U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 
Contents 2

• 

• 

This publication was prepared by the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch (FEIB), Bureau 

of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to assist Importers and other Firearms 

Industry Members in identifying firearms, ammunition, and defense articles that may be 

imported into the United States and to further clarify and facilitate the import process. The 

FEIB Guidebook was developed to provide guidance in the importation process through the 

proper recognition and correct use of required forms, regulatory policies, and prescribed import 

procedures. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of the importation process and 

provides both relevant and definitive explanations of procedural functions by outlining the 

existing imports controls including the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the National Firearms 

Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). 

If there are any additional questions or further information is needed, please contact the 

Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch at (304) 616-4550. 

Select a category to proceed. Select the down arrow to expand the category. Select the same 

arrow to collapse the category. 

• How To Use This Guidebook 

• General Overview 

• Policies & Procedures 

◦ Policies & Procedures Overview 
Contents 3

◦ Import Requirements for Firearms & Ammunition 

◦ ATF 4590 – Factoring Criteria for Weapons 

◦ Restricted Importation 

◦ Conditional Importation 

◦ Arms Exports Control Act 

◦ Types of Forms 

• General Information 

◦ Types of Importers 

◦ Sales and Sales Samples 

◦ Import Activities in FTZ/CBW 

◦ Surplus Military 

◦ Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax 

◦ Recordkeeping Requirements 

◦ Field Divisions 

• Firearms Verification 

◦ Firearms Verification Overview 

◦ Gun Control Act Definitions – 

◦ Firearm 

◦ Antique Firearm 

◦ Ammunition 

◦ Silencer 

◦ Pistol 

◦ Revolver 

◦ Rifle 

◦ Shotgun 

◦ National Firearms Act Definitions – 

◦ Firearm 

◦ Silencer 

◦ Machinegun 

◦ Any Other Weapon 

◦ Destructive Device 

◦ Antique Firearm 

◦ Terminology & Nomenclature 

◦ Handgun – Pistol 

◦ Handgun – Revolver 

◦ Bolt Action 

◦ Lever Action 

◦ Self-Loading Action (Semiautomatic) 

◦ Slide/Pump Action 

◦ Top Break Action 

• Terminology & Nomenclature 

◦ Terminology & Nomenclature Overview 

◦ Handgun – Pistol 

◦ Handgun – Revolver 

◦ Bolt Action 

◦ Lever Action 

◦ Self-Loading Action (Semiautomatic) 

◦ Slide/Pump Action 

◦ Top Break Action 

• Machinegun Destruction 
 

 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

How to Use This Guidebook 
How to Use This Guidebook

How To Use This Guidebook 

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2
How to Use This Guidebook

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ATF Internet 

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U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

General Overview 
General Overview

General Overview 

National Firearms Act (NFA) 

The importation of certain firearms, including but not limited to, machineguns, silencers, 

certain weapons made from rifles or shotguns, and destructive devices is also restricted 

under the National Firearms Act (NFA). 26 U.S.C. § 5844. 

Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (AECA) 

The importation of certain defense articles to include certain firearms, firearms parts, 

ammunition and certain other military equipment is subject to the provisions of the Arms 

Export Control Act of 1976 (AECA). 22 U.S.C. § 2778. 

Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) 

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) generally prohibits the importation of firearms, firearm 

frames or receivers, firearm barrels and ammunition into the United States. However, the 

GCA creates several narrow categories of firearms the Attorney General shall authorize for 

importation. In general, the GCA provides in Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 

44, Section 925 that firearms or ammunition may be imported into the United States: (1) for 

the purpose of scientific testing or research or for competition training under the provisions of 

Title 10, Chapter 401; (2) as unserviceable firearms, other than a machinegun as defined in 

26 U.S.C. § 5844, (not readily restorable to firing condition) if imported as a curio or museum 

piece; (3) if the firearms or ammunition are of a type generally recognized as particularly 

suitable for or readily adaptable to "sporting purposes"; or (4) the firearms or ammunition 

were previously taken out of the United States by the person who is bringing in the firearms or 

ammunition. Surplus military firearms and other non-sporting firearms qualifying as "curios or 

relics" may be imported. 18 U.S.C. § 925 (e). Title 18 U.S.C. § 925(a)(1) provides that the 

prohibition on the importation of firearms, firearm frames or receivers, firearm barrels and 

ammunition does not apply to the importation of firearms or ammunition sold or shipped to, or 

issued for the use of the United States or any department or agency thereof, or any State or 

any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. 

Handguns being imported into the United States must also be recognized as particularly 

suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3). An ATF 

Form 4590, Factoring Criteria for Weapons, is used in evaluating handguns for these 

purposes. 

Handguns evaluated on the Form 4590 must obtain a certain numeric value before they are 

approved for importation. The factoring criteria are based upon certain considerations such as 

dimensions, material used in construction, weight, caliber, safety features, and miscellaneous 

equipment. For additional information on the importability of handguns, see Factoring Criteria 

in this FEIB Guidebook. 

In determining whether a particular rifle or shotgun is suitable for or readily adaptable to 

sporting purposes within the meaning of the statute, ATF generally relies upon an analysis of 

the physical features of the firearm. Determinations regarding the classification of a specific 

rifle or shotgun are made on a case-by-case basis using criteria that includes the overall 

2
General Overview

appearance, length, weight, receiver or frame design and construction, designed magazine 

capacity, configuration and the presence of various physical characteristics designed for 

military and law enforcement application that distinguish the sample rifle or shotgun from 

traditional sporting firearms. (See e.g., ATF Rul. 94-1, 94-2, 95-3). 

18 U.S.C. § 925(d) and 27 CFR 478.116 authorize the conditional importation of a firearm or 

ammunition for the purpose of examination and testing by ATF in connection with the making 

of a determination as to whether the importation of the firearm or ammunition will be allowed 

under this section. An ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, 

Ammunition and Implements of War, is used to initiate the importation. A Form 6 that is 

conditionally approved instructs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deliver the 

firearm or ammunition from the port of entry to ATF. If, upon completion of ATF’s examination 

the firearm or ammunition is determined to be importable, the firearm or ammunition will be 

returned to the importer or to their broker. If the firearm or ammunition is found to be 

unsuitable for importation the firearm or ammunition must be export by you, the importer, 

pursuant to an export license from the Department of State or Commerce, abandoned to ATF 

for destruction, or ATF will seek forfeiture. 

ATF Internet 

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U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

Policies and Procedures 
 Policies and Procedures 2

Policies & Procedures Overview 

The following policies and procedures are required to initiate the importation of firearms, 

ammunition and implements of war: 

Laws & Regulations (In Brief) 

• The importation of firearms, firearm frames and receivers, firearm barrels, and 

ammunition is subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C., Chapter 44, the GCA and the 

implementing regulations in 27 CFR, Part 478. 

• The importation of certain firearms, including but not limited to, machineguns, silencers, 

certain large caliber weapons, other concealable weapons and explosive or incendiary 

weapons is also subject to the provisions of 26 U.S.C., Chapter 53, the NFA and the 

implementing regulations in 27 CFR, Part 479. 

• The importation defense articles to include certain firearms, firearm parts, ammunition 

and other defense articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List (USMIL) is also subject to 

the provisions of the 22 U.S.C. § 2778, the AECA and the implementing regulations in 27 

CFR, Part 447. (see 27 CFR § 447.21 for list of articles on the USMIL) 

1. In order to engage in the business of importing firearms or ammunition for resale, you 

must obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) as an importer. You may apply for a 

license by executing the ATF Form 7, Application for License, and forwarding it, with 

fingerprints, photographs and fee attached, to the address indicated on the form. You 

are also encouraged to check with State and local authorities to ensure you will be 

complying with their requirements for conducting a firearms or ammunition business 

within their jurisdiction. 

2. In order to engage in the business of importing articles on the USMIL, including firearms, 

firearm parts or ammunition (other than sporting shotguns, shotgun parts, or shotgun 

shells) for resale, you must also be registered with ATF as an importer of USMIL articles. 

You may apply for registration by executing ATF Form 4587, Application to Register as 

an Importer of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles, in duplicate, with an original signature 

on both copies, and enclosing your a check made payable to: Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in the amount of $250 for 1 year; $500 for 2 years; 

$700 for 3 years; $850 for 4 years; or $1,000 for 5 years. The Form 4587 and check 

should be forwarded to the address indicated on the form. 

3. In order to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms 

coming within the purview of the NFA, you must register and pay a special (occupational) 

tax (SOT). NFA firearms include machineguns, destructive devices, short-barreled 

shotguns, short-barreled rifles, etc. You may register as an NFA SOT taxpayer by 

executing ATF Form 5630.7 and forwarding it with the fee attached to the Bureau of 

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, P.O. Box 371962M, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7962. As an SOT, you are required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 

You may apply for your EIN by executing Form SS-4 (instruction sheet attached). You 

are also encouraged to check with State and local authorities to ensure you will be 

complying with their requirements regarding NFA weapons. 

4. An approved import permit on ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of 

Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War, is required to import these articles into the 

United States and allows the importation of the articles listed on the form. A permit is 

valid for one year from its approved date. 
 Policies and Procedures 3

5. A Federally licensed firearms dealer, pawnbroker or manufacturer, other than a 

manufacturer of ammunition only (Type 06 FFL) may obtain a permit to occasionally 

import a firearm for the FFL’s personal use, or for the personal use of a customer (the 

customer’s name, address and purpose of importation should be shown in the item 

entitled 'Specific Purpose of Importation' on the Form 6 Part I), without becoming 

licensed and registered as an importer. 

6. A Federally licensed firearms collector may obtain a permit to occasionally import curio or 

relic firearms for the purpose of enhancing the collector’s personal firearms collection, 

without becoming licensed and registered as an importer. However, a licensed collector 

may not import surplus military curio or relic firearms or nonsporting handguns. 

7. An unlicensed person may obtain a permit to import sporting ammunition (excluding 

armor-piercing, tracer, or incendiary ammunition) and firearm parts (other than frames, 

receivers, firearm barrels, or barreled actions) without engaging the services of an FFL, 

provided the items are for personal use and not for resale. Generally, ATF cannot issue a 

permit authorizing the importation of firearms barrels for nonsporting or surplus military 

firearms. 

8. In order to engage in the business of exporting, manufacturing, or brokering items on the 

USMIL you must be registered with the Department of State which administers the export 

and manufacturing provisions of the AECA. Generally, persons holding a manufacturer's 

FFL (Types 06, 07, and 10) must register as a manufacturer with the Department of State 

unless specifically exempted by an International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). For 

further information, you should contact: 

Office of Defense Trade Controls PM/DDTC 

Department of State Suite 1200 SA-I

2401 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20522-0112 

(202) 663-2980 www.pmdtc.org 

9. The Department of Commerce regulates the exportation of sporting shotguns, shotgun 

parts, sporting shotgun ammunition, firearm-type accessories and certain parts (e.g. 

sights, scopes, and mounts). For further information you should contact: 

Bureau of Industry and Security 

Export Counseling Division 

Department of Commerce

19th Street & Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 

(202) 482-4811 www.bis.doc.gov 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 4

Import Requirements for Firearms & Ammunition 

It shall be unlawful for any person other than an FFL, knowingly to import, or bring into the 

United States, any firearms or ammunition. 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1). 

However, as provided in 18 U.S.C. § 925, the GCA generally allows the importation of sporting 

firearms and ammunition and certain surplus military firearms classified as curios or relics. 

Sporting Firearms and Ammunition 

To qualify for importation under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3), a firearm or ammunition must not fall 

under the definition of firearm as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b), and must be of a type 

generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. 

• Handguns – Pistols & revolvers must meet size & safety requirements and accrue a 

qualifying point value specified on ATF Form 4590, Factoring Criteria for Weapons. 

• Rifles and Shotguns –Firearms such as single shot, lever action, bolt action and certain 

semiautomatic long guns with generally recognized sporting features. 

NOTE: ATF has determined that certain features designed for military application are 

indicative of non-sporting rifles and shotguns. Features which are not recognized as 

sporting include, but are not limited to, folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips that 

protrude conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, a bayonet or bayonet mount, a 

flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor, a 

grenade launcher and night sights. These features as well as other information 

concerning a particular firearm may result in ATF classifying a rifle or shotgun as nonsporting. Additional information regarding this subject is available in the Report and 

Recommendation of the ATF Working Group on the Importability of Certain 

Semiautomatic Rifles or The Department of Treasury Study on the Suitability of Modified 

Semiautomatic Assault Rifles (4/98) 

• Ammunition - Sporting ammunition is all ammunition EXCEPT, tracer or incendiary 

rounds, ammunition for destructive devices, less than lethal (i.e., rubber projectiles) and 

armor piercing ammunition as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17) and 27 CFR § 478.11. 

Surplus Military Firearms 

• A surplus military firearm is any firearm which has ever been possessed by a regular or 

irregular military force. Surplus military firearms are prohibited from importation under 18 

U.S.C. § 925(d)(3); however, § 925(e) authorizes licensed importers (FFL type 08 or 11) 

to import surplus military rifles and shotguns classified as curios or relics; and handguns 

classified as curios or relics which meet the sporting criteria. In order to qualify for 

importation the firearms must be in their original military configuration and cannot have 

been sporterized. Further, under the AECA, the importation of U.S.-origin surplus military 

firearms is generally prohibited without retransfer authorization from the Department of 

State. 27 CFR § 447.57. 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures

ATF Form 4590 – Factoring Criteria for Weapons 

5

Form 4590 is intended for informational use only. Copies are provided for your 

review to promote a better understanding of how ATF determines the importability of handguns 

but may not be submitted for consideration by ATF as the form is used by ATF only. 

The ATF Form 4590, Factoring Criteria for Weapons, was implemented as a result of the 

Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA). Following the enactment of the GCA, the Treasury 

Department established an advisory council known as the Firearms Evaluation Panel to 

provide guidance in determining an import standard, and to identify which firearms met this 

standard for importation into the United States. The panel focused its attention on handguns 

and recommended the adoption of a factoring criteria to evaluate certain types of handguns. 

The resulting factoring criteria for handguns is a one-page worksheet utilized by ATF's 

Firearms Technology Branch to calculate a numeric score that is used in determining whether 

a certain handgun may be legally imported into the United States. 

• Form 4590 establishes certain standards and prerequisites for imported handguns. 

Those qualifying benchmarks establish the minimum size and weight requirements for 

handguns under consideration for importation. Each submitted sample can accrue 

additional points based on the cumulative evaluation of its configuration, design, and 

enhanced safety features that further contribute to overall sporting and safety 

characteristics. The factoring criteria apply only to complete firearms, not actions, frames 

or receivers. 

