Contents taken from SAGA.ORG (http://www.saga.org.za/Act&Regs.htm#Amendment%20Bill): Amendment Bill (27 February 2006) Renewal Dates Extended (21 February 2006) Renewal Extension (19 December 2005) Gazette Update (29 September 2005) UFFSA Meeting with the CFR (27 July 2005) Gazettes Update (13 May 2005) Meeting with the Minister (20 August 2004) Breaking News (30 June 2004) Current Update (3 July 2004) New Legislation (updated 27 August 2004 - Renewal Period Notice) Legislation Updates Legislation in Parliament (updated 21 September) Legislation Archives Amendment Bill The Firearms Control Amendment Bill has been released. Gazette Number 28545. The Minister for Safety and Security made the following statement: Minister of Safety and Security to introduce the Firearms Control Amendment Bill in Parliament no later than May 27 February 2006 The draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill was published for public comment in the Government Gazette on 24 February 2006. (Pretoria, Vol No. 488, Gazette No. 28545 dated 24 February 2006, Notice No. 314 of 2006,) This came about as a result of consultative meetings between the Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Charles Nqakula, and various stakeholders on the implementation of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. At a meeting held in January 2006, Minister Nqakula indicated that he would introduce the Bill in Parliament, by no later than May 2006. It is of vital importance to take note that the draft Bill contains mere proposals which are published in order for the wider public to submit comments, on or before 31 March 2006. The draft Bill does not affect the existing legal position and therefore it is essential that all legal firearm owners must still comply with the existing provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. The Bill should not be viewed as placing a moratorium on the renewal of firearms licenses issued under the repealed Act. Firearms owners who wish to renew their licenses, permits and authorisations issued under the repealed Act, must strictly comply with the periods determined by the Minister for such renewal. Holders of such licenses, permits and authorisations issued under the repealed Act, and who were born during 1 January and 31 March, must still apply for renewal of their licences, permits or authorisations not later than 31 March 2006. The following main proposals are made in the Bill: * The periodic renewal of firearms licences will be substituted by the periodic (five-yearly) obtaining of a competency certificate and the auditing of the firearms belonging to a legal firearms owner. Instead of applying for individual firearms, it will only be necessary to apply for a competency certificate every five years. * The limitation of the number of firearms, which may be possessed under the new Act in respect of defined categories, will only apply to new applications in terms of the present Act. The restriction in numbers will therefore not be applicable to firearms, which were licensed under the repealed Act, and of which the licenses are renewed. Owners of firearms which were licensed under the repealed Act will be able to re-license such firearms after obtaining a competency certificate, within the scheduled time-frames. * It is proposed that "replicas" of muzzleloaders must be removed from the definition of "antique firearms" and in that in future such "replicas" must also be licensed. * The definitions of "occasional hunter/sportspersons are amended in order that such persons may also belong to accredited organisations. * The Bill will enable prosecutors to determine admission of guilt fines in respect of minor offences without it resulting in the offender being automatically declared unfit to possess a firearm. The Registrar may, however, independently still conduct an enquiry to determine whether a person who paid Admission of Guilt still remains fit to possess a firearm. * All collected firearms must be made inoperable. Furthermore, private collectors are in terms of the Bill obliged to place the moving parts of semi-automatic and prohibited (automatic firearms) in safekeeping at a place which is separate of the firearm concerned and which is acceptable to the Registrar of Firearms. The number of cartridges, which may be collected, is also reduced. * An amendment to the effect that "a shotgun manufactured to fire no more than five shots in succession without having to be reloaded", can be licensed to a dedicated hunter or dedicated sports person, as the present limitation is inhibiting South African Sports persons to compete internationally. * Provision is made to control the brokering of firearms. The draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill is available on the South African Police Service (SAPS). website http://www.saps.org.za Comments on the Bill can be submitted on or before 31 March 2006, to the following address: Director P Van Vuuren Legal Services: SAPS Private Bag X 302 Pretoria 0001 Email: Pikkie1@webmail.co.za Fax: (012) 309 3333 Enquiries: Trevor Bloem Cell: 082 778 3561 Hangwani Mulaudzi Cell: 082 555 3505 Issued by: Department of Safety and Security 27 February 2006 Renewal Dates Extended Ministry for Safety and Security Press Statement for Immediate Release 21 February 2006 During December 2005, the Minister for Safety and Security Charles