Firearms Importer Chapter

Introduction to Importer of Firearms

• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has jurisdiction over the permanent importation of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles into the United States.

Who may lawfully import firearms?

• Licensed importers (Type 08/11)
• Other Federal firearms licensees (FFL) on an occasional basis
• A member of the United States Armed Forces returning to the United States from overseas duty within 60 days of return
• Other exceptions: imports for governmental entities; foreign military or governmental personnel on official assignment; previously exported items being returned to the United States by the original exporter

The Import Process

• Licensee completes and submits ATF Form 6 (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War) to FEIB
• FEIB asks four questions when processing a Form 6 permit application:
  • Who is the importer?
  • What is being imported?
  • Where is it coming from and where was it manufactured?
  • Why is it being imported?
• ATF Form 6 is approved or denied by FEIB
• Approved Form 6 is returned to the importer along with two blank copies of ATF Form 6A (Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War)

Import Permit

• The approved Form 6 constitutes the import permit
• The import permit is valid for a period of 24 months from the approval date or until the quantity authorized is imported, whichever comes first
• Approved Forms 6 may be subsequently denied, revoked, or suspended by ATF

Importing Firearms

• The importer completes Section I of both ATF Forms 6A
• The importer presents CBP with the approved ATF Form 6 and one copy of ATF Form 6A or submits it electronically
• CBP conducts a physical inspection of the firearms shipment
• If CBP is satisfied that the shipment is authorized by ATF, they sign Section II of Form 6A and forward it directly to FEIB
• Within 15 days of release of the firearms from CBP custody, the importer must complete Section III of the second ATF Form 6A and forward it directly to FEIB

Required Records

• Licensed importers are required to maintain permanent records of the importation or other acquisition of firearms, including Forms 6 and 6A
• Records must include:
  • Serial Number (on receiver/frame)
  • Importer Name (on receiver/frame)
  • Importer City and State or abbreviated FFL number (first three and last five digits with no dashes) as a serial number prefix, followed by a hyphen, then the assigned unique identification number (on receiver/frame)
  • Model (if any), Caliber/Gauge, Name of Foreign Manufacturer, Country of Manufacture
  • Acquisition and Disposition Record
    • Name of Importer, Name of Manufacturer, and if PMF
    • Type, Model (if any), Caliber/Gauge, Country of Manufacture, Serial Number
    • Date of Import or Acquisition and if acquired, Name and Address or Name and FFL Number of Licensee
    • Date of Disposition, Name and Address or Name and FFL Number of Licensee or Form 4473 transaction number

Other Requirements

• ATF Form 4587 (Application to Register as an Importer of U.S. Munitions List Articles) must be completed in duplicate and filed with FEIB
• Licensed importers must register for up to 5 years
• The approved application is returned to the licensee and serves as proof of registration
• TTB Form 5300.26 (Federal Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Return) must be filed with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
• ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) must be maintained if the importer makes sales/transfers to non-licensees