• Generally, domestically produced firearms are not subject to the factoring criteria as long 

as they remain within the United States. However, if a U.S. made handgun were 

exported, it would be subject to the factoring criteria before it could be imported back into 

the United States. An exception to this rule is provided if the person who exported the 

firearm is the person bringing it back into the United States. In such an instance the 

sporting purposes test does not apply. 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(4). 

• Handguns that are classified as surplus military curios or relics are also subject to the 

factoring criteria. Failure to obtain a sufficient numeric score on ATF Form 4590 would 

prohibit their importation. 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures

Restricted Importation 

6

• NFA Firearms – Those firearms as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845, which include such 

firearms as machineguns, machinegun receivers, silencers, short barreled rifles, short 

barreled shotguns, destructive devices, smoothbore pistols, and certain other firearms 

(including certain unserviceable weapons). 

• Surplus Military Firearms – Those firearms which are generally not authorized for 

importation under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3). 

• Nonsporting Firearms – such as handguns which do not meet the sporting purpose 

criteria on ATF Form 4590, any rifle or shotgun with a folding stock or folding bayonet, 

and shotguns having a fixed magazine with a capacity of more than 5 cartridges and 

certain military style semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. 

• Nonsporting Ammunition – – including armor piercing ammunition, tracer ammunition 

(except sporting shotgun ammunition), ammunition for destructive devices, and 

incendiary ammunition. (see 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B)). 

• Proscribed Countries – Importation of firearms (other than sporting shotguns), 

ammunition (other than sporting shotgun ammunition), and munitions list articles 

originating in certain countries is prohibited. View List 

• Voluntary Restraining Agreement – – Certain restrictions apply to both ammunition 

and firearms (other than sporting shotguns) which are located or manufactured in 

Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Ukraine 

or Uzbekistan and any firearm or ammunition manufactured in the former Soviet Union 

located anywhere in the world. Only the following stipulated firearm models or parts for 

these models are importable under the present agreement. 27 CFR § 447.52. View 

List 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 7

Conditional Importation 

ATF may authorize firearms, ammunition and implements of war to be imported for 

examination by ATF's Firearms Technology Branch to determine their import status. Items 

which are determined to be nonimportable generally must be forfeited to the United States 

government, exported under a State Department license, or destroyed under Customs 

supervision. 18 U.S.C. § 925(d); 26 U.S.C. § 5844. 

• Conditional importation is also allowed for articles imported for storage in a CBP Bonded 

Warehouse (CBW) or in a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). 

When ATF approves a conditional importation, the ATF Form 6 is stamped "CONDITIONAL 

IMPORTATION PER ATTACHMENT" in red letters. The applicant will also receive a letter 

attachment outlining the reasons why this application was conditionally approved and providing 

further importation instructions. 

If CBP releases the firearm(s) to you or your broker under conditional importation, it is your 

responsibility to forward the firearm(s) to ATF's Firearms Technology Branch. You are not 

required to affix the required markings of 18 U.S.C. § 923(i); 27 CFR § 478.92 and 26 U.S.C. 

§ 5842; 27 CFR § 479.102 to conditionally imported firearms; however, if you do, ATF will 

consider them in its evaluation. View forms below - 

• ATF F 5330.3A (Form 6, Part I) - Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

• ATF F 5330.3B (Form 6, Part II) - Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, 

Ammunition and Implements of War (for use by members of the US Armed Forces) 

• ATF F 5330.3C (ATF E Form 6A) - Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, 

Ammunition and Implements of War 

• ATF F 5330.3D (Form 6NIA) - Application and Permit fo Temporary Importation of 

Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 8

Arms Export Control Act 

Arms Export Control Act of 1976 – 22 U.S.C. § 2778 

The United States Munitions Import List 

With respect to Section 38 of the AECA, only the permanent importation provisions 

are administered by ATF. Permanent and temporary export, as well as the temporary 

import provisions are administered by the Department of State. Importation 

regulations issued under this law are in 27 CFR Part 447 and are included in the 

Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide, ATF P 5300.4. See Part 447 of that 

publication. 

The USMIL is compiled in conjunction with Department of State, Directorate of 

Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and enumerates defense articles and defines 

defense services that may be imported into the United States under the provisions 

the AECA administered by ATF. 

Articles on the USMIL also include items in a partially completed state (such as 

forgings, castings, extrusions, and machined bodies) that have reached a stage in 

manufacture where they have been clearly identified as defense articles. 27 CFR, § 

447.22. 

Anyone engaged in the business of importing articles on the U.S. Munitions Import 

List for commercial purposes must register with ATF as an importer under the AECA 

using ATF Form 4587 and pay the prescribed fee. 27 CFR §§ 447.31 and 447.32. 

The term “firearms” is defined in 27 CFR § 447.11 as 

“A weapon, and all components and parts therefore, not over .50 caliber 

which will or is designed to or may be readily converted to expel a 

projectile by the action of an explosive, but shall not include BB and pellet 

guns, and muzzle loading (black powder) firearms (including any firearm 

with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition 

system) or firearms covered by Category 1(a) established to have been 

manufactured in or before 1898.” 

The provisions of 27 CFR § 447.2 in part, provide that all items on the USMIL which 

are "firearms" or "ammunition" as defined in 18 U.S.C § 921(a) are subject to the 

interstate and foreign commerce controls contained in Chapter 44 of Title 18 U.S.C 

and 27 CFR Part 478. If they are "firearms" within definition set out in 26 U.S.C §

5845(a), they are also subject to the provisions of 27 CFR Part 479. 

Importation of Firearm Parts and Other Munitions Import List Articles 

Firearm parts (other than parts for sporting shotguns), gas masks and other articles 

enumerated in the USMIL, 27 CFR § 447.21, also require an import permit ATF Form 6 

(part 1). 
 Policies and Procedures 9

View Related Links PDF version of Subpart C – US Munitions Import List 

Importers Registration 

You may apply for registration by completing the ATF Form 4587 , Application To Register 

as an Importer of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles, in duplicate, and enclosing your check 

made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Importer Registration Fee Schedule 

$250 1 year 

$500 2 years 

$700 3 years 

$850 4 years 

$1000 5 years 

* Fees subject to change by regulation. 

The completed application Form 4587 and check must be mailed directly to the address 

indicated on the form. 

NOTE: Once ATF has received and processed your application, one copy of the completed 

form will be returned to you with your registration number. You may then begin submitting ATF 

Forms 6 (including your registration number entered on Line 12) to the Firearms and 

Explosives Imports Branch for the commodities you intend to import. 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 10

Types of Forms 

The following types of forms and processes are relevant in the importation of firearms and 

ammunitions: 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 11

Types of Forms 

Types of Forms 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Exemptions 

Applications 

To obtain approval of submitted applications, the items to be imported must be correctly and 

completely identified on the ATF Form 6. In the case of new or unusual firearms, photographs 

and drawings of all markings should be submitted with the permit. It is strongly recommended 

that persons wishing to import firearms, ammunition, and defense articles first determine if the 

items are importable and then obtain an approved ATF Form 6 before acquiring the items 

abroad or attempting to bring them into the United States. Items may be conditionally imported 

pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 925(d) and/or 26 U.S.C. § 5844. 

ATF FORM 6 

Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, 

Ammunition and Implements of War 

This is the form generally needed to import firearms, 

ammunition and other defense articles into the United 

States. 

This is the form generally needed to import firearms, ammunition and other defense articles 

into the United States. 

NOTE: It typically takes the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch (FEIB) personnel four to 

six weeks to process a properly executed ATF Form 6 import permit application. 

Permit Application Tracking System 

One tracking method employed by importers involves the use and placement of an internal 

control number or optional number generated by the importers on the permit applications they 

submit. ATF encourages the use of internal control numbers or optional numbers by importers. 

Importers who elect to use an internal control numbers or optional numbers (composed of no 

more than 20 alpha-numeric characters) should place these numbers at the top of their ATF 

Forms 6 in the space entitled For Applicant’s Optional Use. Our database will allow us to 

capture these unique numbers as a key field, and allows us to search for a given application 

the unique number established by the importer. 
 Policies and Procedures 12

Types of Forms 

Types of Forms 

Applications 

Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

Processing ATF Form 6A 

Forms Required for Importation 

Sample of Required Forms 

ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

Processing ATF Form 6 Part I – View Form 

To assist us in the processing of your forms in a timely manner, we ask that you ensure the 

following: 

• The form is the most current edition, is fully completed, and contains accurate and 

complete information. If the form is missing information or does not contain the required 

supporting documentation, it will be disapproved and returned to you, along with a letter 

stating the reason(s) for disapproval. If the information on the form is not legible, it may 

cause a delay in processing. 

• Item 1 contains a complete and valid 15-digit FFL number and the expiration date. The 

9th digit of the FFL number indicates the year the license expires, and the 10th character 

indicates the month. The expiration date also appears on the face of the license. 

◦ A=Jan 

◦ B=Feb 

◦ C=Mar 

◦ D=Apr 

◦ E=May 

◦ F=June 

◦ G=Jul 

◦ H=Aug 

◦ J=Sept 

◦ K=Oct 

◦ L=Nov 

◦ M=Dec 

• Item 2 contains your business telephone number. You may also provide a business fax 

number. Please note "B" next to your business telephone number and the "F" next to 

your fax number. 

• Item 3 notes the name of the country of export. Pursuant to 27 CFR § 447.52, ATF is 

prohibited from approving applications to import articles that were manufactured in, or 

are being exported from, a proscribed country. 

• Item 4 lists the name and address of your Customs broker, if you are using one. If you 

would like the Form 6 to be returned to the broker, indicate by checking the box at the 

bottom of this section. 

• Item 5 contains your name and address, not the name and address of the person for 

whom you may be importing the articles. If you use your own tracking number, please 

enter it in the “For Applicant’s Optional Use” section of Form 6 at the top of the form. 

• Item 6 lists the foreign seller's name and address. 
 Policies and Procedures 13

• Item 7 lists the foreign shipper's name and address. If this information is identical to the 

information in Item 6, you may note the words "See Item 6." 

• Item 8a notes the name, address, and the country in which the firearm was 

manufactured. This section needs, at minimum, the full name and country of the 

manufacturer. Pursuant to 27 CFR § 447.52, ATF is prohibited from approving 

applications to import articles that were manufactured in, or being exported from a 

proscribed country. 

• Item 8b notes only the following acronyms: 

◦ SG=shotgun 

◦ RI=rifle 

◦ PI=pistol 

◦ RE=revolver 

Any information you can provide to further identify articles may be noted in Item 8b. 

For example, if you know the firearm is a nonsporting or an NFA firearm, you may 

note this information separately, directly under columns Item 8b-d, after you have 

described the articles in Items 8a-k. Also, if you are importing frames or receivers, 

indicate this in the same area. If you enter items on a separate attached sheet, put 

the total quantity of all articles applied for on the front of the application in Item 8d. 

Please ensure all required information required by Item 8 is included on 

attachments. Copies of invoices or catalogs may not contain sufficient information 

for ATF to determine if the articles are importable. 

• Items 8c-k notes further description of the article, such as caliber/gauge, quantity, unit 

cost in US dollars, USMIL category, model designation, barrel and overall lengths in 

inches, serial number, if known, and the condition of the articles (N=new and U=used). 

The USMIL categories are in 27 CFR § 447.21 as outlined in our ATF Publication 5300.4. 

For example, firearms and firearms components are Category I and ammunition is 

Category III. 

• Item 9a, 9b, or 9c must be checked. Please note that Items 9b and 9c pertain to U.S. 

military defense articles designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) by the 

Department of State (e.g. firearms and firearm component parts, ammunition and 

ammunition components, military vehicles, military aircraft) and not to goods 

manufactured for the commercial or civilian market. You must check Item 9b if the SME 

sought for importation contains U.S. manufactured parts or components or parts or 

components that were manufactured with U.S. military technical data or assistance and 

the SME was provided to by the U.S. government to a foreign government through a 

grant or Foreign Military Sales program, and you must attach to your application a copy 

of the written retransfer authorization issued to the foreign seller by the following office: 

Department of State

Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfer Policy (RSAT), 

(202) 647-9750 

• You must check Item 9c if the SME sought for importation contain U.S. manufactured 

parts or components and/or foreign manufactured parts or components that were 

manufactured with U.S. military technical data or assistance, and were provided to a 

foreign government pursuant to an export license issued by the Department of State, and 
 Policies and Procedures 14

you must attach to your application a copy of the written retransfer authorization issued 

to the foreign seller by the following office: 

Department of State

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), 

(202) 663-1282 

• Item 10 must ALWAYS state the specific purpose of importation, such as, without 

limitation, resale, gun show, personal use, on behalf of an individual, entry or removal 

from a CBW or FTZ, etc. Please provide the name of the special (occupational) taxpayer 

(SOT) and/or law enforcement/government entities ultimately demonstrating or receiving 

the imported articles. If you are importing on behalf of a non-licensee, include his or her 

name and addresses in this section. 

• Item 11. This item pertains to the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (AECA). If you 

completed the 

• ATF F 5330.4 (4587), Application to Register as an Importer of U.S. Munitions Import 

List Articles (USMIL), and paid $250-$1000 to become a registered importer, you must 

check "yes", even if the item(s) you are applying for do not fall under the AECA. 

• Item 12 notes the full 10-digit AECA number which was issued by the Firearms and 

Explosives Imports Branch (FEIB) when you completed Form 4587. 

• Item 13 bears your original signature. 

• Item 14 notes your title, such as Importer, CEO, or President. 

• Item 15 is the date the person in Item 13 signed the form. 

• The detachable perforated strip located at the top of the triplicate Form 6 is completely 

removed. 

• All carbon sheets are completely removed, if located inside the original Form 6 import 

permit application. 

• Three (triplicate) copies of any supporting documentation pertaining to the application are 

submitted, which includes fax copies. The supporting documentation must be attached to 

each copy of the Form 6. 

• Any separate sheets you prepare and attach to the completed Form 6, listing articles you 

wish to import must coincide with the format (Items 8a-k) on the face of the form. You 

must submit three copies of these attachment sheets, attached to each copy of the Form 

6. 

• Supporting documentation lists only those articles listed on the completed Form 6, and 

those articles are identical and distinctly identified by the manufacturer's name and 

address, type, caliber/gauge, model designation, and serial number(s) if known. 

• ATF’s four-to-six weeks processing period begins the day FEIB receives the application. 

Please try to wait until that period expires before contacting FEIB to inquire about the 

receipt or processing status of your Form 6, as it interrupts and delays the processing of 

your applications and those of other applicants. 