Nqakula extended the 31 December 2005 cut-off date for relicensing of firearms licences issued under the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, to persons born between 1 January and 31 March of any particular year. The date was extended until 31 March 2006. At the last Firearms Consultative Forum between the Minister and stakeholders, an appeal was made to the Minister to extend the 31 December cut-off date also in respect of the consecutive years (2007-2008) to 31 March of each year. The Minister, at the meeting, agreed to the request and indicated that a Notice to that effect would be published in the Government Gazette. That Notice was published in the Gazette Monday, 20 February 2006. Therefore cut-off dates for relicensing of licenses issued under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, are now as follows: Date of birth: 1 January - 31 March Renewal Period until 31 March 2006 Date of birth: 1 April - 30 June 1 January 2006 Renewal Period until 31 March 2007 Date of birth: 1 July - 30 September 1 January 2007 Renewal Period until 31 March 2008 Date of birth: 1 October - 31 December 1 January 2008 Renewal Period until 31 March 2009 Firearms licenses issued under the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, will cease to be valid on 30 June 2009. For more information please call Trevor Bloem @ 082 778 3561 or Hangwani Mulaudzi @ 082 555 3505 Renewal Extension 15 December 2005 MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY ON THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT, 2000 The Minister for Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, today announced the extension for the application of renewal of firearms licences for people born between 1st January and 31st March. Explaining the reasons for the extension the Minister said, "I have received representations for the extension of the said date, and I believe that there are numerous persons who still wish to renew their licences but would not be able to do so before 31 December 2005. "I have accordingly signed today, a Notice for publication in the Gazette, in terms of which the date is extended with three months until 31 March 2006," Nqakula said. Discussions were held by the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority on the validity of licences issued under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, and especially in cases where a person would fail to apply for the renewal of a licence. There is consensus that the position in this regard is as follows: Any licence which was issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, and which was valid immediately before the date of the commencement of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, remains valid for a period of five years from the date on which the Firearms Control Act, 2000, came into operation (1 July 2004), unless such licence is terminated, cancelled or surrendered in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. The holder of a licence to possess a firearm in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, must, before 1 July 2009, in a lawful manner dispose of any firearms in his or her possession in excess of the number that he or she may lawfully possess in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000. Any person who was obliged to apply for his or her licence by a date determined by the minister, and who fails to so apply, and applies after such date for renewal, might be liable for prosecution for such failure, depending on the circumstances of such failure. Such prosecution will however, be restricted to the failure to renew the licence within the stipulated period, and not for the illegal possession of a firearm. A person who does not apply for renewal of a licence within the period determined, because he or she wants to legally dispose of the firearm in question, may be legally in possession of such firearms until 30 June 2009. After that date a person who has not applied for renewal of the licence and has not disposed of the firearm may be prosecuted for the illegal possession of a firearm. Licence holders who wish to terminate or cancel their licences by for example selling the firearm or surrendering it to the South African Police Service, may do so until 1 July 2009. The other time-frames determined for renewal of licences issued under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, still apply. Persons born between Period determined for renewal 1 April and 30 June 1 January 2006 until 31 December 2006 1 July and 30 September 1 January 2007 until 31 December 2007 1 October and 31 December 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2008 For more information please call: Director Trevor Bloem 082 778 3561 Communication and Media Liaison Director Phuti Setati 082 778 4312 Head: Media Relations SAPS Deputy Director Hangwani Mulaudzi 082 555 3505 Communication and Media Liaison Gazette Update 29 September 2005 After many complaints and submissions, the Minister has published a Gazette that states that people not able (for specific listed reasons), to apply to renew their firearm licences within the prescribed time, may do so subject to their application being lodged before 31 December 2008. Government Gazette No. 28039 Dated 23 September 2005 Notice No. R914 Notice in terms of Item 11(1)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) I, Charles