Suppressors prohibited for temporary import into South Africa?

I have wanted to take my suppressors and thermals on hunts overseas multiple times, but I just feel like there is too much gray area for me. I know lots of people go through and have no issue. A couple others get a big hassle when doing it. I have some of the worst luck possible with stuff like this. So, I am about 100% sure I would be made an example of. I would be knee deep in the FO portion of FAFO.

Id buy one there and leave it with the PH for next time.

KMG Hunting Safaris said:

What does ITAR say about temporary importation and if so, how and why are people misinterpreting it?

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Ask two people and you get 10 different answers. I'm on the fence whether to bring mine in June. Suppressors are listed as a US Munitions example in the ITAR, but so are muzzle breaks. Our government is so frustrating.

I brought thermal optics last year with no issues. Had them on a 4457. I asked my CBP boss friend about suppressors and he said no problem but suggested a 4457.

We’ve been down this road multiple times. There are great threads with great info, including my post earlier in the thread.

IMHO you are over thinking it.

YMMV,

Good luck.

My thought it is cheaper and safer to just buy or borrow a suppressor in South Africa. Silencers and suppressors remain on the US Munitions List and were not removed to the Commerce Department List in 2020 along with many other items.

Now does anyone have any experience with Warrior Suppressors? That is one my PH is suggesting. Price is just over $200 or so.

Javaman said:

We’ve been down this road multiple times. There are great threads with great info, including my post earlier in the thread.

IMHO you are over thinking it.

YMMV,

Good luck.

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Multiple people have reported going to multiple CBP stations and being refused to sign 4457s for suppressors. People have been told (by CBP) that the correct way to do it is that they have to get export licenses. Which is cost prohibitive for reasonable individuals (considering the cost of a suppressor in Africa).

You are giving advice and telling people they are overthinking it based on one good experience you had where no one bothered you about yours.

There is clearly a lot of conflicting information about suppressors, thermals, and other ITAR items when it comes to international travel. It is not "overthinking" to ask clarifying information about something that could come with serious ramifications.

Yes, it is brought up every so often on the site, but rules and regulations change constantly. So, maybe someday someone asks again and a new law or rule has been passed that clarifies it definitively. Until then, I'm glad people bring up new threads to discuss the current standing of the situation from time to time.

Thank you for the perspective. Upon reflection you are right, I was being dismissive of the challenges, or oversimplifying, or both. It’s truly a bit murky as you correctly point out. No harm intended, I’m standing down.

I went to do my forms today and had the supressors. I was told they cannot be temporarily exported so I asked the agent in charge for confirmation via email. Here is the CBP documentation he sent.

Hello Mr. Burns,

Here is a good overview of the laws concerning the export and temporary export of firearms from the United States.

I provided links to the actual regulations that apply.

Please let me know if you have any questions.



I. Overview of Export Control Regulations

The export of defense articles and related technical data from the United States is primarily regulated by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), codified at 22 CFR Parts 120-130. Items controlled under ITAR are listed on the U.S. Munitions List (USML).

eCFR :: 22 CFR Part 121 -- The United States Munitions List

Other items, including many firearms, ammunition, and accessories that do not fall under ITAR, are regulated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), codified at 15 CFR Parts 730-774. These items are listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL).

eCFR :: 15 CFR Part 774 -- The Commerce Control List

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also plays a significant role in regulating firearms domestically and has specific requirements for the import and export of certain firearms and parts.

II. Exporting Firearms and Ammunition

A. Permanent Export: The permanent export of firearms and ammunition generally requires an export license from either DDTC (if classified under USML) or BIS (if classified under CCL). The specific requirements depend on the classification of the item and the destination country. Travelers should consult with the relevant agencies well in advance of any planned permanent export.

B. Temporary Export for Personal Use (e.g., Hunting Trips): For temporary export of firearms and ammunition for personal use, such as hunting, specific procedures apply.

• Firearms: Generally, firearms intended for temporary export for personal use (like hunting) may be eligible for an exemption or a specific type of authorization, often requiring registration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon departure and re-entry. Travelers must declare firearms to CBP officers at the time of export and ensure they meet the import requirements of the destination country.
• Ammunition: Similar to firearms, ammunition for personal use on hunting trips is subject to export and import regulations. Travelers must declare ammunition and ensure compliance with both U.S. and foreign laws.

III. Exporting Silencers/Suppressors

A. Strict Regulations and Licensing Requirements: Silencers and suppressors are subject to particularly stringent export controls. Under U.S. law, silencers and suppressors are classified as Title II NFA (National Firearms Act) items and are generally controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

• ITAR Classification: Most silencers and suppressors designed for firearms are listed on the U.S. Munitions List (USML) under Category I(a) or I(j) [cite: 22 CFR § 121.1]. This classification means they are considered defense articles.
• Prohibition Without DDTC License: Exporting silencers or suppressors, even temporarily for personal use on a hunting trip, without a specific export license issued by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is prohibited. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the firearm itself is permitted for export.
• Temporary Export of Suppressors: Even for temporary purposes, such as bringing a suppressor on a hunting trip abroad, a DDTC export license is typically required. The process for obtaining such a license can be complex and time-consuming. Travelers must apply for and receive this license before attempting to export the suppressor.
• Foreign Country Import Requirements: In addition to U.S. export requirements, travelers must also comply with the import laws of the destination country, which often have strict regulations or outright prohibitions on the importation of silencers and suppressors.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-121.1