• Forms 6 are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Any Form 6 resubmitted 

because your initial permit has or will soon expire, will be considered a newly received 

Form 6. 27 CFR § 447.43 states that Form 6 import permit applications are valid for one 

year from their issuance date. Please ensure that your applications are submitted with 

sufficient lead time to avoid your current permit from expiring. Also remember that only 

the articles which are listed on the approved permit may be imported within the approved 

time period. 
 Policies and Procedures 15

• Firearms returned to the United States for repair, replacement, or customizing and 

subsequent export should be imported with a temporary import license issued by the 

U.S. Department of State: 

U.S. State Department 

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls 

PM/DTC, Room 1304, SA-1 

Washington, DC 20037 

(202) 663-1282 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 16

Types of Forms 

Importing Activities 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Exemptions 

Processing ATF Form 6A View Form 

ATF F 6A, Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War is 

used to release firearms, firearms parts, ammunition and other defense articles to you from 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. 

As FFL importers (Types 08 or 11) and/or AECA registered importers, the information below 

will provide you with the procedure and process needed to ensure Customs and Border 

Protection (CBP) officials release your imported articles to you. 

• An approved ATF Form 6 permit will be returned to you along with two blank ATF Forms 

6A. You must fully complete Section I of the ATF Form 6A for each incoming shipment. 

• 27 CFR § 447.45(a) and 27 CFR § 448.112(c) impose an additional requirement on all 

registered and FFL (Type 08 or 11) importers. In addition to the ATF Forms 6 and 6A 

already required to obtain the release of firearms, firearms parts, or ammunition, you 

must also present to CBP officials a copy of the export license authorizing the export of 

the articles from the country of export. If the exporting country does not require the 

issuance of an export license, you instead must present a certification, signed under 

penalties of perjury, attesting to that effect. 

• CBP may conduct a physical examination of the articles to ensure the articles imported 

coincide with the approved Form 6 and completed Form 6A. 

• CBP will complete Section II of the first Form 6A if they are satisfied that the shipment of 

firearms(s), ammunition or implements of war is authorized by ATF. The CBP official 

should return the Form 6 to you and send the first Form 6A, with Section II completed, 

directly to FEIB. 

• Within 15 days after the articles have been released by CBP, including release from a 

CBW or FTZ the importer must complete the marking requirements of 27 CFR § 478.92

and/or § 479.102 and the record keeping requirements of 27 CFR § 478.122. 

• Within that same 15 days, 27 CFR § 478.112 provides that each importer of firearms 

must complete Section III of the second ATF Form 6A and forward it directly to FEIB. 

Your original signature must be placed in Item 19. 

• Section 478.129(d) requires licensed importers to maintain permanent records of the 

importation or other acquisition of firearms, including Forms 6 or 6A. To satisfy this 

requirement, in view of the current instructions to prepare the Form 6A in duplicate, ATF 

recommends that importers either retain a photocopy of the second Form 6A in their 

records or prepare the Form 6A in triplicate and retain the third copy in their records. 

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures

 

 

 

 

17

Types of Forms 

Types of Forms 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

Forms required for Importation 

• ATF Form 6 – Part I: white, generally used by licensees and certain non-licensees 

View Form 

o o Except as provided in 27 CFR Parts 447 and 478, importers cannot secure the 

release of firearms, firearm component parts, ammunition, or other USMIL 

defense articles from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custom without 

presenting an approved ATF Form 6 permit. 

o Restrictions apply to various types of firearms and ammunition; the type of 

importer; the country of origin; and the purpose of importation. 

• ATF Form 6 – Part II: blue, restricted to use by members of the U.S. Armed Forces 

on active duty outside the U.S. View Form 

o U.S. military personnel must have been on temporary duty (TDY) or have been 

on active duty outside of the U.S. within 60 days preceding the intended 

importation. 

o The firearm or ammunition must be suitable for sporting purposes. 

o The firearm cannot be a surplus military firearm. 

o The country of manufacture or exportation of the firearm or ammunition cannot 

be proscribed pursuant to 27 CFR § 478.52. 

o The firearm or ammunition must be intended for personal use and not as a gift or 

resale. 

NOTE: Military members must complete the Form 6 Part I to import implements 

of war, such as firearms component parts. 

• ATF Form 6A – green, this form must be completed to secure the release of 

articles from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. View Form 

o Licensed and registered importers must submit only the first of two copies to 

CBP. 

o Non-licensed importers submit single copy to CBP. 

o CBP officials complete and sign Section II of the first copy and submit it directly 

to ATF without returning it to the importer. 

o Licensed and registered importers must complete Section III of second copy 

within 15 days of release by CBP and submit directly to ATF. 

• ATF Form 6NIA – white, form used by nonimmigrant aliens for temporary 

importation. View Form 

o Form must be submitted with a valid hunting license from any U.S. state, or an 

invitation/registration to compete in a qualified competitive shooting event or 
 Policies and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

exhibit firearms or ammunition at a qualified sports/hunting trade show. 27 CFR § 

478.100. 

o Permit is valid for one year from approval date. Nonimmigrant aliens may enter 

U.S. multiple times as long as their hunting license or permit, or 

invitation/registration is valid at the time of entry into to the U.S. Only the 

firearms, ammunition, and other articles approved on the Form 6 NIA may be 

imported. 

Forms required for Importation of defense articles into the United States for commercial resale 

and distribution 

Commodity 

Federal 

Firearms 

License 

Federal 

Explosives 

License/User’s 

Permit 

ATF Form 4587 

Registration as 

importer under 

the AECA 

ATF Form 

5530.7 (SOT) as 

Importer of NFA 

weapons 

ApprovedATF 

Form 6 

Import Permit 

Implements of War (All 

USMIL defense articles 

other than firearms and 

ammunition) √ √

Sporting Shotguns and 

Sporting Shotgun 

Ammunition 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√

All Other Firearms 

EXCLUDING 

NFA Firearms and 

Destructive Devices 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√ √

NFA Firearms 

EXCLUDINGDestructive 

Devices 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√

√

To become a 

Class I Special 

(Occupational 

Taxpayer) 

√

Destructive Devices 

√

Type 11 FFL √

√

To become a 

Class I Special 

(Occupational 

Taxpayer) 

√

Barrels for SportingRifles 

and Handguns √ √

Barrels for Sporting 

Shotguns √

Barrels for 

Nonsporting/NFA 

Firearms 

√ √

Dual 

Use(Sporting/Nonsporting) 

Barrels 

√ √

Barrels forSurplus Military 

Firearms √ √

Rifle and Handgun 

Ammunition other than 

Ammunition for 

Destructive Devices and 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√ √
 Policies and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

Armor Piercing 

Ammunition 

Ammunition for 

Destructive Devices and 

Armor Piercing 

Ammunition 

√

Type 11 FFL √ √

Bulk Smokeless Powder 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√

Explosives 

Importers 

License/User’s 

Permit 

√ √

Smokeless PowderPrepackaged in Cans 

√

Type 08 or 11 

FFL 

√ √

Plastic Explosives 

√

Explosives 

Importers 

License/User’s 

Permit 

√ √

import application process – required documentation 

Types of Imported 

Defense Articles or 

Action 

Initia 

l 

For 

m 6 

Secon 

d 

Form 

6 

Government 

Agency 

Purchase 

Order/Contra 

ct 

Original 

Law 

Enforceme 

nt Letter 

(original 

signature) 

Penalty of 

Perjury 

Certificati 

on 

(original 

signature 

REQUIRE 

D) 

Foreign 

Source 

(origina 

l 

signatu 

re 

ONLY 

needed 

for 

SMCR's 

) 

Identity of 

Sporting 

Firearms to 

Be 

Manufactur 

ed 

State Dept. 

Retransfer 

Authorizati 

on needed 

with Form 6 

Sporting Firearms& 

Sporting Ammunition √

Barrels forSporting 

Firearms √

Barrels 

forNonsporting/NFA 

Firearms 

√ √

Dual 

Use(Sporting/Nonsporti 

ng) Barrels 

√

√

(Model 

Designation 

s) 

Barrels for Surplus 

Military Firearms √ √

Surplus Military 

Firearms √ √ OR √ * √ √

Surplus Military 

Curio or Relic Firearms √ √

√

Firearm' 

s last 5-

Year 

History 

NFA Dealer Sales √ √ * * 
 Policies and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

Sample(Machineguns 

only) 

Firearms (Including 

Frames& Receivers), 

and Ammunition Into 

CBW/FTZ 

√

√

Surplus 

Military 

Firearms 

√

Surplus 

Military 

Firearm 

s 

Firearms (Including 

Frames& Receivers), 

and Ammunition 

Removed from 

CBW/FTZ 

√

√ OR √

Surplus Military Firearms 

(other than Curios & 

Relics) 

or Nonsporting Firearms 

& Ammunition 

Nonsporting 

firearms, 

Nonsporting 

Ammunition, and √ √ OR √ * 

NFA Firearms 

(Including 

Machineguns) 

Firearm Barrels,& Rifle 

& Handgun Component 

Parts (Excluding 

Framesor Receivers) 

Into CBW/FTZ 

√

The removal of firearm barrels from a CBW/FTZ for entry 

into the 

U.S. 

DOES require a second approved Form 6. However, ATF 

DOES NOT require a second Form 6 for other firearm 

component parts, but Customs MAY require a second 

approved Form 6. 

To be removed from 

CBW/FTZ √ √ OR √ * * 

U.S. 

OriginMilitary Defense 

Articles 

√

Depending on type of 

U.S. 

origin military defense articles being imported, additional 

documentation including the above categories may be 

required along with the retransfer authorization. 

√

* The required law enforcement demonstration requests documentation for NFA firearms must always include the 

specific imported firearm by type, caliber, model designation and quantity. Requests to import two or more firearms of a 

particular model will be approved only if the dealer/importer provides documentation showing bona fide reasons that a 

single firearm will be insufficient. See 27 CFR §479.105(d); See also ATF Ruling 2002-5; ATF NFA Guidebook. 

** For machineguns classified as a curio or relic, the importer must provide detailed information as to why a particular 

weapon is suitable for law enforcement purposes, who the expected customers would be, and information as to the 

availability of firearms to fill subsequent orders. 27 CFR 479.105; See also ATF Rulings 85-2, 2002-5; ATF NFA 

Guidebook. 
 Policies and Procedures 21

Types of Forms 

Types of Forms 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

Samples of required forms 

Frequently encountered Forms include: 

• Customs Form 4455 – Resale as a registered importer under the AECA 

• ATF F 5330.3A (Form 6, Part I) – Application & Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition & 

IOW 

• ATF F 5330.3B (Form 6, Part II) – Application & Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition & 

IOW 

• ATF F 5330.3C (ATF E Form 6A) – Release & Receipt of Import of Firearms, Ammunition and/or 

Implements of War 

• ATF F 5330.4 (4587) – Application to Register as an Importer of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles 

Required Forms Listed Alphanumerically 

The forms designated as ATF F can be accessed from the ATF website. 

The forms designated as CF, FBI and SS can be accessed from the U.S. 

Customs Border& Protection website. 

ATF F 4473 PT.I (5300.9) CF 19 CF 3171 

ATF F 4473 PT I (SV) (5300.9) CF 26 CF 3173 

ATF F 4473 PT.II (5300.9) CF 28 CF 3229 

ATF F 4590 CF 178 CF 3299 

ATF F 5013.3 (eForm6 Request) CF 214A CF 3311 

ATF F 5300.11 CF 214B CF 3347 

ATF F 5300.11a CF 214C CF 3347a 

ATF F 5300.26 CF 216 CF 3461 

ATF F 5300.27 CF 226 CF 3485 

ATF F 5300.28 CF 247 CF 3495 
ATF F 5300.38 CF 300 CF 3499 

ATF F 5300.42 CF 301 CF 4315 

ATF F 5310.12 (Form 7) CF 339A CF 4455 

ATF F 5310.16 (Form 7CR) CF 339C CF 4457 

ATF F 5320.1 (Form 1) CF 339V CF 4609 

ATF F 5320.2 (Form 2) CF 349 CF 4790 

ATF F 5320.3 (Form 3) CF 350 CF 5106 

ATF F 5320.4 (Form 4) CF 400 CF 5125 

ATF F 5320.5 (Form 5) CF 442 CF 5523 

ATF F 5320.9 (Form 9) CF 446 CF 7507 

ATF F 5320.10 (Form 10) CF 449 CF 7509 

ATF F 5320.20 CF 450 CF 7512 

ATF F 5330.3A (Form 6 Part I) CF 1300 CF 7512A 

ATF F 5330.3B (Form 6 Part II) CF 1302 CF 7512B 

ATF F 5330.3D (Form 6 NIA) CF 1302A CF 7514 

ATF F 5330.4 ( 4587) CF 1303 CF 7523 

ATF F 5330.20 CF 1304 CF 7533 

ATF F 5400.4 CF 1400 CF 7551 

ATF F 5400.5 CF 1401 CF 7552 

ATF F 5400.8 CF 3078 CF 7553 

ATF F 5400.13 CF 3124 FBI FD-258 

ATF F 5400.21 CF 3124E SS-4 

ATF F 5400.28 

ATF F 5400.29 

 Policies and Procedures 22

ATF Internet 
 Policies and Procedures 23

Types of Forms 

Types of Forms 

• Applications 

• Processing ATF Form 6 Part I 

• Processing ATF Form 6A 

• Forms Required for Importation 

• Sample of Required Forms 

• ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

ATF Form 6 Parts I, II, 6NIA & 6A Exemptions 

1. No approved ATF Form 6 is required to import any antique firearm, as that term is defined in the GCA 

and the NFA. 27 CFR 578.115(c). 

NOTE: you may need to supply proof to Customs to establish that a certain firearm, which is not 

marked as being manufactured in or before 1898 is an antique firearm as defined in Federal law. 

2. Importations by agencies of United States Government are exempt from ATF’s import controls and 

permit requirements. 27 CFR 478.141(a)(1); 27 CFR 447.53.(a)(1). 

3. The importation of components for items being manufactured under contract for the Department of 

Defense is exempt from the import permit and registration requirements of 27 CFR Part 447. 27 CFR 

53(a)(2). See also 27 CFR 447.53(b) 

4. The importation of articles (other than those which would be “firearms” as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a) 

(3) manufactured in foreign countries for persons in the United States pursuant to Department of State 

approval is exempt from the import permit and registration requirements . 27 CFR 447.52(a)(3). See 

also 27 CFR 447.53(b). 

5. Pursuant to 27 CFR 447.41(c), an import permit is not required for the importation of – 

The U.S. Munitions Import List articles from Canada, except articles enumerated in 

Categories I, II, III, IV, VI(e), VIII(a), and XX, and 

Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all specifically designed components, 

parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment thereof (see Category XXI), 

or 

Minor components and parts for Category I(a) and I(b) firearms except barrels, cylinders, 

receivers (frames) or complete breech mechanisms, when the total value does not 

exceed $100 wholesale in any single transaction. 

6. The return of U.S. goods by the person who exported/took them out of the United States.27 CFR 

478.115(a). 