Nqakula, Minister for Safety and Security hereby determine in terms of Item 11(1)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), the period within which a natural person who is subjected to the circumstances provided for in the Schedule and who is the holder of a licence, permit, certificate or authorization in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969), must apply for a licence, permit, certificate or authorization in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 as set out in the Schedule. Signed: C NQAKULA Minister for Safety and Security SCHEDULE A natural person who - (a) is the holder of any licence, permit, certificate or authorization to possess a firearm, which was issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 and which was valid immediately before 1 July 2004; and (b) is able to prove to the satisfaction of the Registrar that he or she was, for the applicable period provided for in Government Notice R.974 dated 20 August 2004, due to - (i) his or her absence from the Republic; (ii) his or her mental or physical incapacity; or (iii) due to circumstances for which he or she was not responsible; unable to lodge an application as provided for in the said Government Notice, must, subject to the provisions of Item (11)(1)(c), apply for the corresponding licence, permit, certificate or authorization in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, within the renewal period of 90 days after he or she, as the case may be - (a) returns to the Republic; or (b) becomes physically able to comply with the requirements of the Act; or (c) after the circumstances cease to prevent the person to lodge a required application. Gazettes Update 13 May 2005 The Government Printer have only the Regulations gazettes in stock. SAGA is following-up on a reprint of the Act and Amendment Act. The Regulations can be ordered at R5 each from: The Government Printer, Private Bag X85, Pretoria, 0001 Their telephones are not working on (012) 334-4508/9/10 at present but try these cell numbers for assistance: Elsa (082) 794-4236 Sherita (083) 640-6121 (1) Firearms Control Act - Gazette No. 22214 (2) Firearms Control Amendment Act - Gazette No. 25863 (3) Firearms Control Regulations - Gazette No. 26156 News 30 June 2004 16:30 The Pretoria High Court today dismissed our application for an urgent interdict to halt the implementation of the Firearms Control Act. It will thus be in force from midnight tonight. Although the firearm fraternity can take some comfort from certain verbal and written assurances from the SAPS, such as the attached Press Release from Senior Superintendent Andrew Lesch, those who have ammunition in excess of the new limits and those in possession of firearm parts that now have to be licensed, should take steps to protect themselves from prosecution by applying, in writing, for the necessary exemption and/or licence. We are considering our options and strategies and will try to issue a more comprehensive statement in the near future. MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE SAPS DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER, CRIME PREVENTION : DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER WILSON MAKHUBELA : 27 June 2004 STATEMENT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT, 2000 - ACT 60 OF 2000 The Minister for Safety and Security has announced that the Firearms Control legislation will be implemented on 1 July 2004. Since the announcement, many rumours have surfaced regarding the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation. These rumours have led to false and misleading information being published in the media. The South African Police Service has been preparing for the implementation of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations and I am convinced that we are able and ready to implement the Act. The preparation for the implementation included the establishment of a structure for Designated Firearms Officers, the appointment and training of theses officers and equipping the offices with technology and other resources to deal with all aspects relating to the licencing of firearms. We have started with the accreditation of training institutions and shooting ranges, hunting associations, official institutions, and other businesses. I want to set the record straight by providing the correct information on the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation. * All licences, permits and authorisations issued to possess a firearm in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act that are valid on 30 June 2004 will remain valid until they are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 unless they are withdrawn for any legal reason. * All applications for a firearm licence and all appeals received up to 30 June 2004 in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act will still be processed. * Persons who are in possession of more that 200 rounds of ammunition on 30 June do not have to fear prosecution, as this limitation is only applicable to firearms licensed in terms of the Firearms Control Act. It does not apply to firearms that are licensed in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act. However, we do recommend that firearm owners start to prepare to be in line with the provisions of the Act. From 1 July this year all