IV. Key Considerations for Travelers

1. Declaration is Mandatory: All firearms, ammunition, and accessories being exported or imported must be declared to CBP officers. Failure to declare can result in seizure, fines, and criminal prosecution.
2. Destination Country Laws: Always research and comply with the firearm and accessory import laws of your destination country. Many countries have strict regulations or prohibitions on items that are legal in the United States.
3. ATF Requirements: For certain firearms and parts, specific ATF forms and approvals may be required for export.
4. DDTC and BIS Licenses: If you intend to export firearms, ammunition, or especially silencers/suppressors, you must determine the correct regulatory jurisdiction (DDTC/ITAR or BIS/EAR) and obtain the necessary export license before departure.
5. Silencers/Suppressors: It cannot be stressed enough that silencers and suppressors require a DDTC export license for any export, including temporary personal use. Do not assume that because you are taking a firearm legally, you can also take a suppressor.

Thank you,

David Wolfe

It looks like suppressors will be coming off of the ITAR list. You can go to Youtube and look up this topic to hear more from industry leaders..."ITAR Changes Coming to Suppressors".

just received an email the other day from Silencer Central that suppressors are being removed from the ITAR list. Where did you get this info ATF-Customs? technically according to the State Dept. when I talked to the guy 4 years ago you would have to buy an import/export permit 2400.00 and it would take about 6 months, told him to kiss off! I did fill out the ATF form and sent it to ATF and they approved it 2 years in a row. then I never did another one with. Last year my Customs guy told me to not put it on my 4457 and had me redo the form without it and had no issues with Customs when coming back last year in Alt. when I get my new 4457 this month I will put it on only to prove to some rookie in Atl that it was approved by Customs here, and Henry at Rifle permits said to make sure it is on the 4457.

Hyde Hunter said:

just received an email the other day from Silencer Central that suppressors are being removed from the ITAR list. Where did you get this info ATF-Customs? technically according to the State Dept. when I talked to the guy 4 years ago you would have to buy an import/export permit 2400.00 and it would take about 6 months, told him to kiss off! I did fill out the ATF form and sent it to ATF and they approved it 2 years in a row. then I never did another one with. Last year my Customs guy told me to not put it on my 4457 and had me redo the form without it and had no issues with Customs when coming back last year in Alt. when I get my new 4457 this month I will put it on only to prove to some rookie in Atl that it was approved by Customs here, and Henry at Rifle permits said to make sure it is on the 4457.

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This happened today at the ATL CBP office. The guy was an arrogant pain while I was there but said he would send me the policies and he did about two hours after I left. I did not do my 4457 at that time because I believed him to be wrong and figured I would wait.

Nicaburns said:

This happened today at the ATL CBP office. The guy was an arrogant pain while I was there but said he would send me the policies and he did about two hours after I left. I did not do my 4457 at that time because I believed him to be wrong and figured I would wait.

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Nicaburns said:

This happened today at the ATL CBP office. The guy was an arrogant pain while I was there but said he would send me the policies and he did about two hours after I left. I did not do my 4457 at that time because I believed him to be wrong and figured I would wait.

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the last 2 times I came back thru Atl the Custom agents were very nice and professional and did not even glance at my can in my gun case

Hyde Hunter said:

the last 2 times I came back thru Atl the Custom agents were very nice and professional and did not even glance at my can in my gun case

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But did CPB allow you to put them on the 4457?

I went to customs office in Freeport Tx last week for my 4457s. Officer said.
Guns, optics only on 4457s. They will not issue for silencers, thermals, nigh vison. They got the word from up the ladder to Do Not do on 4457s any longer.

There was a time when you could put binos, cameras, jewelry, etc on them. Anything valuable with a serial # to avoid issues with customs duty. I've had thermals on them without issue. That was last year.

375-9.3x63 Fan said:

Hell Folks
Looking for some advice as I wanted to carry my suppressor for my upcoming hunt to RSA in next few months, looking at some options to get my rifle permit etc, came to find out suppressors are banned in RSA for hunting purposes too.

Looking for some advice as this will be my first time trying to take it there for my wife to use it for our hunt. As I know a lot of you folks have traveled with them there.

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I took my own on my first trip.. Didn't fill out anything, nobody cared. Gewtting to SA or coming back. Talking to the PH i will be going with in May, he said it pretty good. The only ones that care about suppressors are the ATF, TSA and Customs doesn't really care about them. I know that you can't use them or have them in some African countries, but South Africa was super easy, and relaxed.

Mountaineer said:

If I buy one while in RSA can I bring it home?

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I highly doubt anyone would catch it in your gun case... but.... prob not a good idea.

Mountaineer said:

If I buy one while in RSA can I bring it home?

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No, not legally.

well, tomorrow I will find out if my suppressor can be put on my new 4457 form. When I asked the agent today if I could come in tomorrow for the new form he asked me if I would be taking the same rifles and if so do not bring them just bring the paperwork. Told him I have one new one and was told to bring it only. Very nice guy