[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 20, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38194-38201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-15485]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

27 CFR Parts 47 and 178

[T.D. ATF-426]
RIN 1512-AC02


Implementation of the Model Regulations for the Control of the 
International Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and 
Ammunition (99R-281P)

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of 
the Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule, Treasury decision.

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SUMMARY: This Treasury decision amends the regulations governing the 
importation of firearms, ammunition, and implements of war. The changes 
implement the ``Model Regulations for the Control of the International 
Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition'' 
which

[[Page 38195]]

President Clinton directed the Secretaries of State, Commerce, and 
Treasury to implement after the second Summit of the Americas, in 
Santiago, Chile. The purpose of the Model Regulations is to provide 
standardized procedures for the international movement of firearms, 
their parts and components, and ammunition so as to prevent illegal 
trafficking in these articles. This final rule also makes technical and 
conforming amendments to certain sections of the regulations. In 
addition, this final rule revokes Rev. Rul. 69-309.

DATES: This rule is effective June 20, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lawrence G. White, Firearms and 
Explosives Imports Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 
Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226 (202-927-8320).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background--CICAD Changes

    On April 18, 1998, at the second Summit of the Americas, in 
Santiago, Chile, President Clinton announced that the United States 
would issue regulations implementing the ``Model Regulations for the 
Control of the International Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and 
Components, and Ammunition'' (the ``Model Regulations''). The Model 
Regulations were drafted by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control 
Commission (``CICAD'') at the request of the Organization of American 
States. The purpose of the Model Regulations is to provide standardized 
procedures for the international movement of firearms, their parts and 
components, and ammunition so as to prevent illegal trafficking in 
these articles.
    To further these objectives, the President directed the U.S. 
Secretaries of State, Commerce, and Treasury to implement the Model 
Regulations. In response to the President's directive, on April 12, 
1999, the Department of State published in the Federal Register 
amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (64 FR 
17531). The Department of Commerce published its amended regulations in 
the Federal Register on April 13, 1999 (64 FR 17968). In this final 
rule, ATF is amending its regulations and affected forms to comply with 
the Model Regulations.
    ATF is responsible for administering the import provisions of the 
Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). The 
regulatory amendments required by the President's directive necessitate 
changes to AECA regulations in 27 CFR part 47 and GCA regulations in 27 
CFR part 178. Changes made by this final rule include the following:

1. Inclusion of Final Recipient Information on Import Permits

    The import permit must identify the final recipient, if known, of 
an imported firearm, firearm part, or ammunition. Identification is to 
include name, address, telephone and fax numbers, country of residence, 
representative's name if a commercial or government body, citizenship, 
and signature. Conforming changes have been made to the regulations in 
27 CFR 47.42(a)(1)(v), 178.112(b)(1)(v), and 178.113(b)(1)(v).

2. Presentation of Export License to U.S. Customs To Effect Release of 
Firearms, Firearms Parts, and Ammunition

    A licensed importer must present the import permit (ATF Form 6--
Part I), a release form identifying the goods imported (ATF Form 6A), 
and a copy of the export license from the exporting country in order to 
effect the release of firearms, firearms parts, or ammunition from U.S. 
Customs. If the country of export does not require the issuance of an 
export license, the licensed importer instead must present a 
certification, under penalty of perjury, to that effect. Currently, 
only the ATF Form 6--Part I and ATF Form 6A must be presented to U.S. 
Customs. The new requirement applies only to commercial (i.e., imports 
by registered/licensed importers for purposes of resale) importations 
of firearms, firearms parts, and ammunition. Conforming changes have 
been made to the regulations in 27 CFR 47.45(a) and 178.112(c).

3. Regulatory Requirement for Specific Information on Import Permit

    AECA regulations set forth the requirement for obtaining an import 
permit but do not specify the information that must be included on the 
permit application. Though ATF already obtains all information mandated 
by the Model Regulations through its design of and instructions on the 
ATF Form 6--Part I, the AECA regulation is being amended to itemize 
specific information required on the form. Conforming changes have been 
made to the regulations in 27 CFR 47.42(a).

4. Revision of Parts Exemption

    The exemption in 27 CFR 47.41(c) is being revised to reduce the 
value of the parts and components that may be imported without a permit 
from $500 to $100. This change maintains the original intent behind the 
exemption, which was to provide a simplified method for importers to 
replace minor parts (e.g., springs and screws) damaged during the 
initial shipment, while maintaining controls over more substantial 
imports, as required by the Model Regulations.