new applications for a firearm licence will be evaluated in terms of the provisions of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations. Every person who applies for a firearm licence will have to obtain a competency certificate, the person must first complete a basic training course at an accredited training institution, after which the SAPS will complete a background assessment and issue a competency certificate to a successful applicant. A competency certificate will be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. In terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, all existing firearm licences will have to be renewed. The South African Police Service will call up persons to renew their firearm licences that were issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act by end of 2004. Individuals will have to renew their current firearm licences according to schedule, which is linked to a person's month of birth as indicated below; Date of birth Renewal period 1 January to 31 March 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005 1 April to 30 June 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006 1 July to 30 September 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 1 October to 31 December 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 All institutions that own firearms, including security service providers, will be called up to renew their firearm licences from 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2006. It is important to take note that companies may continue to issue company firearms to employees who do not have a competency certificate under the following conditions; * As long as the firearms are licenced in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act * When the company obtains a firearm licence in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 or when the current firearms are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, the firearm may only be issued to an employee who is in possession of a competency certificate. * The renewal process will be preceded by a comprehensive communication drive. Firearm owners are encouraged to obtain the correct information from the SAPS. * I want to ensure all that the South African Police Service is fully capable to implement the Firearms Control Act, 2000 and that we aim to provide the best service possible. * Anyone who needs more information on the Act is invited to contact the appointed Designated Firearms Officer or direct the inquiry to our firearms call centre during office hours at Tel (012) 353-6111 or e-mail firearms@saps.org.za Enquiries : Snr. Supt. Andrew Lesch, 082 779 8710 Current Update 3 July 2004 The SAPS have updated their website and have now included a number of the forms and instructions (pdf files) New Legislation List of New Legislation Firearms Control Act No. 60 of 2000 Firearms Control Amendment Act Regulations to the Firearms Control Act Proclamation: Commencement of the Firearms Control Act Notice of Renewal Periods for licences, permits, certificates and authorisations Notice: Firearm-free zones for schools and learning institutions Compulsory Specification for Small Arms Shooting Ranges Commencement of certain sections of the Firearms Control Act Accreditation Regulations Licence Fee Changes and Deregulation of Airguns Firearms Control Act No. 60 of 2000 ENGLISH / AFRIKAANS Government Gazette No. 22214 dated 10 April 2001 www.info.gov.za/gazette/acts/2000/a60-00.pdf Firearms Control Amendment Act No. 43 of 2003 Government Gazette No. 25863 dated 22 December 2003 www.info.gov.za/gazette/acts/2003/a43-03.pdf Regulations to the Firearms Control Act Government Gazette No. 26156 dated 26 March 2004 www.info.gov.za/regulations/2004/26156/index.html Proclamation: Commencement of the Firearms Control Act Government Gazette No. 26374 dated 28 May 2004 Notice of Renewal Periods for licences, permits, certificates and authorisations Government Gazette No. 26664 dated 20 August 2004 Compulsory Specification for Small Arms Shooting Ranges Notice No. 643 in Government Gazette No. 26375 dated 28 May 2004 Notice: Firearm-free Zones for schools and learning institutions (updated 30/6/04) Notice 1127 of 2004 in Government Gazette No. 26472 dated 18 June 2004 Notice 749 of 2004 in Government Gazette No. 26305 dated 7 May 2004 Commencement of certain sections of the Firearms Control Act Government Gazette No. 25153 dated 30 June 2003 Accreditation Regulations Government Gazette No. 25153 dated 30 June 2003 Date of commencement 1 July 2003. Licence Fee Changes and Deregulation of Airguns Government Gazette No. 22968 dated 2 January 2002 Printed copies of some of the legislation can be obtained at a cost of R5.00 per copy from the Government Printing Works in Pretoria on telephone (012) 334-4507, 334-4510, 334-4509 or in Cape Town on telephone (021) 465-7531. Legislation Updates Proclamation: Commencement of the Firearms Control Act 28 May 2004 In terms of section 154 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), I hereby determine 1 July 2004 as the date on which all the remaining sections of the said Act, which have not yet been put into operation, shall come into operation. Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Republic of South Africa at Pretoria this 11th day of May, Two thousand and Four. Signed: T. Mbeki and C. Nqakula

