until cargo space is available. If any prospective African hunters think otherwise, they're deluding themselves.

 

[wesheltonj]

Based solely on my own personal experience - nothing happens in RSA in December.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

SCS, has done a great job for me. You are not being charged any storage fees for the wait (on the RSA side) by either SCS or the taxidermist.

You do not need US Import permits first unless you have CITES I trophies.
Otherwise, in reality you are waiting for the RSA National and Provincial permits or other parts of the transport scheduling.

I don't think we have any CITES I trophies unless a civet, warthog or a monkey count?

 

[Nyati]

December is a holiday month in SA. Besides, ever heard about Africa time...it is a bit slower, and you can´t rush it.

Now seriously, there is a lot of paperwork involved in shipping your trophies, and yes, they take their time about it. After six hunts, I don´t worry about it, except once when it took 23 months

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

December is a holiday month in SA. Besides, ever heard about Africa time...it is a bit slower, and you can´t rush it.

Now seriously, there is a lot of paperwork involved in shipping your trophies, and yes, they take their time about it. After six hunts, I don´t worry about it, except once when it took 23 months

Woof, you have the patience of a saint lol. Not a bad trait for a hunter I guess.

 

[Nyati]

Woof, you have the patience of a saint lol. Not a bad trait for a hunter I guess.

I have to admit I was a bit impatient at that time, but there is actually little you can do, and I still don´t know who really was to blame as there are a lot of different players involved in a trophy shipment.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Have to agree; Kiss December Goodbye!

 

[johnnyblues]

Yep bye bye in December. I m known to HATE waiting for my Taxidermy whether it's here or across the pond! Just ask any taxidermist that has worked for me LOL

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Ah well. I'm thinking of booking in April to go back. Maybe I'll have it by then!