7. Foreign military personnel on official assignment to the U.S. who bring firearms or ammunition into the 

U.S. for their exclusive use while on official duty in the U.S. (excluding NFA weapons). 27 CFR 

478.115(d)(2) 

8. Official representatives of foreign governments who are accredited to the U.S. government or are en 

route to or from other accredited countries (excluding NFA weapons). 27 CFR 478.115(d)(3) 
 Policies and Procedures 24

9. Officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign visitors who have been so designated by 

the Department of State (excluding NFA weapons). 27 CFR 478.115(d)(4). 

10. Foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments entering the U.S. on official law 

enforcement business (excluding NFA weapons). 27 CFR 478.115(d)(5). 

11. Sporting shotgun parts other than firearm frames or receivers or barrels. 

12. Air guns, pellet guns, starter guns and flare guns provided they are not firearms as defined in 18 

U.S.C. § 921(a)(3) and do not have tear gas dissemination capability. 

13. Firearm accessories such as gun cases, slings, and cleaning kits. 

ATF Internet 
 

 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

General Information 
General Information 2

Types of Importers 

The commercial importation of firearms, ammunition and implements of war 

for commercial purposes is generally done by a Type 08 or Type 11 Federal 

Firearms Licensee (FFL) who must also be registered with ATF under the 

Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The commercial importation of sporting 

shotguns, sporting shotgun parts, and ammunition for sporting shotguns is 

exempt from the registration requirements of the AECA. Listed below are 

those who may engage in importation activities. 

Licensed Importer 

A holder of a Type 08 or Type 11 FFL and AECA registration. A licensed importer may obtain 

an approved ATF Form 6 (Part I) import permit to import sporting firearms, sporting 

ammunition, surplus military rifles and shotgun, and surplus military curio or relic handguns 

that meet the sporting criteria for on ATF Form 4590, for commercial purposes. Firearms 

imported by a licensed importer must be marked in accordance with the provisions of 18 

U.S.C. § 923(i) and 27 CFR § 478.92 (also see Marking Requirements in this guide) 

Licensed Dealer, Pawnbroker & Manufacturer 

A holder of a Type 01, Type 02, or Type 07 FFL respectively. A licensed dealer, pawnbroker or 

firearms manufacturer may occasionally obtain an approved ATF F 6 (Part I) import permit to 

import firearms and ammunition for his or her own use, for repair, or as the import agent for a 

specific customer. A licensed dealer, pawnbroker or firearms manufacturer may not import 

firearms or ammunition for resale or other commercial purposes. 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A). 

Licensed Collector 

A holder of a Type 03 FFL. A licensed collector may obtain an approved ATF F 6 

(Part I) import permit to import rifles and shotguns, other than surplus military rifles and 

shotguns, which have been classified as curio or relics, for their personal collection. A licensed 

collector may also import a handgun, other than a surplus military handgun, which has been 

classified as curio or relic. for their own personal collection provided the handgun meets the 

sporting criteria for on ATF Form 4590. 

Registered Importer 

Any person registered with ATF as an importer of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles pursuant 

to ATF Form 4587. A registered importer may import articles enumerated on the U.S. 

Munitions Import List (USMIL) into the United States for commercial purposes pursuant to an 

approved ATF Form 6. If the articles sought for importation for are also subject to the import 

controls of the Gun Control Act (GCA) (e.g., firearms, firearm barrels, ammunition, and/or the 

National Firearms Act (NFA) (e.g, machineguns, silencers, etc,) the importer would also need 

to hold a Type 08 or 11 Federal Firearms License under the GCA and pay Special 

(occupational) tax under the NFA. 

Non-Licensed Resident of the U.S. 
General Information 3

Any person residing in the U.S. who does not hold an FFL. A non-licensed resident of the U.S 

may obtain an approved ATF F 6 (Part I) import permit to import sporting ammunition for his or 

her own use but not for resale or other commercial purpose. However, a non-licensed resident 

of the U.S. may not obtain an approved ATF Form 6 import permit to import nonsporting 

ammunition or any firearm. Any non-licensee who desires to import a firearm into the U.S. 

must have the firearm imported on his or her behalf by a qualified FFL, and the subsequent 

transfer of the firearm to the non-licensee must be in compliance with Federal, State and local 

law. 

Non-Licensed, Non-Resident U.S. Citizen 

A U.S. Citizen who lives abroad. A non-licensed U.S. citizen, who lives abroad and intends to 

return to the U.S. with sporting firearms, sporting ammunition or certain implements of war 

(e.g., firearm component parts) acquired while outside the U.S., may obtain an approved ATF 

F 6 (Part I) import permit to import sporting firearms and ammunition into the U.S. prior to his

or her return to the U.S. for his or her own personal use. 

U.S. Military Personnel 

Members of the U.S. armed forces. A member of the U.S. armed forces who is on active duty 

outside the U.S. or who has been on active duty outside the U.S within the 60-day period 

immediately preceding the intended importation, may obtain an approved ATF Form 6 (Part II) 

import permit to import sporting firearms and ammunition to his or her place of residence for 

his or her own personal use. 18 U.S.C. 925(a)(4). 

Alien 

A foreign national. An alien entering the U.S. to establish residency may obtain an approved 

ATF F 6 (Part I) import permit, prior to the date U.S. residency is established (90 days after his 

or her date of arrival in the U.S.) to import sporting firearms, sporting ammunition, and certain 

implements of war (e.g., firearm component parts). The items approved for importation must 

accompany the alien or be contained in his or her shipment of personal effects. 18 U.S.C. 922 

(d)(3). 

Non-Immigrant Alien 

A foreign national temporarily in the U.S. A non-immigrant alien may obtain an approved ATF 

F 6 (NIA) to temporarily import firearms and ammunition (other than firearms subject to the 

controls of the National Firearms Act (NFA) for lawful hunting activities, to attend a qualified 

shooting event, or for exhibition at a qualified trade show. The event or trade show must be 

sponsored by a national, State or local firearms organization devoted to the collection, 

competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms. The non-immigrant alien must attach to his 

or her Form 6 (NIA) permit application, as appropriate, a copy of a valid hunting license or 

permit issued to him or her by a jurisdiction within the U.S., a copy of his or her invitation to 

participate in a qualified hunting or shooting event, or a copy of his or her reservation for 

exhibiting at a qualified trade show. An approved Form 6 (NIA) will be valid for a period not to 

exceed 12 months, and may be used for multiple, temporarily importations of any or all of the 

items listed on the approved Form 6 (NIA) during that 12-month period. If the Form 6 (NIA) 

permit application approved by ATF was supported by attaching a copy of a qualified hunting 

license or permit, the non-immigrant alien will need to present both the approved Form 6 (NIA) 

and a valid, qualified hunting license or permit to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
General Information 4

officials at the time of each entry into the U.S. If the Form 6 (NIA) permit application was 

supported by attaching copies of more than one invitation or reservation to participate in 

qualified shooting competitions or exhibit at qualified trade shows, the non-immigrant alien may 

present the approved Form 6 (NIA) to CBP officials for multiple entries into the U.S., the 

number of which will be limited to the number of such documents attached to his or her 

approved import permit. 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5). 

For additional information on the importation of firearms and ammunition by foreign nationals, 

please go to Subsection R of the Question and Answer Section of ATF P 5300.4, Federal 

Firearms Regulations Reference Guide (9/2005). 

ATF Internet 
General Information 5

Sales and/or Sales Samples of Certain Firearms,

Ammunition and Firearm Barrels 

Sales to Law Enforcement and Government Agencies 

NOTE: Law enforcement and government entities are authorized to import and/or receive 

firearms, firearm barrels and ammunition classified as: 

• Nonsporting firearms and NFA Firearms such as machineguns, silencers, short-barreled 

shotguns and rifles, destructive devices and firearms identified as any other weapons 

• Surplus military firearms (other than those classified as curios or relics) 

• Barrels for surplus military firearms and nonimportable firearms 

• Tracer or incendiary ammunition 

• Ammunition for destructive devices 

• Armor piercing ammunition 

Generally, importers are prohibited from importing the articles listed above for placement into 

his or her general warehouse or normal place(s) of storage unless the importer has attached to 

his or her ATF Form 6 import permit application specific documentation demonstrating that the 

articles are entering into the commerce of the United States for an authorized purpose. 18 

U.S.C. § 921(d)(3), 922(o), and 26 U.S.C. § 5844. Importers desiring to store any of these 

articles at a location within the United States who cannot attach such documentation to their 

Form 6 application may, however, submit an ATF Form 6 import permit application seeking 

authorization to place the articles into a qualified Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) or 

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). The importers must clearly state in Item 10 of their Form 6 

application that the listed articles are to be entered into a CBW or FTZ by referencing its 

identity/number and address of the CBW or FTZ into which the articles will be placed. If the 

articles sought for importation are surplus military firearms surplus military ammunition, or 

firearm or ammunition components of U.S. origin, importers must attach to their Form 6 

application written retransfer authorization from the U.S. Department of State. If any of these 

articles were provided to a foreign government under a Military Assistance Program, the 

written retransfer authorization must be issued by the Office of Regional Security and Arms 

Transfer Policy (RSAT) within the Department of State. If any of these articles were provided to 

a foreign government under a Foreign Military Sales program, the written retransfer 

authorization must be issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) within the 

Department of State. If the required written retransfer authorization is not attached to such a 

Form 6 application, the Forms 6 will be returned to the applicants without action. You may 

contact the RSAT office at (202) 647-9750, or DDTC at (202) 663-1282. 

After their placement into a CBW or FTZ, an importer desiring to subsequently withdraw these 

articles for entry into the United States must submit a second ATF Form 6 seeking 

authorization to withdrawal for entry into the United States. The importer must, in Item 10 of 

the Form 6, reference the permit number of the approved Form 6 under which the articles were 

placed into the CBW or FTZ, and the specific purpose of importation. 

Nonsporting and NFA Firearms 
General Information 6

Importers seeking to withdraw nonsporting or NFA firearms from a CBW or FTZ must indicate 

in Item 10 of the Form 6 that the firearms sought for importation are to be removed from the 

CBW or FTZ: 

• for sale to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers seeking to withdraw 

nonsporting or NFA firearms from a CBW or FTZ must attach to the Form 6 a purchase 

order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a copy of a government 

contract, referencing the firearms sought for importation 

• for use as a sales sample by a licensed special (occupational) taxpayer (NFA firearms 

only). See “Sales Samples (NFA Firearms Only)” below for documentation requirements 

• for scientific testing or research purposes (machineguns may not be imported for 

scientific testing research purposes). Importers must attach to the Form 6 a detailed 

written description of the scientific testing or research to be performed. 

Surplus Military Firearms 

Surplus military firearms which have NOT been classified as curios or relics may be imported 

only for sale to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers seeking to withdraw 

surplus military firearms from a CBW or FTZ must attach to the Form 6 a purchase order from 

a law enforcement or government agency, a copy of a government contract, referencing the 

firearm sought for importation. 

Barrels for Surplus Military Firearms and Nonimportable Firearms 

Barrels of all surplus military firearms, including barrels for surplus military NFA firearms, may 

only be imported for sale or other disposition to a law enforcement or government agency. 

Importers seeking to withdraw barrels of surplus military firearms from a CBW or FTZ must 

attach to the Form 6 a purchase order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a 

copy of a government contract, referencing the barrels sought for importation. 

Barrels of nonimportable firearms that are not surplus military firearms may be imported for 

sale or other disposition to a to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers must 

attach to the Form 6 a purchase order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a 

copy of a government contract, referencing the barrels sought for importation. Further, such 

barrels that may be used in the assembly of importable and nonimportable firearms may also 

be imported: 

• for use in the assembly of importable firearms. The importer must specify in Item 10 of 

the Form 6 the specific model designation(s) of the importable firearms the barrels will be 

used to assemble 

• for resale to third parties. The importer must state in Item 10 of the Form 6 that the 

purchaser has or will be advised that the barrels may only be used in the assembly of 

importable firearms and must list the models for which the barrels will be sold 

Tracer or Incendiary Ammunition 

Tracer or incendiary ammunition may be imported: 

• for sale or other distribution to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers 

seeking to withdraw tracer or incendiary ammunition must attach to the Form 6 a 

purchase order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a copy of a 

government contract, referencing the ammunition sought for importation 
General Information 7

• for scientific testing or research purposes. Importers must attach to the Form 6 a detailed 

written description of the scientific testing or research to be performed) 

Ammunition for Destructive Devices 

Ammunition for destructive devices may be imported by a Type 11 FFL: 

• for sale or other distribution to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers 

seeking to import ammunition for destructive devices must attach to their Form 6 a 

purchase order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a copy of a 

government contract, referencing the ammunition sought for importation 

• for scientific testing or research purposes. Importers must attach to the Form 6 a detailed 

written description of the scientific testing or research to be performed) 

Armor Piercing Ammunition 

Armor piercing ammunition may be imported by a Type 11 FFL: 

• for sale or other distribution to a law enforcement or government agency. Importers 

seeking to import armor piercing ammunition must attach to their Form 6 a purchase 

order from a law enforcement or government agency, or a copy of a government 

contract, referencing the ammunition sought for importation 

• for scientific testing or research purposes. Pursuant to 27 CFR § 478.149, an importer 

may sell or otherwise distribute armor piercing ammunition to any person intending to 

use armor piercing ammunition for scientific testing or research purposes when that 

person has provided the importer with a copy of their written approval from ATF 

authorizing them to procure the armor piercing ammunition for such purposes. The 

importer must attach a copy of ATF’s approval to his Form 6 application. 

National Firearms Act Sales Samples 

Licensed firearms importers who have paid special (occupational) tax (SOT) may import NFA 

firearms themselves and for sale or distribution to licensed firearms dealers who have paid 

SOT, for use as sales samples pursuant to the provisions of 27 CFR §§ 479.105(d) and

479.112(d), and ATF Rulings 85-2 and 2002-5. 

Dealer Sales Samples of Machineguns. 27 CFR § 479.105(d) 

Applications to transfer and register a machinegun manufactured or imported on or after May 

19, 1986, to dealers qualified under this part will be approved if it is established by specific 

information the expected governmental customers who would require a demonstration of the 

weapon, information as to the availability of the machinegun to fill subsequent orders, and 

letters from governmental entities expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing 

a demonstration of a particular weapon. Applications to transfer more than one machine gun of 

a particular model to a dealer must also establish the dealer's need for the quantity of samples 

sought to be transferred. 

