Taking a Thermal Scope to South Africa from USA

[Ndczerwinski]

On my latest Safari in South Africa last year, I really enjoyed the nighttime Hunting, which is something that I don’t get a chance to do here in the states much at all.

I am going back this year and decided to buy a thermal scope to make the nighttime Hunting more enjoyable and lower the possibility of me getting detected by avoiding the use of a spotlight and traditional scope.

Prior to the purchase, I checked with my rifle import permit broker, and he said no problem. No special permit needed for a thermal scope for SA which is great.

Recently, I just stumbled onto information, suggesting there may be issues with leaving the USA with it even though it is no problem to possess in South Africa.

My PH says lots of clients bring them, US Customs and Border Patrol won’t give me an answer, and I am leaving in a few weeks. I am feeling like just leaving the scope here to error on the side of caution if I can’t get some clear direction. I really don’t want to lose a $6000 scope at the airport or be hit with a felony related to an ITAR violation.

Anybody that could help me or point me to an authoritative resource would be very helpful.

Thank you.

 

[DAK]

I brought my pulsar thermal binos to SA from the U.S. two months ago and had no issues. Carry on luggage, not on the 4457.

 

[Ndczerwinski]

I brought my pulsar thermal binos to SA from the U.S. two months ago and had no issues. Carry on luggage, not on the 4457.

Thank you for reply. I have a Pulsar Thermion and have it on my 4457, but now I’m questioning brining it.

 

[LimbNoMo]

Just like taking a suppressor to Africa. As I understand it, you need to file a DSP-73 and get authorization under ITAR for temporary export.

Lots of people take both suppressors and thermals without it and just list them on the 4457 without problem. Up to you to decide whether to roll the dice and take your chances.

 

[Andrew62]

The following is an email I sent to Border Patrol about taking a suppressor to Africa, then their return email to me. Their response seems vague to me, but I have printed this out and am taking it with me. Aside from this question, I remember earlier this year asking ChatGPT about taking a thermal scope to South Africa, ChatGPT mentioned something about getting ITAR approval for a thermal scope, but again, that was ChatGPT and it was 3-4 months ago, I never followed up on it.
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To: KIAD_GAP <KIAD_GAP@cbp.dhs.gov>
Subject: Suppressor Question
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Dear SDear Sirs:​

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Dear Sirs:

My name is Andrew Fike, this summer I will be flying to South Africa to take a hunt. I recently got a new 4457 which lists my gun, my scope, and a hunting suppressor.

When I fly to South Africa this year, I will be departing from Dulles and returning back through Dulles.

I will take the following documentation with me.

Passport
4457 which lists my gun, scope and suppressor
Approved Tax Stamp form showing I am the owner of the suppressor
Invitation Letter from hunting outfitter in South Africa
Global Entry card

My specific question is, if I take all of this paperwork, will I have any issues coming back home through Dulles Airport? I am writing today to avoid any issues in taking a suppressor to South Africa and returning home with it.

Thank you kindly for your help,

Andrew Fike

Greetings,

The most important thing to note is that everything that you are taking with you is listed on the 4457. Also, as long as the 4457 is signed prior to departure, you should have less issues upon arrival. Please note that everyone who enters the United States is subject to inspection and although this form may aid you in your travels it will not exempt you from inspection.

Respectfully,

CBP E&C TEAM AT KIAD

 

[Green Chile]

I take suppressor and thermal scope to South Africa. I have them on their own separate 4457. Have not had an issue doing that.

 

[Cabelcan]

If your departure is in a few weeks and you can’t easily get a proper temporary export license through DDTC (which takes time and may not be approved for SA anyway), I’d strongly consider leaving the $6k scope stateside or selling/trading for one already in SA. The peace of mind is worth it, ruining a safari over airport drama sucks, and the risk (even if low) isn’t zero.

 

[LimbNoMo]

 

[SETH RINGER]

THINK IT TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL BUT WE HAVE TAKEN ONE A HANDFUL OF TIMES IN OUR CARYON WITH OUR OTHE OPTICS AS CAMOFLAGE. JUST DID IT COUPLE WEEKS AGO. NO PROBLEMS.