In a draft Bill released in Government Gazette No. 28545 dated 24 February 2006, the Government is proposing radical changes to the Firearms Control Act and has invited public comment BY 31 MARCH 2006. Please ensure that as many ''interested parties'' as possible are made aware of the importance of their submissions. In view of the urgency of the matter our comments have been prepared in haste and should be regarded as ''preliminary''.


Click here to view the pdf

 

Importation of Firearms

Visitors bringing firearms into South Africa for hunting purposes, will be asked to fill in a SAP 520 – Temporary Import Application which is available from your outfitter, can be downloaded off the SAPS Website at www.saps.gov.za, or be filled out on arrival. We would strongly suggest filling in the form beforehand with the assistance of your hunting outfitter to ensure it is completed correctly and to save the processing time at the Police Office for yourself and the Police.

Instructions for Filling in SAP 520 Form

• 1. Black ink must be used to fill in the form.
• 2. The form should be left unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit. This gives the police official the opportunity of making sure the signature is an original and is yours. Should you sign the form beforehand, please make sure the form with your original signature is handed in and not a copy.
• 3. Please note that not all sections of the form apply. Visitors bringing their own firearms in for hunting purposes should concentrate on filling in the following:
  Section D – (temporary import or export permit)
  Section E – 1 – 25.4
  Section G
  Section I – (Must fill in all details requested)
  Section J - (remember do not sign until in front of police officer at firearm office)

Additional Requirements along with the SAP 520 are the following:

1. Identity and Flight Details

• a. Passport
• b. Return Airline Ticket

2. Other Supporting Documentation

1. Identity and Flight Details
2. Proof of Ownership
   Firearm licenses, documentary proof, etc. For USA Citizens, Customs Declaration Form 4457 (officially stamped) is acceptable
3. Proof of Export
   Note: Clients must obtain documentation from an official government institution eg. police/customs for legally exporting firearm(s). This document must state the following:
   "It is hereby certified that the owner of the firearm(s) Mr (state particulars) with caliber (state the caliber) serial number (state caliber) and type (state type of weapon) are hereby authorized to temporarily export the above firearm(s) from country (state country).
4. Invitation Letter from the Hunting Outfitter
   This is a supporting document from the Hunting Outfitter/company, to be written on an official letterhead of the Hunting Outfitter/company with the PH's and Outfitters details to include their name, surname, licence number and in which provinc(es) they are registered. This letter must state for what type of hunting the client is invited and what calibers will be used for the hunt. State where the hunt(s) will take place - name of the farm and district. This letter must also state that the mentioned weapons will only be used for hunting purposes on the mentioned properties. The duration of the hunt and this letter must be signed by the Hunting Outfitter/company and dated.
5. Motivation Letter from Client
   This is a letter from the client stating that he is temporarily importing the referred to firearm/s for the purpose of hunting, to include that the firearm/s are required as he will be hunting (list the species to be hunted), etc.
6. Any Other Supporting Documents

Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.

For visitors clearing customs at the Johannesburg International Airport , please take note of the following procedure to be followed on arrival:

• 1. Clear passport control in the Terminal where your flight arrives (generally SAA and its co-partners at Terminal 2 and all other airlines at Terminal 1).
• 2. Proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage, then proceed to the respective Airline Help Desk to pick up firearm/s from the airline company and sign a receipt for the firearm/s. Ask the Airline Help Desk to direct you to the South African Police Firearm Office. Depending on the terminal where you arrive, they may need to escort you to the Office.
• 3. Proceed to the South African Police Firearm Office (Do not at this point proceed to customs)
• 4. On receipt of the temporary import permit at the SAPS Firearm Office, proceed to Customs, the Red Zone, where you declare the firearm/s and finish other custom clearance procedures.

For those visitors clearing customs at any of the other international points of entry, please take note of the relevant information made above which relates to documentation requirements, etc.

Please insure sufficient time is allowed to go through the temporary importation process and to clear customs. During the busy periods of the hunting season up to seventy clients may be needing permits at the same time. We would therefore recommend at least five (5) hours be set aside for this procedure and between connecting flights.

Firearm / Ammunition Allowances and Specifications

1. No more than one firearm per caliber and 200 rounds per firearm will be permitted. No ammunition for other rifle calibers will be permitted.

An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting purposes if the client produces on arrival at the SAPS Gun Office an acceptable written motivation as to why more than one is required.

2. Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can be identified. The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed manner on the barrel or the frame or the receiver of the firearm.

3. Handguns will be allowed into the country, but only for hunting purposes. Any visitor wanting to bring in a handgun in this regard needs to have a letter from an association in the country of origin, stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.