Pursuant to the above section of regulations, applications to transfer and register machineguns 

manufactured or imported on or after May 19, 1986, to qualified firearms dealers will be 

approved if: 
General Information 8

• Letterhead documentation signed by the law enforcement or government agency official 

having jurisdiction over the particular area and current, expressing an interest in seeing a 

demonstration of the particular firearm is attached to the Form 6. The required 

documentation must specifically identify the firearm by type, caliber, model designation, if 

any, and serial number, if known, 

• Information that additional quantities of the specific firearm are available to fill future 

orders is attached to the Form 6, 

• The firearm sought for use as a sales sample is not presently in the requestor’s 

inventory, 

• Documentation clearly establishing the need for more than one of a particular type, 

caliber, or model firearm as a sales sample is attached to the Form 6. See ATF Ruling 

2002-5 reprinted below for more information and guidance, and/or 

• A copy of the special (occupational) tax stamp of the dealer attempting to acquire the 

sales sample is attached to the Form 6. 

Registration of Imported Firearms. 27 CFR § 479.112(d) 

An application, Form 6, to import a firearm by an importer or dealer qualified under this part, for 

use as a sample in connection with sales of such firearms to Federal, State or local 

governmental entities, will be approved if it is established by specific information attached to 

the application that the firearm is particularly suitable for use by such entities. Such information 

must show why a sales sample of a particular firearm is suitable for such use and the expected 

governmental customers who would require a demonstration of the firearm. Information as to 

the availability of the firearm to fill subsequent orders and letters from governmental entities 

expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing a demonstration of a particular 

firearm would establish suitability for governmental use. Applications to import more than one 

firearm of a particular model for use as a sample by an importer or dealer must also establish 

the importer's or dealer's need for the quantity of samples sought to be imported. 

Generally, importers of NFA firearms must: 

• Complete ATF Form 6A in duplicate, with Section 1 completed, presenting the original 

copy to CBP at the time of release; complete Section III of the duplicate copy and send it 

to ATF within 15 days of release from CBP custody 

• Ensure the firearms are marked in accordance with the provisions of 27 CFR § 478.92

and 27 CFR § 479.102 within 15 of their release form CBP custody 

• Prepare and submit ATF Form 2 the National Firearms Act Branch within 15 days of 

release from CBP custody 

• Enter the firearms into the records prescribed in Subpart H of 27 CFR Part 478. 

Curio or Relic Sales Samples 

Generally, importers seeking to import NFA firearms that are curios or relics as sales samples 

must clearly establish that the curio or relic NFA firearms sought for importation are particularly 

suitable for use as a law enforcement weapon. See ATF Ruling 85-2 below for more 

information and guidance. 

Import permit applications cannot be approved unless accompanied by: 
General Information 9

• Documentation signed by you, the importer, providing additional information, such as the 

expected customers who would require a demonstration of the NFA firearm, and the 

availability of additional firearms to fill future orders 

• Letterhead documentation signed by the law enforcement or government agency official 

having jurisdiction over the particular area, expressing an interest in seeing a 

demonstration of the particular firearm. The required documentation must specifically 

identify the firearm by type, caliber, model designation, if any, and serial number, if 

known. Such documentation must also establish by detailed and specific information as 

to why the particular firearm is particularly suitable for use as a law enforcement weapon. 

NOTE: ATF reserves the right to determine whether documentation submitted with the import 

permit application is acceptable, and to require the submission of additional documentation 

when deemed necessary. Personnel from the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch may 

contact the law enforcement or government agency signatory to confirm the authority of the 

official, the validity of the official’s signature, and/or the validity of the supporting 

documentation. 

ATF Ruling 85-2 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has approved a number of applications to 

import National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms for the use of registered importers to generate 

orders for such firearms from law enforcement agencies. 

A review of the characteristics of NFA firearms approved for importation as sales samples 

indicates that some of the firearms are not being imported for the purpose comtemplated by 

the statute. Some of the NFA firearms imported are, in fact, curios and relics and are more 

suitable for use as collector’s items than law enforcement weapons. 

Importations of NFA firearms are permitted by 26 U.S.C. § 5844, which provides in pertinent 

part: 

“No firearms shall be imported or brought into the United States or any territory under its 

control or jurisdiction unless the importer establishes under the regulations as may be 

prescribed by the Secretary, that the firearm to be imported or brought in is: 

1. being imported or brought in for the use of the United States or any department, 

independent establishment, or agency thereof or any State or possession or any political 

subdivision thereof, or 

2. *** 

3. being imported or brought in solely for use as a sample by a registered importer or 

registered dealer; 

except that, the Secretary may permit the conditional importation or bringing in of a firearm for 

examination and testing in connection with classifying the firearm.” 

The sole purpose of the statute permitting the importation of NFA firearms as sales samples is 

to permit registered importers to generate orders for firearms from government entities, 

primarily law enforcement agencies on the basis of the sample. 

The implementation of regulation, 27 CFR Section 179.111*, provides that the person 

importing or bringing in a firearm into the United States or any territory under its control or 

jurisdiction has the burden of proof to affirmatively establish that the firearm is being imported 
General Information 10

or brought in for one of the authorized purposes. In addition, a detailed explanation of why the 

importation falls within one of the authorized purposes must be attached to the application to 

import. The mere statement that an NFA firearm is being imported as a sales sample for 

demonstration to law enforcement agencies does not meet the required burden of proof and is 

not a detailed explanation of why the importation falls within the import standards. 

Held, an application to import a National Firearms Act firearm as a sample in connection with 

sales of such firearms to law enforcement agencies will not be approved if the firearm is 

determined to be a curio or relic unless it is established by specific information that the firearm 

is particularly suitable for use as a law enforcement weapon. For example, the importer must 

provide detailed information as to why a sales sample of a particular weapon is suitable for law 

enforcement purposes and the expected customers who would require a demonstration of the 

weapon. Information as to the availability of firearms to fill subsequent orders would help meet 

the burden of establishing use as a sales sample. Also, letters from law enforcement agencies 

expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing a demonstration of a particular 

firearm would be relevant. 

ATF Ruling 2002-5 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has received inquiries from dealers in 

machineguns concerning the justification necessary to obtain more than one machinegun of a 

particular model as dealer sales samples. Specifically, the inquiries are from machinegun 

dealers who demonstrate machineguns to large police departments and Special Weapons and 

Tactics (SWAT) teams, which requires the firing of thousands of rounds of ammunition during 

a single demonstration. Section 922(o) of Title 18, United States Code, makes it unlawful for 

any person to transfer or possess a machinegun, except a transfer to or by or under the 

authority of the United States or any department or agency thereof or a State or a department, 

agency, or political subdivision of; or any lawful transfer or lawful possession of a machinegun 

lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986. 

The regulations in 27 CFR 179.105(d)* provide that applications to register and transfer a 

machinegun manufactured or imported on or after May 19, 1986, to dealers registered under 

the National Firearms Act (NFA), 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53, will be approved if three conditions are 

met. The conditions required to be established include (1) a showing of the expected 

government customers who would require a demonstration of the weapon; (2) information as 

to the availability of the machinegun to fill subsequent orders; and (3) letters from government 

entities expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing a demonstration of a 

particular weapon. The regulation further provides that applications to transfer more than one 

machinegun of a particular model must also establish the dealer's need for the quantity of 

samples sought to be transferred. 

The dealer sales sample regulation in section 179.105(d) is a narrow exception to the general 

prohibition on possession of post-1986 machineguns imposed by section 922(o). It requires 

that dealers submit letters of interest from law enforcement agencies to ensure that dealers 

possess post-1986 machineguns only for the purposes permitted by law, i.e., for sale or 

potential sale to government agencies. 

Qualified dealers in machineguns often demonstrate weapons to all officers of the department, 

requiring the machinegun to fire thousands of rounds of ammunition during a single 

demonstration. In the case of new model machineguns, a department may wish to have 

thousands of rounds fired from the weapon before they are fully satisfied of its reliability. ATF 
General Information

 

11

is aware that after firing hundreds of rounds a machinegun often gets too hot to safely handle, 

resulting in the dealer's inability to demonstrate the weapon until it cools. In addition, it is not 

uncommon for machineguns to jam or misfeed ammunition after a large quantity of ammunition 

has been fired. Accordingly, dealers who demonstrate machineguns to departments with a 

large number of officers have asked that ATF approve the transfer of two (2) machineguns of 

each model as dealer sales samples. 

The purpose of the dealer sales sample provision is to permit properly qualified dealers to 

demonstrate and sell machineguns to law enforcement agencies. Neither the law nor the 

implementing regulations were intended to impose unnecessary obstacles to police 

departments and other law enforcement agencies in obtaining the weapons they need to carry 

out their duties. Accordingly, if a dealer can provide documentation that the dealer needs to 

demonstrate a particular model of machinegun to an entire police department or SWAT team, 

ATF will approve the transfer of two (2) machineguns of that model to the dealer as sales 

samples. 

This ruling should not be interpreted to imply that under no circumstances may a Federal 

firearms licensee (FFL) receive more than two (2) machineguns as sales samples. Consistent 

with past practice, an FFL who can show a bona fide reason as to why they need more than 

two (2) machineguns, may be able to receive more than two (2) if the request is accompanied 

by specific documentation. 

Held, applications to transfer two (2) machineguns of a particular model to a Federal firearms 

licensee as sales samples will be approved if the dealer provides documentation that the 

dealer needs to demonstrate the machinegun to all the officers of a police department or the 

department's SWAT team or special operations team. An FFL who offers other bona fide 

reasons for their need for two (2) or more machineguns may get more than two (2) with 

specific documentation. 

Date signed: September 6, 2002 

* Current regulation is in Part 479, not 179. 

ATF Internet 
General Information 12

Import Activities in Foreign Trade Zones & Custom 

Bonded Warehouses 

Foreign Trade Zones 

Visit the Foreign Trade Zone Link. 

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a secure area located in or near U,S. Customs and Border 

Protection (CBP) ports of entry, but are legally considered to be outside the CBP territory for 

the purpose of tariff laws and CBP entry procedures. FTZ designated areas are the U.S. 

version of are known internationally as Free Trade Zones. 

• Foreign and domestic merchandise may be moved into an FTZ for operations, not 

otherwise prohibited by law, including storage, exhibition, assembly, and processing. All 

FTZ activity is subject to public interest review. An FTZ site is subject to the laws and 

regulations of the U.S. as well as those of the state and local community in which it is 

located. 

• Authority for establishing an FTZ facility is granted by the Foreign Trade Zone Board 

under the Foreign Trade Zone Act of 1934, as amended. 19 U.S.C. § 81a-81u. The 

Foreign Trade Zone Act is administered through two sets of regulations, the Foreign 

Trade Zone regulations (15 CFR, Part 400) and CBP regulations (19, CFR, Part 146). 

The Executive Secretariat of the Board is located within the Import Administration of the 

U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. 

Customs Bonded Warehouse 

A Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) is a building or stipulated secure area in which dutiable 

goods may be stored without payment of duty. The authority to establish a CBW is set forth in 

19 U.S.C. § 1555. Bonded manufacturing and smelting and refining warehouses are 

established under 19 U.S.C. §§ 1311 and 1312. 

Upon entry of goods into the CBW, the importer and warehouse proprietor incur liability under 

a bond. This liability is generally canceled when the goods are 

• Exported or deemed exported 

• Withdrawn for supplies to a vessel or aircraft involved in international traffic 

• Destroyed under CBP supervision 

• Withdrawn for consumption within the U.S. after payment of duty. 

FTZ/CBW Import Permit Application Requirements and Processing Procedures 

When an importer submits an ATF Form 6 import permit application seeking authority to enter 

firearms, ammunition or other implements of war into an FTZ or CBW, the application will be 

conditionally approved, and a letter outlining the procedures to be followed.will be attached to 

and made a part of the approved ATF Form 6 import permit. The approved ATF Form 6 

imports permit must then be presented to CBP port officials to secure permission to move the 

articles into the FTZ or CBW. Please note that the law provides that the period of storage 

within a CBW may not exceed 5 years. 
General Information 13

An importer who wishes to withdraw firearms, ammunition, and/or other implements of war 

from am FTZ or CBW, must submit an ATF Form 6 requesting authority to remove the articles 

from the FTZ or CBW. Such applications will be processed in accordance with pertinent import 

provisions of the Gun Control Act, the National Firearms Act and/or the Arms Export Control 

Act. 

Firearms, ammunition and other defense articles are frequently placed into an FTZ or CBW in 

order to either delay the payment of import duty or to store the articles pending subsequent 

withdrawal for export or entry into the U.S. Often, the entry of the firearms or ammunition 

placed into an FTZ or CBW for storage is restricted by law. For example, ATF can only 

approve the entry of machineguns or other weapons subject to the NFA, nonsporting firearms 

and nonsporting ammunition into the U.S: 

• For sale to a qualified law enforcement or government agency 

• For use as a model or sales sample (NFA weapons only) 

• For use is scientific testing or research (except machineguns) 

international Import Certificates 

The International Import Certificate (IIC), Form BXA-645/ATF-4522/DPS-53) was adopted as 

part of an agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Department of State to facilitate 

international cooperation in export control matters and to create a standardized method f 

control. When an importer submits an IIC form to ATF, it is usually submitted in together with 

an ATF Form 6 import permit application. If the ATF Form 6 application is approved, the IC will 

also be processed by ATF, and it will bear the same control number assigned to the 

corresponding approved ATF Form 6. However, an importer may also request that ATF 

process an IIC submitted for commodities that are subject to ATF’s import controls but do not 

require an approved ATF Form 6 import permit for entry into the U.S. (e.g., dynamite) . Please 

note that, unlike an approved ATF Form 6, which is valid for 12 months, an IIC is valid for only 

6 months, and the importer may need to request a second IIC if the articles listed on the ATF 

Form 6 will not be imported during the first 6 months of the permit’s life. 

ATF Internet 
General Information 14

Surplus Military 

A surplus military firearm is defined as any firearm that belonged to a regular or irregular (e.g., 

militia) military force at any time. With limited exceptions, as discussed below, surplus military 

firearms and ammunition can only be imported by or for the official use of law enforcement or 

government entities. 18 U.S.C. § 925(a)(1). 

Surplus Military Curio or Relic Firearms 

A surplus military curio or relic (SMCR) firearm is any firearm that at any time belonged to a 

regular or irregular military, and one that also meets the definition of a curio or relic firearm. 

The regulations at 27 CFR § 478.11 define curio or relic firearms as: 

Firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other 

than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or 

defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within 

one of the following categories: 

(a) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the 

current date, but not including replicas thereof; 

(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or 

Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of 

museum interest; and 

(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary 

value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their 

association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of 

qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be 

established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms 

are not available except as collector's items, or that the value of like 

firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less. 

