ATF Form Exemptions

Types of Forms

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

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.

  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 478.115(c).

  1. 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).

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

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  1. The return of U.S. goods by the person who exported/took them out of the United States. 27 CFR 478.115(a).

  2. 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).

  3. 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)

  4. 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).

  5. 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).

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

  7. 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.

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

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Last Reviewed September 22, 2016