4. Prohibited firearms which may NOT be imported into South Africa include:

• a. Any fully automatic weapon
• b. Any semi-automatic weapon
• c. Handgun/s for self-defense
• d. Weapons which fall under military categories

5. A semi-automatic shotgun for hunting purposes may be allowed if an application is made at least 21 days before arrival through the Central Firearms Register with a motivation letter as to why this type of firearm is required.

6. Temporary firearm permits can only be issued at point of entry and only for hunting purposes or authorized accredited shooting competitions.

General Provisions:

1. Temporary Import Permits:

• a. May only be issued to a foreign visitor for the purpose of hunting
• b. Will be issued subject to the requirements of the Act with regard to the carrying, storage, safe custody and transport of a firearm and ammunition
• c. Subject to the use of the firearm only for the purpose set out in the permit
• d. Subject to the fact that no person who holds a temporary import permit is allowed to transfer the firearm to another person in South Africa without prior written permission having been obtained from the Central Firearm Register.
• e. Whenever the holder of a temporary import permit leaves the Republic of South Africa , the firearm in respect of which the permit is issued must accompany the holder of the permit. Please note: should firearms be left in the Republic of South Africa and not taken with the client and the temporary permit expires, the client may be prosecuted and future temporary importation of firearms will be jeopardized.
• f. Possession of no more than the quantity of cartridges determined by the Registrar and specified on the permit for each firearm in respect of which the temporary import permit applies
• g. A Temporary Import Permit shall not be issued for a period exceeding six months at a time
• h. Applicant must be 21 or over
• i. Should a firearm not be declared on arrival and a temporary import
  permit not issued, you will face severe penalties and possible arrest on
  departure from South Africa .

2. Please ensure that your firearm/s arrive on the same flight as you do. This must be done with the airline company on departure. Your firearm/s may only be signed for by you and will not be released to your outfitter or professional hunter should it/they arrive on a separate flight. If the firearm/s do not arrive with the passenger, the passenger must proceed to his final destination in South Africa and apply at the closest Police Station for a Temporary Import Permit. When the Temporary Import Permit has been issued, the original permit with the keys to the rifle case must be couriered to the Border Post of entry. A Transport Agent with transport permit must be appointed by the passenger. This Transport Agent must have a letter from the passenger instructing him/her to transport the firearm/s to the passenger in person. The firearm/s will be inspected by the Police at the Port of entry and the firearm/s and permit will be handed to the transporter to be transported to the passenger.

3. Please do not pay for any service regarding the handling of firearms at Johannesburg International Airport , or any port of entry. The issuing of the SAP 520 is a free service and the South African Police Service asks clients not to pay anybody involved in handling firearms from the time of arrival in South Africa right through until you receive your firearm/s and the permit from the SAPS. Clients that are paying the various airline staff, security staff, or porters involved are actually creating a problem. Please note however there is a handling fee charged by airlines and/or security companies for the handling of handguns, and some airlines have started charging a handling fee for all firearms. We suggest checking with your airline with regard to any “official” fees that may be required.

4. There is no permit required, nor any charge by the South African Police Service for a bow. Handling fees are charged by airline and/or security companies for bows and handguns.

5. Please note that NO firearms will be held for safekeeping by the SAPS. If a client brings in a prohibited firearm, brings in more than what is allowed, or lacks the necessary documentation and his request for a temporary import permit is denied, the involved firearms must be exported immediately by the client or voluntarily surrendered to the State.

In Transit Passengers (Transiting South Africa )

It is critical that you check with and confirm with the airline/s involved before departure to make sure what their procedure is for the transfer of baggage and/or firearms.

If the airline does transfer your baggage/firearms, and you have booked them through to the final destination, and you stay in the in-transit area and do not clear South African customs, then you need not go through the temporary import process.

If your airline company will not transfer your baggage/guns to your connecting airline/flight, then you must collect your baggage/firearm/s and go through the entire entry process. If this is the case, the South African limitations, requirements, etc. will apply.

This also applies if you are overnighting in South Africa before flying on to your country of destination.

For More Detail visit: PHASA

Accreditation of Firearms Training Institutions and Shooting Ranges

Pretoria : 2004-05-17

The sections in the Firearms Control Act, 2000, (Act 60 of 2000) and the Firearms Control Regulations, 2003 relating to accreditation became effective from 1 July 2003.