ATF Ruling 80-8 

The provisions of ATF Ruling 80-8 provide that an application for a permit to import a surplus 

military firearm or nonsporting firearm or ammunition may be approved by ATF if the 

application is supported by: 

• An original purchase order from a law enforcement or government agency specifically 

describing the surplus military firearms or nonsporting firearms (manufacturer’s name 

and address, type, caliber or gauge, model designation, quantity, and serial numbers, if 

known) or nonsporting ammunition (manufacturer’s name and address, type, and caliber 

or gauge, quantity); and/or 

• A letter prepared by an official of a bona fide law enforcement or government agency, on 

agency letterhead, signed by the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO), such as the chief 

of police, sheriff, commander, etc, or other officially designated employee having the 

authority to procure firearms or ammunition on behalf of the agency, stipulating that the 

firearms and/or ammunition are being purchased by the agency with agency funds for 

departmental inventory. The letter must specifically describing the surplus military 
General Information

 

15

firearms or nonsporting firearms (manufacturer’s name and address, type, caliber or 

gauge, model designation, quantity, and serial numbers, if known) or nonsporting 

ammunition (manufacturer’s name and address, type, and caliber or gauge, quantity) 

Pursuant to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 925(e), a Type 08 or 11 FFL may import SMCR 

firearms into the United States pursuant to an approved ATF Form 6 import permit. When 

seeking a permit to import a SMCR firearm, a licensed importer must attach the following 

documentation to his or her ATF Form 6 application: 

• Original documentation (such as warehouse receipts or other documents which provides 

the required history of storage) attesting to where the firearm has been located for the 

five-year period immediately preceding importation. The firearm cannot have been in a 

proscribed country or area at any time during that five-year period. 27 CFR § 447.52(e) 

(2). The importer should obtain this documentation from the foreign source (foreign 

seller, family member, etc.) of the firearm. 

Example of Foreign Source Document Language: 

“I (insert name of foreign source) attest that I have possessed the (insert the specific 

firearm by manufacturer’s name and address, type, caliber, model designation, and serial 

number if known) as described in items 8(a)-(k) on the completed ATF Form 6) in (insert 

the name of the country in which the firearm was stored) since (insert date acquired).” 

• If the SMCR firearm to be imported was manufactured in a proscribed country or area, 

original documentation attesting that the firearm was manufactured in that country or 

area prior to date, as established by the Department of State, the country or area 

became proscribed. 27 CFR § 447.52(e) (1). 

• A statement from you, the applicant, executed under the penalty of perjury, certifying that 

the Form 6 application, and all documents attached to it, are true, correct and complete. 

Suggested Language of Importer’s Certification 

“I declare under the penalty of perjury that this application, and all documents attached 

thereto, have been examined by me and to the best of knowledge and belief, are true 

and correct.” 

Surplus Military, U.S-Origin 

In November 1998, the Department of State directed ATF in writing to deny all applications to 

import U.S.-origin, surplus military firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and other defense 

articles identified by the Department of State as significant military equipment (SME) (e.g., 

aircraft, military vehicles, etc.) unless the applicant has attached to his or her application a 

copy of the written retransfer authorization, issued by the Department of State, authorizing the 

foreign supplier to transfer the articles to the applicant. However, should the applicant fail to 

attach a copy of the required written retransfer authorization to your application, by virtue of 

statutory language enacted in 2003, ATF cannot take any action to deny his or her application. 

As a result, applications for permits to import such articles of U.S-origin will be returned to the 

applicant without action unless a copy of the required retransfer authorization specific to the 

articles sought for importation is attached to the permit application. 
General Information 16

ATF Internet 
General Information 17

Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) 

NOTE: NOTE: ATF no longer administers the Firearms and Ammunition 

Excise Tax (FAET) provisions of law. That authority rests with the Alcohol 

and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) within the U.S. Dept. of Treasury. 

Accordingly, the following information is provided to help increase 

importers’ awareness of the tax and their possible liability for the tax 

depending on the nature of their operations. 

Background 

First imposed on February 25, 1919, Section 4181 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes 

an excise tax on imported firearms and ammunition when the importer sells or uses the 

firearms or ammunition (FAET). A tax if 10 percent of the sales price is imposed on pistols and 

revolvers, and a tax of 11 percent of the sales price is imposed on other portable weapons 

(e.g., rifles and shotguns) and ammunition. The excise tax is not imposed again unless the 

firearms and ammunition are further manufactured. At one time, the Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was responsible for collecting FAET. However, since 

January 2003, this responsibility rests with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 

(TTB), U.S. Dept. of Treasury. 

Who is Liable for FAET 

Under most circumstances, the person who causes and directs the importation of the firearms 

and/or ammunition will be liable for the FAET. For the purposes of FAET, the importer is any 

person who imports firearms or ammunition (shells or cartridges) into the U.S., or who 

withdraws such articles from an FTZ or CBW for sale or use in the U.S. 

Exemptions 

There are certain situations where the importation of firearms or ammunition may be exempt 

from FAET. Information regarding these exemptions may be obtained at 

www.ttb.gov/fet/index.htm or by contacting TTB’s National Revenue Center (see below). 

Taxable Activities 

Any activity conducted in the course of trade or business that would require an FAET tax 

return, ATF Form 5300.35, Federal Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Return, may require 

the importer to make a deposit in addition to the need to file an ATF F 5300.35. Refer to ATF 

Form 5300.27, Federal Firearms Ammunition Excise Tax Deposit, for further information on 

when a deposit is required. 

FAET Inquiries 

For further information concerning FAET, please contact TTB’s Firearms and Ammunition 

Excise Tax Unit within their National Revenue Center. 

8002 Federal Office Building 

550 Main Street, 

Cincinnati, OH 45202 
General Information

1-800-398-2282 

1-513-684-3817 

ttbquestions@ttb.gov 

ATF Internet 

18
General Information

 

 

 

19

Recordkeeping Requirements 

Applicable Recordkeeping Regulations - 

- 27 CFR 447, Subpart D - Registration

- 27 CFR 478, Subpart H - Records

 - 27 CFR 479, Subpart I - Records and Returns 

27 CFR 447, Subpart D - Recordkeeping Requirements for Registered Importers of 

U.S. Munitions Import List (USMIL) Articles: 

• Articles regulated by 27 CFR Parts 478 and 479. The provisions of 27 CFR § 447.34

(a) directs registered importers engaged in the business of importing articles subject to 

the controls of 27 CFR, Parts 478 and 479 to maintain records in accordance with the 

applicable provisions of those parts and for the period of time prescribed 

• All other USMIL defense articles. Under 27 CFR § 447.34(b), registered importers 

engaged in the business of importing defense articles listed on the USMIL subject to the 

permit requirements of Subpart E of Part 447 must maintain for a period of 6 years, 

records bearing on such articles imported, including records concerning their acquisition 

and disposition, including ATF Forms 6 and 6A, unless a longer or shorter period of time 

is prescribed by an appropriate ATF officer. 

27 CFR Part 478, Subpart H - Recordkeeping Requirements for Type 08 and 11 FFLs 

• Records to be maintained on the license premises. 27 CFR § 478.121(a) requires 

licensed importers to retain the records pertaining to firearms transactions prescribed by 

Part 478 on their licensed premises for the length of time prescribed by 27 CFR §

478.129. See below. The records pertaining to ammunition prescribed by Part 478 shall 

be retained on the licensed premises in the manner prescribed by 27 CFR § 478.125. 

• Right of entry. 27 CFR § 478.121(b) provides that an ATF officer may, for the purposes 

and under the conditions prescribed in 27 CFR § 478.23, enter the premises of any 

licensed importer, for the purposes of examining or inspecting any record or document 

required by or obtained under Part 478. Under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g), licensed importers 

are required to make such records available for such examination or inspection during 

business hours. 

• Specified records. 27 CFR § 478.121(c) specifies that each licensed importer shall 

maintain such records of importation, shipment, receipt, sale or other disposition, 

whether temporary or permanent, of firearms and such records of the disposition of 

ammunition as the regulations in Part 478 prescribe. 

• Timing of entries. Under the provisions of 27 CFR § 478.122(a) each licensed importer 

shall, within 15 days of the date of importation (date of release from CBP custody) or 

other acquisition, record the type, model, caliber or gauge, manufacturer, country of 

manufacture, and serial number of each firearm imported or otherwise acquired, and the 

date such importation or other acquisition was made. 

• Required information and formats. 27 CFR § 478.122(b) requires licensed importers to 

maintain a record of firearms disposed of to another licensee and a separate record of 

armor piercing ammunition dispositions to governmental entities, for exportation, or for 

testing or experimentation authorized under the provisions of 27 CFR § 478.149 on the 

licensed premises. For firearms, the record shall show the quantity, type manufacturer, 
General Information

 

20

country of manufacture, caliber or gauge, model, serial number of the firearms so 

transferred, the name and license number of the licensee to whom the firearms were 

transferred, and the date of the transaction. For armor piercing ammunition, the record 

shall show the date of the transaction, manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity of 

projectiles, and the name and address of the purchaser, The information required by this 

paragraph shall be entered in the proper record book not later than the seventh day 

following the date of the transaction, and such information shall be recorded in 

accordance with the following formats: 

• Alternate records. 27 CFR § 478.122(c) provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of 

27 CFR § 478.122(b), the Director of Industry Operations may authorize alternate 

records to be maintained by a license importer to record the disposal of firearms and 

armor piercing ammunition when it is shown that such alternate records will accurately 

and readily disclose the information required by 27 CFR § 478.122(b). A license importer 

who proposes to use alternate records shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to 

the Director of Industry Operations and shall describe the proposed alternate records and 

the need therefore. Such alternate records shall not be employed by the licensed 

importer until approval is received from the Director of Industry Operations. 

• Transfers to nonlicensees. 27 CFR § 478.122(d) directs that each importer shall 

maintain separate records of the sales or other dispositions of firearms to nonlicensees. 

Such records shall be maintained in the form and manner prescribed by 27 CFR §§

478.124 (ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record) and 478.125 (Firearms 

Acquisition and Disposition Record). 

• Records retention periods for licensed importers and licensed manufacturers. 27 

CFR § 478.129(d) directs that licensees will maintain permanent records of the 

importation, manufacture, or other acquisition of firearms, including ATF Forms 6 and 6A, 

as required by Subpart G – Importation of Part 478. Licensed importers’ records and 

licensed manufacturers’ records of the sale or other disposition of firearms after 

December 15, 1968, shall be retained through December 15, 1988, after which records 

of such transactions over 20 years of age may be discarded. 

27 CFR 479, Subpart I - Records and Returns 

• • NFA Firearms. 27 CFR § 479.131 provides that for the purposes of Part 479, each 

manufacturer, importer, and dealer in firearms shall keep and maintain such records 

regarding the manufacture, importation, acquisition (whether by making, transfer, or 

otherwise), receipt, and disposition of firearms as are prescribed, and in the manner and 

place required, by Part 478. In addition, each manufacturer, importer, and dealer shall 

maintain, in chronological order, at his place of business, a separate record consisting of 

the documents required by Part 479 showing the registration of any firearm to him. The 
General Information 21

records required by Part 479 shall be readily accessible for inspection at all reasonable 

times by ATF officers. 

ATF Internet 
General Information 22

Download the Field Operations Map 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives field divisions are located throughout the United 

States. Some of the field offices have jurisdiction in surrounding states. 

All of our field offices may be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the field office contact page 

for phone numbers, email addresses and more about the ATF field office closest to you. You will find links to 

many of our field divisions listed below. 

Field Division Contact Information 

Atlanta Miami 

Baltimore Nashville 

Boston Newark 

Charlotte New Orleans 

Chicago New York 

Columbus Philadelphia 

Dallas Phoenix 

Denver San Francisco 

Detroit Seattle 

Houston St. Paul 

Kansas City Tampa 

Los Angeles Washington 

Louisville 
U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

Firearms Verification 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

 

2

Firearms Verification Overview 

Marking Requirements 

Licensed Importer – 18 U.S.C. § 923(i) and 27 CFR § 478.92 

26 U.S.C. § 5842 and 27 CFR § 479.102 

1. SERIAL NUMBER 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame or 

receiver 

• The serial number cannot duplicate the serial number appearing on any other firearm the 

importer previously imported 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print 

size no smaller than 1/16 inch 

2. NAME of MANUFACTURER 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

3. COUNTRY of ORIGIN 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the country of origin must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

4. MODEL DESIGNATION (If assigned) 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the model designation must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

5. CALIBER OR GAUGE 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the caliber or gauge must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

6. NAME of IMPORTER 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 3

For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the importer’s name must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

7. CITY & STATE of the IMPORTER 

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, 

receiver, barrel or slide 

• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping 

(impressing) of the importer’s city and state must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch 

NOTE: The importer must ensure that these marks of identification appear on each firearm. If 

the manufacturer did not mark them, the importer must place the required markings on the 

firearm within 15 days after their release from Customs and Border Protection custody. The 

Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may authorize other means of 

firearms identification upon receipt of a letter application from the importer, submitted in 

duplicate, showing that such other means of identification is reasonable and will not hinder the 

effective administration of the regulations. 

Identification of Firearms 

MARKING REQUIREMENTS – FIREARMS (27 CFR 478.92) 

Sec. 478.92 How must licensed manufacturers and licensed importers identify firearms, 

armor piercing ammunition? 

(a)(1) Firearms. You, as a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of firearms, must legibly 

identify each firearm manufactured or imported as follows: 

(i) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously 

placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the 

frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be 

placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, 

and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For 

firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, 

casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth 

of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and 

(ii) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously 

placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the 

frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information 

must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or 

removed. For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, 

the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a 

minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes: 

(A) The model, if such designation has been made; 

(B) The caliber or gauge: 

(C) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, 

the 

name of the foreign manufacturer; 

(D) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 4

(or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer 

maintain your place of business; and 

(E) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which 

it 

was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation 

thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For 

additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs 

regulations at 19 CFR part 134. 

(2) Firearm frames or receivers. A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component 

part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of 

by you must be identified as required by this section. 

(3) Special markings for semiautomatic assault weapons, effective July 5, 

1995. In 

the case of any semiautomatic assault weapon manufactured after September 13, 

1994, you must mark the frame or receiver “RESTRICTED LAW 

ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY'' or, in the case of weapons 

manufactured for export, “FOR EXPORT ONLY,'' in a manner not susceptible of 

being readily obliterated, altered, or removed. For weapons manufactured or 

imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping 

(impressing) of the special markings prescribed in this paragraph (a)(3) must be to 

a minimum depth of .003 inch. 

NOTE: SECTION 478.92(a)(3) REPEALED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 

(4) Exceptions: 

(i) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other 

means of identification upon receipt of a letter application from you, 

submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is 

reasonable 

and will not hinder the effective administration of this part. 

(ii) Destructive devices. In the case of a destructive device, the 

Director may 

authorize other means of identifying that weapon upon receipt of a letter 

application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that engraving, 

casting, 

or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or 

impracticable. 

