ATF Open Letter to Licensed Firearms Importers and Registered Importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has posted to its Web site an open letter that contains information about recent changes that may affect the day-to-day operations and/or long range plans of federally licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. munitions import list articles.
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74 Firearms Added to Annex A of U.S.-Russia Voluntary Restraint Agreement
According to ATF, Annex A of the U.S.-Russia Voluntary Restraint Agreement (VRA) (signed April 3, 1996) on exports of firearms and ammunition from Russia to the U.S. has been amended by adding 74 types of firearms to the list. (See the attachment to ATF's open letter for the specific list of pistols and rifles.)
ATF notes that even though these 74 firearms have been added to Annex A, ATF will still need to determine the importability of some of these firearms. Applications to import any of the 74 firearms might only be approved conditionally, and some of the firearms will need to be examined and classified by the Firearms Technology Branch to determine their importability.
Importing Sporting Firearms, Etc. into a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW)
ATF states that importers may now apply for permits to import sporting firearms, firearms parts and ammunition into a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW).
Any applications to import sporting surplus military curio or relic firearms into a CBW must be supported by the following:
Original documentation- Original documentation, such as a warehouse receipt or other document which provides the required history of storage, that attests to where the firearms have been located for the past five years.
(ATF states that the firearms must not have been in a proscribed country or area for a five-year period immediately preceding the importation. ATF further states that the information may be obtained from the foreign source from which the firearms were purchased, and all documents must be dated within six months of ATF's receipt date.)
Original certification - Licensed importer's signed and dated original certification under the penalties of perjury, following the format detailed in ATF's open letter.
Withdrawing Sporting Firearms, Etc. from a CBW
Prior to withdrawal of sporting firearms, firearm parts and sporting ammunition from a CBW, ATF states that a new ATF Form 6 application must be submitted that describes the specific firearm or parts and/or ammunition that is desired to be withdrawn. In addition, a copy of the approved permit authorizing the article into the CBW must accompany the new permit application.
ATF contact - Firearms and Explosives Import Branch (202) 927-8320
Open letter (posted 07/28/04, dated 05/20/04) available at http://www.atf.gov/firearms/052004openletter.htm
Attachment containing list of 74 added firearms available at http://www.atf.gov/firearms/052004openltrattachment.pdf