CBP Form 4457

[rinehart0050]

I was in the process of filling out my CBP Form 4457, when I looked in the upper right hand corner and noticed that the form appears to be expired....?

I downloaded this form directly from the CBP webpage.

http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP Form 4457_0.pdf

Anyone have some insights? Thanks.

 

[cpr0312]

Interesting Rinehart,

Now that you say that, I just checked mine that I downloaded and took to the CBP office here, and it says expires 2/29/16. Don't know, maybe someone can do some digging or knows something. I got mine stamped/sealed by CBP a few days before the 29th for my April trip.

 

[Grady]

Interesting, I just took one the CBP on Friday and he did not even questions the date on my form. He signed them (3) and sent me on my way. Even the ones that I had signed for my 2014 trip had an expiration date (8-31-2009) but customs did not question them from that trip or when I drove from Alaska to Arizona in 2013.

From looking at the 09 and 12 versions, nothing has changed.

 

[JimP]

Both times that I went into my local customs office they just used my copy to verify the serial numbers on my items that I was requesting for the 4457 and used their own form.

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[rinehart0050]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'm planning on taking my form to CPB on Saturday. I'll let everyone know if I run into any issues.

 

[JimP]

Before you go in I would call them to make sure if they have time to do it along with what they want you to bring in.

My customs agent wanted to see all the firearms, cameras, binoculars, computers, and what ever else was going on the form to verify the serial numbers.

 

[rinehart0050]

Thanks @JimP

 

[CAustin]

Never knew one could expire! Interesting! Will go to the CBP office next week!

 

[jduckhunter]

I looked at the ones that I got last year from the CBP office and they have an expiration date of 9/12. So they were expired when they were given to me. So I'm figuring that it's no big deal. The ones that I took to Africa on the last trip had an expiration date of 09 so they must still be ok.

 

[cpr0312]

Thanks @jduckhunter

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'm planning on taking my form to CPB on Saturday. I'll let everyone know if I run into any issues.

This is on my to-do list too for my August Yukon hunt. While the customs folk might be comfortable with people coming in with firearms, I think I will walk into the office first, check with them how they like to handle things and then go back and get my rifle. Can't be too careful.

 

[Divernhunter]

The ones we got at the customs office in 2013 for our 2013 trip were already expired. Made no difference. We had no problems.

 

[Desert Dog]

I just got forms 4457 done by my local customs agent last week, and I asked him about the expiration date of 2/29/16. He stated that the expiration date is to be ignored. Customs had planned to end the form 4457 entirely by this year and transfer over to the automated AES system. Because of problems with the AES reporting system, customs was forced to suspend the requirement and revert back to the form 4457. That is what I was told.

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

It's well and good if Customs all got the memo, but what about SAP? Are they in on the little joke too?

No, the expiration date doesn't mean what it says. Just ignore it. That little notice is only there because of the usual federal incompetence in missing deadlines, that's all. Happens all the time.

 

[Red Leg]

I am more worried about the Third World side of the equation. A lot of countries look at the 4457 as a "permit".

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

Exactly.

 

[Philip Glass]

I wonder who is going to be fired for putting out an official Ferderal form that is expired at the time it is issued? Someone should be but we have a tyrannical government so we shall proceed and hope for the best.
I agree with the others who say w can have an issue in foreign countries.
Philip

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

I'm going to the local Customs office to get my 4457 this week, and I plan to ask about the expiration of the form.

 

[charleslabounty]

SAP using the the date on the 4457 is just another scam.
Last year 3 hunters on the same flights I was on had their rifles held for "out of date" 4457s. One got his rifle the other two did not.
The guy that got his, put two $100 bills in his passport and slid it back across the counter and asked them to take another look at his passport ---- bingo - got his rifle. Now I did not personally witness this. I talked to these guys while trying to catch a flight on SAA to Port Elizabeth.
I used Henry D import service so I did not have any issues and my 4457 was stamped by US Customs in 2014.

 

[CAustin]

This is why I plan to go today and have new 4457 s made! The new ones will be stamped after the expiration date!