(iii) Machine guns, silencers, and parts. Any part defined as a 

machine gun, 

firearm muffler, or firearm silencer in Sec. 478.11, that is not a 

component 

part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise 

disposed of by you, must be identified as required by this section. The 

Director may authorize other means of identification of parts defined as 

machine guns other than frames or receivers and parts defined as 

mufflers or 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 5

silencers upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in 

duplicate, 

showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder 

the 

effective administration of this part. 

(5) Measurement of height and depth of markings. The depth of all markings 

required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of the metal and not 

the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 

this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the 

character impression bottoms (bases). 

(b) Armor piercing ammunition. 

(1) Marking of ammunition. Each licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of 

armor piercing ammunition shall identify such ammunition by means of 

painting, staining or dying the exterior of the projectile with an opaque black 

coloring. This coloring must completely cover the point of the projectile and at 

least 50 percent of that portion of the projectile which is visible when the 

projectile is loaded into a cartridge case. 

(2) Labeling of packages. Each licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of 

armor 

piercing ammunition shall clearly and conspicuously label each package in which 

armor piercing ammunition is contained, e.g., each box, carton, case, or other 

container. The label shall include the words “ARMOR PIERCING'' in block letter 

at least 1/4 inch in height. The lettering shall be located on the exterior surface 

of the package which contains information concerning the caliber or gauge of the 

ammunition. There shall also be placed on the same surface of the package in 

block 

lettering at least 1/8 inch in height the words ``FOR GOVERNMENTAL 

ENTITIES OR EXPORTATION ONLY.'' The statements required by this 

subparagraph shall be on a contrasting background. 

(c) Large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after September 13, 1994. 

(1) Each person who manufactures or imports any large capacity ammunition 

feeding 

device manufactured after September 13, 1994, shall legibly identify each such 

device with a serial number. Such person may use the same serial number for all 

large capacity ammunition feeding devices produced. 

(i) Additionally, in the case of a domestically made large capacity 

ammunition 

feeding device, such device shall be marked with the name, city and 

State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) of the manufacturer; 

(ii) And in the case of an imported large capacity ammunition feeding 

device, such device shall be marked: 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 6

(A) With the name of the manufacturer, country of origin, and, 

(B) Effective July 5, 1995, the name, city and State (or recognized 

abbreviation 

thereof) of the importer. 

(iii) Further, large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after 

September 13, 1994, shall be marked “RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/ 

GOVERNMENT USE ONLY'' or, in the case of devices manufactured or imported 

for export, effective July 5, 1995, “FOR EXPORT ONLY.'' 

(2) All markings required by this paragraph (c) shall be cast, stamped, or engraved on the 

exterior of the device. In the case of a magazine, the markings shall be placed on the 

magazine body. 

(3) Exceptions -

(i) Metallic links. Persons who manufacture or import metallic links for use in the 

assembly.of belted ammunition are only required to place the identification 

marks prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) on this section on the containers used for 

the packaging of the links 

(ii) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other means of 

identifying large capacity ammunition feeding devices upon receipt of a letter 

application, in duplicate, from the manufacturer or importer showing that such 

other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration 

of this part 

NOTE: SECTION 478.92(c) REPEALED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 

MARKING REQUIREMENTS – NFA FIREARMS (27 CFR § 479.102) 

Section 479.102 How must firearms be identified? 

(a) You, as a manufacturer, importer, or maker of a firearm, must legibly identify the firearm as 

follows: 

(1) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously 

placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the 

frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be 

placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, 

and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For 

firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the 

engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a 

minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and 

(2) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously 

placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed), or placed on the 

frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information 

must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or 

removed. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 

2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be 

to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes: 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 7

(i) The model, if such designation has been made; 

(ii) The caliber or gauge; 

(iii) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, 

the same of the foreign manufacturer or maker; 

(iv) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or 

recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer 

maintain your place of business, or where you, as the maker, made the 

firearm; and 

(v) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which 

it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation 

thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For 

additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs 

regulations at 19 CFR part 134. 

( b) The depth of all markings required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of 

the metal and not the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a) 

(1) of this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the 

character impression bottoms (bases). 

(c) The Director may authorize other means of identification upon receipt of a letter application 

from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is reasonable and will 

not hinder the effective administration of this part. 

(d) In the case of a destructive device, the Director may authorize other means of identifying 

that weapon upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that 

engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or 

impracticable. 

(e) A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component part of a complete weapon at the time it 

is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section. 

(f)(1) Any part defined as a machine gun, muffler, or silencer for the purposes of this part that 

is not a component part of a complete firearm at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise 

disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section. 

(2) The Director may authorize other means of identification of parts defined as machine guns 

other than frames or receivers and parts defined as mufflers or silencers upon receipt of a 

letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is 

reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this 

part. 

ATF Rulings 

ATF Ruling 2002-6 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has been asked by State and local law 

enforcement officials to trace firearms that are marked, in part, with non-Roman letters and/or 

non-Arabic numbers. Specifically, ATF received a request to trace a Makarov type pistol made 

in Bulgaria. The original manufacturer marking was ИМ 18 355. Because the importer did not 

stamp the firearm with a unique identifier that could be recognized by either ATF or a State or 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 8

local law enforcement official, and because the marking contained a Cyrillic character, the 

firearm was not properly recorded, resulting in a failed trace of the weapon. 

Because markings with non-Roman characters or non-Arabic are not easily recorded or 

transmitted through means by importers, dealers, or distributors, many firearm traces have 

proved unsuccessful. In some cases, an importer attempts to translate portions of the 

markings into Roman letters and Arabic numbers and re-marks the weapon with the serial 

number ДМ7639И. The importer translated the marking as LM7639i but rather than restamp 

the entire number merely added the letters “L” and “i” below the original markings. This 

practice often results in failed traces because those required to record the markings (importers, 

dealers, or distributors) may record only the translated portions or both sets of markings. 

Moreover, law enforcement recovering a firearm with such markings may submit a trace 

request lacking some portion of the markings, further impeding efforts to successfully trace the 

firearm. 

In addition, ATF has found that some traces have failed because the required markings on the 

firearms barrel were wholly partially obstructed from plain view by a flash suppressor or 

bayonet mount, resulting in the Federal Firearms Licensee creating an inaccurate record. ATF 

has been unable to trace hundreds of firearms as a result of nonstandard or obscured 

markings. 

As a result of these practices, some licensed importers my not be in compliance with the 

marking requirements set forth in 27 CFR 178.92* and 27 CFR 179.102* because they have 

marked using non-Roman letters (such as Greek or Russian letters, ∆ or Д) or non-Arabic 

numbers (e.g., XXV). 

The above regulations require markings that legibly identify each item or package and require 

that such markings be conspicuous. ATF has consistently taken the position that “legibly” 

marked means using exclusively Roman letters, (A, a, B, b, C, c, and so forth) and 

‘conspicuous” means that all required markings must be placed in such a manner as to be 

wholly unobstructed from plain view. These regulation apply to licensed manufacturers and 

licensed importers relative to firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity 

ammunition feeding devices, and to makers of National Firearms Act firearms. 

Firearms, armor piercing ammunition and large capacity ammunition feeding devices which 

contain required markings or labels using non-Roman letters (such as Greek or Russian 

letters, ∆ or Д) or non-Arabic letter (e.g., XXV), must be completely remarked or relabeled with 

a new serial number or other required markings that satisfy the legibility requirements 

described above. It is not sufficient to simply add an additional Roman letter or Arabic numeral 

to a nonconforming marking; a new and unique marking using Roman letters and Arabic 

numerals is required. When feasible, the new markings should be placed directly above the 

non-compliant markings. 

Similarly, firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices which contain required 

markings obstructed in whole or in part from plain view must be remarked with required 

markings that satisfy the conspicuousness requirements described above. For example, 

required markings may not be placed on a portion of the barrel where the markings would be 

wholly or partially obstructed from view by another part of the firearm, such as a flash 

suppressor or bayonet mount. 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

 

 

9

In certain unavoidable circumstances owing mainly to firearms of unusual design or other 

limiting factor(s) which would limit the ability of the manufacturer or importer to comply with the 

above legibility and conspicuousness requirements, alternate means of identification may be 

authorized as described in 27 CFR 178.92(a)(3)(i), (ii), or (iii)* and 27 CFR 178.92(c)(3)(iii)*. 

Held, a Makarov type pistol imported from Bulgaria utilizing Cyrillic letters or non-Arabic 

numbers is not marked in accordance with 27 CFR 178.92* and 27 CFR 179.102*. 

Held further, an imported firearm with any part of the required marking partially or wholly 

obstructed from plain view is not marked in accordance with section 27 CFR 178.92* and 27 

CFR 179.102*. 

Date signed: November 5, 2002 

* New provisions are under Parts 478 and 479, not 178 and 179. 

Firearms Verification - Marking Requirements 

ATF Ruling 75-28 

The Bureau has determined that in some cases, the serial number placed on a firearm by a 

foreign manufacturer is adequate to provide the identification number by 27 CFR § 178.928*. 

See also 27 CFR § 178.22(a)*. 

Held, where a serial number has been placed on the frame or receiver of a firearm by a foreign 

manufacturer in the manner contemplated by 27 CFR § 178.92*, and such serial number does 

not duplicate a number previously adopted or assigned by the import to any other firearm, the 

importer may adopt the serial number of the foreign manufacturer. 

Provided, the importer shall in all cases place his name and address (city and state or 

recognized abbreviation thereof), and any other marks necessary to comply with the 

identification requirements of 27 CFR § 178.92*, on such imported firearms. 

* New provisions are under Parts 478 and 479, not 178 and 179. 

Firearms Verification - Marking Requirements 

Industry Circular 

Industry Circular 77-20 

DUPLICATION OF SERIAL NUMBERS BY LICENSED IMPORTERS 

ATF has noted cases where some licensed importers have adopted the same serial number 

for more than one firearm. These instances of duplication have generally occurred when 

firearms are received from more than one source. 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 10

Title 27 CFR § 178.92* requires that the serial number affixed to a firearm must not duplicate 

the number affixed to any other firearm that you import into the United States. Those of you 

who import destructive devices are under the same requirement due to the inclusion of 

destructive devices in the definition of firearm as used in 27 CFR § 178.11*. ATF Ruling 75-28

also reminds you of the other identifying marks required by 27 CFR § 178.92*. In addition to a 

unique serial number, each firearm must be marked to show the model (if any); the caliber or 

gauge; the name of the manufacturer and importer, or recognizable abbreviations; the country 

of manufacture; and the city and State (or recognized abbreviations) in which your licensed 

premises are located. 

NOTE: All cited references to regulation and statutes in the foregoing ATF rulings and industry 

circular use identifiers and section indicators in effect at the time the rulings and industry 

circular were approved. On January 24, 2003, ATF was part of a reorganization of government 

which placed it under the Department of Justice (DOJ). This transition resulted in certain 

changes within the numbering system and identification of ATF’s regulations now issued and 

referenced under the authority of DOJ. 

* New provision us under Part 478, not 178. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

 

 

 

Firearm 

11

18 U.S.C., § 921(a)(3) 

NOTE: This section is intended to provide basic guidance in understanding firearm terminology. 

Please bear in mind that these illustrations do not necessarily depict importable firearms. 

The term "FIREARM" means: 

A. Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted 

to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; 

B. The frame or receiver of any such weapon; 

C. Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or 

D. Any destructive device. 

Firearm Frame or Receiver 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 12

That part of a firearm which provides housing for the hammer, bolt or breechblock, and 

firing mechanism, and which is usually threaded at its forward portion to receive the 

barrel. 27 CFR § 478.11. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 13

Antique Firearm 

18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) 

The term "ANTIQUE FIREARM” means: 

A. Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar 

type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and 

B. Any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica 

i. is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed 

ammunition, or 

ii. uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer 

manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the 

ordinary channels of commercial trade. 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 14

C. Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is 

designed to use black powder, or black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed 

ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term antique firearm shall not include 

any weapon which includes a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted 

into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily 

converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock or any 

combination thereof. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

Ammunition 

15

18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A) 

The term "AMMUNITION" means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant 

powder designed for use in any firearm. 

The term shall not include (a) any shotgun shot or pellet not designed for use as the 

single, complete projectile load for one shotgun hull or casing, nor (b) any unloaded, 

non-metallic shotgun hull or casing not having a primer. 27 CFR § 478.11 

Armor piercing ammunition – 18 U.S.C., § 921(a)(17)(B) 

• A projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed 

entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination 

of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or 

• A full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a 

handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of 

the projectile. 

The term "armor piercing ammunition" does not include shotgun shot required by 

Federal or State environmental or game regulations for hunting purposes, a frangible 

projectile designed for target shooting, a projectile which the Attorney General finds is 

primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any other projectile or 

projectile core which the Attorney General finds is intended to be used for industrial 

purposes, including a charge used in an oil and gas well perforating device. 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 16

Silencer 

18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24) 

The term "FIREARM SILENCER " or 

"FIREARM MUFFLER" means any 

device for silencing, muffling, or 

diminishing the report of a portable 

firearm, including any combination of 

parts, designed or redesigned, and 

intended for the use in assembling or 

fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm 

muffler, any part intended only for use in 

such assembly or fabrication. 

NOTE: Any device that meets the definition as stipulated above in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a) 

(24) is also subject to controls of the National Firearms Act 26 U.S.C., Chapter 53. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

Pistol

17

18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(29) And 27 CFR § 478.11 

The term "PISTOL" means a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a 

projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having: 

• a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s); 

• and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending 

below the line of the bore(s). 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the pistol 

category. Since pistol configurations differ significantly, various models in this 

classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration, 

but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any given design. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

Revolver

18

18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(29) And 27 CFR § 478.11 

The term "REVOLVER" means a projectile weapon of the pistol type, having a breechloading 

chambered cylinder so arranged that the cocking of the hammer or movement of the trigger 

rotates it and brings the next cartridge in line with the barrel for firing. 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the 

revolver category. Since revolver configurations differ significantly, various 

models in this classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a 

revised configuration but not necessarily all components shown will be 

incorporated in any one given design. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions

Rifle

19

18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(7) And 27 CFR § 478.11 

The term "RIFLE" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to 

be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy 

of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore 

for each single pull of the trigger. 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the rifle 

category. Since rifle configurations differ significantly, various models in this 

classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration 

but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given 

design. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 20

Shotgun

18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(5) And 27 CFR § 478.11 

The term "SHOTGUN" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and 

intended to be fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to 

use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a 

number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger. 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the shotgun 

category. Since shotgun configurations differ significantly, various models in this 

classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration 

but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given 

design. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 21

Firearm 

26 U.S.C. Chapter 53 

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the following definitions are used to define and verify the 

different types of firearms: 

§ 5845(d) – The term "SHOTGUN" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended 

to be fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the 

explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single 

projectile for each single pull of the trigger. 

