The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law-enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. ATF regulates imports of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and certain alcohol and tobacco products, working alongside CBP at the port of entry.
For firearms, ammunition, and other ATF-regulated articles, the importer must obtain an ATF permit before importation:
- ATF Form 6 (5330.3A) — Permit to import firearms, ammunition, and implements of war for non-immigrant aliens, manufacturers, and dealers
- ATF Form 6A — Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War (completed at importation)
- ATF Form 4587 — Permit to import explosives
Imported firearms must also satisfy the "sporting purposes" test under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3), which restricts importation of certain firearms and shotguns deemed unsuitable for sporting use. Determinations are made by ATF's Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division.
ATF works closely with CBP's Office of Field Operations on:
- Detecting illegal firearms and ammunition shipments
- Tracing seized firearms through ATF's National Tracing Center
- Enforcing the Gun Control Act and National Firearms Act at the border
Imports of alcohol beverages are regulated primarily by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), a separate Treasury agency, but ATF retains jurisdiction over certain trade and tax matters and works with CBP on smuggling and contraband cases.