Here are some common questions in regard to importing firearms and explosives to the United States.
Please reach us at info@ordnance-consulting.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
General Firearms Import FAQ
No. OEC only does business-to-business sales and imports for commercial customers.
Due to the Gun Control Act of 1968, only firearms which have been determined to be "sporting" can be imported. This generally precludes the import of NFA firearms, "assault weapons", and many smaller handguns such as the Glock 25/28.
The only Chinese origin firearms that can be imparted are sporting shotguns and some C&R firearms such as the unaltered SKS. Even if an otherwise importable Chinese firearm is in Canada, it doesn’t matter if it does not meet the narrow acceptions.
Not unless it is otherwise importable. An AR-15 or other non-importable firearm exported from the US is considered a foreign-made firearm by ATF for import purposes.
Generally yes. Provided the country of origin is not under sanction (Russia, China, North Korea, etc), there is no barrel, and the receiver has been destroyed to ATF specifications; machine-gun parts kits can be imported to the US.
Yes, OEC can facilitate a conditional import for evaluation by the ATF. That process will take at least 12 months to complete.
Generally, yes. If the vehicle has been properly demilitarized, such as a tank’s main gun being destroyed and aircraft hard points being removed, it can be imported to the US.
Yes. NBC Masks are import controlled by ATF and require an approved Form 6.
NFA Importing
No. Import of NFA firearms such as Machine-Guns, Destructive Devices, Silencers/Suppressors, Short-Barrel Rifles (SBR), and Short-Barrel Shotguns (SBS); is categorically prohibited for private citizens.
NFA firearms can be imported only for governmental customers and FFL/SOTs with a proper law enforcement demonstration letter.
Due to the Firearms Owners Protections Act's prohibition on registration of new Machine-Guns after 19 May 1986, ATF is extremely restrictive on importing Machine-Guns. Any Machine-Gun requested for import must be of newly manufactured, not be Curios & Relics, amongst other restrictions.
Non-Machine-Gun imported NFA items are classifed the same as a "pre-May" dealer sample Machine-Gun: an FFL/SOT is required to acquire it and it can be transferred on a Form 3 without a demo letter, but can be kept after surrendering the FFL/SOT. Yet it can only be transferred to other FFL/SOTs. Imported Machine-Guns are treated as any other post-sample Machine-Gun.
Yes. With its Type 11 FFL and Type 23 FEL, OEC can import explosive Destructive Devices such as NFDDs ("flash-bangs"). However such imports are restricted to government entities and fellow FFL/SOTs and FELs.
Additionally, due to how NFDDs are typically marked, a marking variance may be required before import.
Ammunition Importing
Generally only "sporting" ammunition can be imported to the United States. This generally precludes the import of tracer, armor piercing, or Destructive Device ammunition for non-commercial customers.
While armor piercing ammunition is generally non-importable, ATF will authorize the import of such ammunition for Research & Development purposes, such as testing body armor. OEC can assist in facilitating authorization for such imports.
Ammunition for Destructive Devices is generally non-importable and is also generally classified as explosives by the ATF. Examples of this are 40mm less-lethal round and M781 "chalk" 40x46mm training rounds. Import of such ammunition is restricted to government customers, but can be offered
Explosives Importing
Generally any type of explosive can be imported to the United States, ranging from consumer fireworks to plastic explosives.
While an explosives import license is not required for consumer fireworks, it is required for non-consumer grade fireworks classified as 1.3G, 1.2G, or 1.1G for shipping.
The primary challenge for importing explosives is the logistics of moving any type of Class 1 materials internationally. While Division 1.4 items are relatively simple to move domestically, this become exponentially more difficult when it is done internationally.
Disclaimer: Ordnance & Energetics Consulting LLC is not a law firm, and none of its staff are attorneys. Any advice or recommendations provided should be regarded as professional opinions based on regulatory or technical expertise, not as legal advice or counsel. Clients are encouraged to seek legal counsel from attorneys for matters requiring legal expertise.
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