§ 5845(a)(1) – The term "FIREARM" means a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in 

length; 

§ 5845(a)(2) – The term "FIREARM" means a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has 

an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; 

Rifle– 26 U.S.C., § 5485(a) 

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the following definitions are used to define and verify the 

different types of firearms: 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions

 

22

§ 5845(c) – The term "RIFLE" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be 

fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in 

a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. 

§ 5845(a)(3) – The term "FIREARM" means a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; 

§ 5845(a)(4) – The term "FIREARM" means a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an 

overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 23

Silencer

26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(7) 

For the purposes of the National 

Firearms Act the term Silencer is 

defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24) 

The term "FIREARM SILENCER " or 

"FIREARM MUFFLER" means any 

device for silencing, muffling, or 

diminishing the report of a portable 

firearm, including any combination of 

parts, designed or redesigned, and 

intended for the use in assembling or 

fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm 

muffler, any part intended only for use in 

such assembly or fabrication. 

NOTE: Any device that meets the definition as stipulated above in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a) 

(24) is also subject to controls as defined in the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C., 

Chapter 53. 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 24

Machinegun 

26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) 

For the 

purposes of 

the 

National 

Firearms 

Act the 

term 

• Any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, 

automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the 

trigger 

• The frame or receiver of any such weapon 

• Any part designed and intended solely and exclusively or combination of parts designed 

and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, or 

• Any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are 

in the possession or under the control of a person. 

NOTE: Due to the similarity in appearance and general configuration of 

semiautomatic firearms, a comprehensive examination of the firearm and/or its 

component parts is required to correctly determine its classification. 

Machinegun means: 

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 25

Any Other Weapon 

26 U.S.C. § 5845(e) 

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the term "ANY OTHER WEAPON " means: 

• Any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can 

be discharged through the energy of an explosive; 

• A pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a 

fixed shotgun shell; 

• Weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18 

inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel 

without manual reloading; and 

• Any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire. 

Such term shall not include a pistol or a revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or 

weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing 

fixed ammunition. 

Examples of "ANY OTHER WEAPON" include: 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 26

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 27

Destructive Device 

26 U.S.C. § 5845(f) 

For the 

purposes of 

the National 

Firearms Act, 

the term 

"DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE” means: 

• A missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than 1/4 oz. 

• Any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be 

converted to expel a projectile, by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the 

barrel or barrels of which have a bore greater than one-half inch in diameter. 

• A combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a device into a 

destructive device and from which a destructive device can be readily assembled. 

Exemptions: 

• A shotgun or shotgun shell which is determined by the Attorney General to be generally 

recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. 

• a device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon, 

• a device which is designed or redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, linethrowing, safety, or similar device, 

• surplus ordnance sold, loaded, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to law 

such as antique, obsolete bronze or iron cannon, 

• a device which the Attorney General determines is not likely to be used as a weapon. 

• An antique firearm, or 

• a rifle which the owner intended to use solely for sporting purposes. 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 28

ATF Internet 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 29

Antique Firearm 

26 U.S.C. § 5845(g) 

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the term "ANTIQUE FIREARM" means any 

firearm not intended or redesigned for using rim fire or conventional center fire ignition with 

fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898 (including any matchlock, flintlock, 

percussion cap or similar type of ignition system or replica thereof, whether actually 

manufactured before or after the year 1898) and also any firearm using fixed ammunition 

manufactured in or before 1898, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United 

States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade. 

Examples of "ANTIQUE WEAPONS" include: 

1. Muzzleloading Rifle (made in or before 1898 or a Replica thereof) 

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 16 inches and/or an overall length less than 26 inches, it is not 

subject to NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a 

primitive ignition system identified as an exempting characteristic. 

2. Original Percussion Shotgun 

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 18 inches and/or an overall length less than 26 inches, it is not 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions

ATF Internet 

30

subject to NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a 

primitive ignition system identified as an exempting characteristic. 

3. Original Antique Rifle 

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 16 inches, it is subject to NFA regulations governing those 

dimensions because it employs a conventional ignition system and uses fixed 

ammunition that is readily available through ordinary channels of commercial 

trade. Consequently, this weapon would be classified as a "Short-barreled 

Shotgun" and therefore all NFA regulations apply. 

4. Original Antique Shotgun 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 31

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 18 inches, it is subject to NFA regulations governing minimum 

dimensions because it employs a conventional ignition system and uses fixed 

ammunition that is readily available through ordinary channels of commercial 

trade. Consequently, this weapon would be classified as a "short-barreled 

Shotgun" and therefore all NFA regulations. 

5. Original Antique Rifle 

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 16 inches and is less than 16 inches in overall length, it is subject to 

NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a conventional 

ignition system and uses fixed ammunition that is readily available through 

ordinary channels of commercial trade. Consequently, this weapon would be 
Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions

classified as a "Weapon made from a Rifle" and therefore all NFA regulations 

apply. 

32

6. Original Antique Shotgun 

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel 

shorter than 18 inches and is less than 16 inches in overall length, it is subject to 

NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a conventional 

ignition system and uses fixed ammunition that is readily available through 

ordinary channels of commercial trade. Consequently, this weapon would be 

classified as a "Weapon made from a Rifle" and therefore all NFA regulations 

apply. 
 

 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

Terminology & Nomenclature 
Terminology & Nomenclature

Terminology & Nomenclature Overview 

The following terminology and nomenclature apply to the verification of firearms: 

• Handgun – Pistol 

• Handgun – Revolver 

• Bolt Action 

• Lever Action 

• Self-Loading Action (Semiautomatic) 

• Slide/Pump Action 

• Top Break Action 

ATF Internet 

2
Terminology & Nomenclature

Handgun - Pistol 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the Pistol 

category. Since pistol configurations differ significantly, various models in this 

classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration, 

but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given 

design. 

ATF Internet 

3
Terminology & Nomenclature

Handgun - Revolver 

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the Revolver 

category. Since revolver configurations differ significantly, various models in this 

classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration, 

but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given 

design. 

ATF Internet 

4
 

 

Terminology & Nomenclature

Bolt Action 

NOTE: The Bolt action is utilized in the design and function of rifles, shotguns and pistols 

including single shot and magazine-fed repeating models. This illustration exhibits the 

primary characteristics of a rifle, but most component parts are applicable in a revised 

configuration. 

Group Callout Schedule * 

Group 

(1) 

Four magazine configurations available on the repeating models of 

this type action. 

A-Tubular, B-Fixed Internal, C-Bottom Access Floorplate, DDetachable 

Group 

(2) 

Four various safety configurations which may appear on the available 

models. 

A-Crossbolt, B-Top Tang, C-Side Lever, D-Tailpiece Safety 

Group 

(3) 

Two buttstock appointments available in this group. 

A-Butt Plate, B-Recoil Pad 

Group 

(4) 

Two barrel configurations which may appear on this type action. 

A-Rifled, B-Smooth Bore 

5
Terminology & Nomenclature 6

* Group callouts identify various configurations of a specific component which may be incorporated in 

the function of the various models employing the bolt action in their design. However, only one type 

component from each callout group will appear on any given subject firearm. 

ATF Internet 
Terminology & Nomenclature

Lever Action 

NOTE: The Lever action is utilized in the design and function of rifles, shotguns and 

pistols. This illustration exhibits the primary characteristics of a rifle. Although most 

component parts are applicable in a revised configuration to both the shotgun and 

pistol categories, relatively few representative models exist in those categories. 

Group Callout Schedule * 

Group

(1) 

Three magazine configurations available on this type 

action. 

A-Fixed Internal (rotary), B-Detachable (inline or 

staggered feed), C-Tubular 

Group

(2) 

Two ejection port configurations are available in this 

group. 

A-Side Port Ejection, B-Top Port Ejection 

Group

(3) 

Two buttstock appointments appear on the available 

models 

A-Recoil Pad, B-Buttplate 

* Group callouts identify various configurations of a specific component which may be 

incorporated in the function of the various models employing the lever action in their design. 

However, only one type component from each callout group will appear on any given subject 

firearm. 

ATF Internet 

7
 

 

Terminology & Nomenclature

Self-Loading Action (Semiautomatic) 

NOTE: The Self-loading action is utilized in the design and function of rifles, shotguns and 

pistols. This illustration exhibits the primary characteristics of a rifle but most component 

parts are applicable in a revised configuration to both the shotgun and pistol categories. 

The pistol configuration does differ significantly (see separate illustration). 

Group Callout Schedule * 

Group 

(1) 

Three magazine configurations available on this type action. 

A-Hinged, B-Detachable, C&D-Tubular (Front and Rear) 

Group 

(2) 

Four various safety configurations which may appear on the 

available models. 

A-Crossbolt (front or rear), B-Top Tang, C-Trigger Guard 

Group 

(3) 

Two buttstock appointments available in this group. 

A-Recoil Pad, B-Buttplate 

Group 

(4) 

Two barrel configurations which may appear on this type action. 

A-Smooth Bore, B-Rifled 

* Group callouts identify various configurations of a specific component which may be incorporated in 

the function of the various models employing the autoloading action in their design. However, only 

one type component from each callout group will appear on any given subject firearm. 

8
Terminology & Nomenclature

Slide/Pump Action 

NOTE: The Slide/Pump action is utilized in the design and function of rifles and 

shotguns. This illustration exhibits the primary characteristics of a rifle but most 

component parts are applicable in a revised configuration to the Pump/Slide Shotgun 

category. 

Group Callout Schedule * 

Group

(1) 

Three magazine configurations available on this type action. 

A-Hinged, B-Detachable, C&D-Tubular (Front and Rear) 

Group

(2) 

Four various safety configurations which may appear on the 

available models. 

A-Crossbolt (front or rear), B-Top Tang 

Group

(3) 

Two buttstock appointments available in this group. 

A-Recoil Pad, B-Buttplate 

Group

(4) 

Two barrel configurations which may appear on this type 

action. 

A-Smooth Bore, B-Rifled 

* Group callouts identify various configurations of a specific component which may be 

incorporated in the function of the various models employing the pump/slide action in their 

9
Terminology & Nomenclature 10

design. However, only one type component from each callout group will appear on any given 

subject firearm. 

ATF Internet 
Terminology & Nomenclature

Top Break Action 

NOTE: The Top Break action is utilized in the design and function of rifles, shotguns 

and pistols. This illustration exhibits the primary characteristics of a shotgun but most 

component parts are applicable in a revised configuration to the rifle and pistol 

categories. 

Group Callout Schedule * 

Group

(1) 

Various barrel configurations which may appearon this type 

action. 

A-Single Shotgun, B-Single Rifle, C-Double Rifle, DCombination, E-Double Shotgun 

Group

(2) 

Two safety configurations which may appear on the available 

models. 

A-Crossbolt, B-Top Tang 

Group

(3) 

Two buttstock appointments available in this group. 

A-Buttplate, B-Recoil Pad 

* Group callouts identify various configurations of a specific component which may be 

incorporated in the function of the various models employing the break open action in their 

design. However, only one type component from each callout group will appear on any given 

subject firearm. 

ATF Internet 

11
 

 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

ATF Guidebook -

Importation & Verification of Firearms, 

Ammunition, and Implements of War 

Machinegun Destruction 
Machinegun Destruction

Machinegun Destruction 

NOTICE 

Except as provided in Title 26, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 53, Section 

5844, it is generally unlawful to import a machinegun into the United States for 

unrestricted sale. However, machineguns that are properly destroyed may be 

imported. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) routinely 

receives inquiries regarding the acceptable method of destroying machineguns. 

Subsequent pages in this section will provide importers with several illustrations on 

ATF destruction procedures. ATF Ruling 2003-1, 2003-2, 2003-3, and 

2003-4 provide further guidance on the ATF approved method of destrution. 

Additional illustrations and guidelines for firearms not addressed in this manual can 

be obtained from ATF's Firearms Technology Branch. 

The following illustrations outline the procedures to destroy the receivers or frame of the 

firearm in a manner that will prevent its function and future use as a firearm. A proper method 

of destroying these firearms is to cut the receiver into separate pieces. 

2
Machinegun Destruction

View destructive method for the Browning M1919 Type Firearm. 

3
Machinegun Destruction

View destructive method for the FN Fal Type Firearm. 

The purpose of this procedure is to destroy the receiver or frame in a manner that will 

prevent its function and future use as a firearm. A proper method of destroying this firearm is 

to cut the receiver into separate pieces as follows. All cutting must be done with a cutting 

torch having a tip of sufficient size to displace at least 1/4 inch of material at each location. 

• Each cut must completely sever the receiver in the area indicated by the diagonal lines. 

• The receiver must be completely severed in each area indicated with a diagonal torch 

cut. 

• Cutting by means of a bandsaw or cut-off wheel does not ensure destruction. 

NOTE: Alternate methods of destruction defining the proposed procedure must be submitted in 

writing to the ATF Firearms Technology Branch for review and approval prior to 

implementation. 

4
Machinegun Destruction

View destructive method for the Heckler & Koch G3 Type Firearm. 

The purpose of this procedure is to destroy the receiver or frame in a manner that will 

prevent its function and future use as a firearm. A proper method of destroying this firearm is 

to cut the receiver into separate pieces as follows. All cutting must be done with a cutting 

torch having a tip of sufficient size to displace at least 1/4 inch of material at each location. 

• Each cut must completely sever the receiver in the area indicated by the diagonal lines. 

• The receiver must be completely severed in each area indicated with a diagonal torch 

cut. 

• Cutting by means of a bandsaw or cut-off wheel does not ensure destruction. 

NOTE: Alternate methods of destruction defining the proposed procedure must be submitted in 

writing to the ATF Firearms Technology Branch for review and approval prior to 

implementation. 

5
Machinegun Destruction

View destructive method for the Sten Type Firearm. 

The purpose of this procedure is to destroy the receiver or frame in a manner that will 

prevent its function and future use as a firearm. A proper method of destroying this firearm is 

to cut the receiver into separate pieces as follows. All cutting must be done with a cutting 

torch having a tip of sufficient size to displace at least 1/4 inch of material at each location. 

• Each cut must completely sever the receiver in the area indicated by the diagonal lines. 

• The receiver must be completely severed in each area indicated with a diagonal torch 

cut. 

• Cutting by means of a bandsaw or cut-off wheel does not ensure destruction. 

NOTE: Alternate methods of destruction defining the proposed procedure must be submitted in 

writing to the ATF Firearms Technology Branch for review and approval prior to 

implementation. 

ATF Internet 

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