The Firearms Control Act, 2000 stipulates that certain categories of entities, which include the owners of shooting ranges and training providers in the use of firearms must apply for accreditation in order to comply with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.

The Regulations pertaining to the remaining sections of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Firearms Control Regulations, 2004) will come into effect during July 2004.

In order to provide training in the use of firearms in South Africa from July 2004, a training provider as well as the shooting range where the training will be conducted must be accredited by the South African Police Service.

The South African Police Service once again extends an invitation to all the training providers in the use of firearms and owners of shooting ranges to approach the Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which the business is or will be situated to apply for accreditation. The application forms and detailed information regarding the requirements for accreditation can be obtained from the relevant Designated Firearms Officers. The SAPS will provide all possible assistance to applicants in order to complete the application process.

It must be emphasized that no person may be granted a competency certificate in order to obtain a firearm licence after the implementation of the Firearms Control Regulations, if the person did not undergo training by an accredited training provider on an accredited shooting range.

In order to effectively facilitate the accreditation within the various provinces the following contact numbers are provided;

• Eastern Cape - Supt. D Koesnell (040) 636-3585
• Free State - Supt DJ Kruger (051) 507-6586/6582
• Gauteng - Snr Supt JM Biyela (011) 274-7752/7784
• KwaZulu Natal - Snr Supt PN Govender (031)325-4704/4788/4881
• Limpopo - Capt MJ Makhubele (015) 290-6222/6246/6247
• Mpumalanga - Supt MB Nhlapo (013) 249-1058/1210
• Northern Cape - Supt AA Alberts (053) 838-4421
• North West - Capt DC Mqoni (018) 299-7179/7103
• Western Cape - Snr Supt van Lill (021)918-3332/3342/3330

More information on accreditation can be obtained from Snr Supt Lekgotla/ Supt Van Der Walt at the Central Firearms Register; Tel (012) 353-6010/353-6098 or by e-mail at lekgotlal@saps.org.za

Enquiries : Snr Supt Andrew Lesch :
lescha@saps.org.za

 

WHEN MUST I RENEW MY FIREARM LICENCE?

The following renewal period is applicable to a person who wishes to renew his or her licence:

Birthday	Renewal period
January to 31 March	1 Jan 2005 to 31 Dec 2005
1 April to 30 June	1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2006
1 July to 30 September	1 Jan 2007 to 31 Dec 2007
1 October to 31 December	1 Jan 2008 to 31 Dec 2008

WHAT DOES THE RENEWAL PROCESS ENTAIL?

1.	Prospective firearm owners must first pass the prescribed training test at an accredited training institution and obtain the training proficiency certificate.
2.	You must go to the Designated Firearm Officer (DFO) at the police station closest to your ordinary residential address and apply for a competency certificate.
3.	When you apply for your competency certificate, you must at the same time apply for the renewal of your firearm licence. You must clearly state the purpose for which the firearm is needed.
4.	A complete set of your fingerprints will be taken by the SAPS. The application must be accompanied by two (2) recent passport size colour photographs.
	Payment must be made by means of a bank guaranteed cheque or cash for:
	a competency certificate : R70-00 each licence: R70-00
5.	The South African Police Service will conduct an inspection to determine whether your safe or strongroom meets the prescribed requirements.
6.	If your application is successful, the DFO will hand you the competency certificate and the firearm licence.

WHERE CAN I GET ANSWERS TO MORE QUESTIONS?

SAPS website: www.saps.gov.za
SAPS Firearm Control Call Center Tel: (012) 353 6111
Fax: (012) 353 6036
Poslec SETA: www.poslecseta.org.za

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Please Note: Legislation on this page is for South Africa only.

1. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2004 (ACT 10 OF 2004): THREATENED OR PROTECTED SPECIES REGULATIONS

2. Firearm Control Act

3. Importation of Firearms

4. Firearm / Ammunition Allowances and Specifications

5. General Provisions

6. In Transit Passengers (Transiting South Africa)

7. Accreditation of Firearms Training Institutions and Shooting Ranges

8. When must I Renew my Firearm Licence?

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