Technical and Conforming Amendments to Regulations

    We have identified several amendments and conforming changes to the 
regulations that are needed to provide uniformity in chapter I of title 
27, CFR. These amendments are contained in parts 47 and 178. The 
amendments merely improve the clarity of the regulations, simplify 
regulatory requirements, or implement foreign policy as directed by the 
Department of State. ATF's administration of the import provisions of 
the AECA is subject to the guidance of the Secretaries of State and 
Defense on matters affecting world peace and the external security and 
foreign policy of the United States. The amendments to parts 47 and 178 
are as follows:
    1. Department of State regulations in 22 CFR part 129 place 
registration requirements on persons engaged in brokering activities 
related to the import of defense articles. A new subparagraph is being 
added to section 47.2, ``Relation to other laws and regulations,'' to 
cross-reference the Department of State regulations in 22 CFR part 129.
    2. The name of the Department of State's Office of Munitions 
Control has been changed to the Office of Defense Trade Controls. 
Section 47.21 is being amended to reflect this change.
    3. ATF Publication 1322.1, Public Use Forms, is no longer available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office. 
Accordingly, section 47.35 is being amended to delete the reference to 
the availability of this publication.
    4. The wording in section 47.41(a) is being changed to clarify the 
relationship between the permit requirements in parts 178 and 179 and 
the permit requirements in part 47.
    5. In an undated letter received by ATF on December 22, 1999, the 
Department of State provided advice to ATF concerning the importation 
into the United States of foreign-origin defense articles. The letter 
requested that ATF require a statement on the import application 
certifying, in the case of defense articles of foreign manufacture, to 
the origin of the articles. ATF is amending the regulations in section 
47.42(a) to implement this advice. Appropriate changes have also been 
made to the ATF Form 6.

[[Page 38196]]

    6. The use of copies of import permits to effect the release of 
defense articles from U.S. Customs will be permitted to help relieve 
the administrative burden on the importer. Conforming changes have been 
made to the regulations in section 47.43(c).
    7. The Department of State, by letter dated November 2, 1998, 
directed ATF to revise its procedures for regulating the import of U.S. 
Government-granted or sold defense articles on the United States 
Munitions List (USML). Specifically, ATF is to deny all applications, 
with limited exceptions, for the import of these articles. The limited 
exceptions allowed by the State Department will require importers to 
first obtain and submit with their import permit applications re-
transfer authorizations from the State Department.
    A re-transfer authorization indicates the foreign government has 
properly asked, and has been granted, authority to re-transfer such 
articles. Other criteria for meeting the terms of the exception are 
unchanged. Conforming changes have been made to the regulations in 
section 47.57(b)(1).
    8. The requirement for a licensed importer to report on ATF Form 6A 
the serial numbers of imported firearms within 15 days after their 
release from Customs has been added to the GCA regulations governing 
import procedures. ATF Form 6A already requires this information by 
directions contained in block 9b of the form. Conforming changes have 
been made to the regulations in section 178.112(d)(1).
    9. The required retention of ATF Form 6--Part I and ATF Form 6A for 
at least 20 years by GCA licensees and at least 6 years by AECA 
registrants not licensed under the GCA is made explicit by adding 
references to both forms in record retention requirements. This change 
affects regulations in sections 47.34(b) and 178.129(d).

Rev. Rul. 69-309

    The CICAD Model Regulations specify the minimum information that 
must be included on import licenses and the procedures for obtaining 
the release of imported firearms and ammunition from Customs custody. 
In reviewing the rules and regulations governing firearms imports, ATF 
has re-examined Rev. Rul. 69-309 (1969-1 C.B. 361), issued in 1969 by 
the Internal Revenue Service, ATF's predecessor agency. This ruling 
held that members of the U.S. Armed Forces returning from active duty 
outside the U.S. may import, without an import permit, up to 3 rifles 
or shotguns and not more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. ATF believes 
that this ruling is inconsistent with the CICAD Model Regulations, 
since no advance authorization is required for such importations. 
Accordingly, Rev. Rul. 69-309 is hereby revoked. It should be noted 
that servicemen returning to the U.S. from overseas duty may still 
import personal firearms pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 925(a)(4) and 27 CFR 
178.114.

Executive Order 12866

    Because the amendments to 27 CFR Part 47 involve a foreign affairs 
function of the United States, Executive Order 12866 does not apply. 
With respect to the amendments to 27 CFR part 178, it has been 
determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined in Executive Order 12866.

Administrative Procedure Act

    The amendments made to 27 CFR part 47 are excluded from the 
rulemaking provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553 because they involve a foreign 
affairs function of the United States. With respect to the amendments 
made to 27 CFR part 178, all changes are of a technical, nonsubstantive 
nature. Accordingly, it is not necessary to issue this Treasury 
decision with notice and public procedure thereon under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) 
or subject to the effective date limitations in 5 U.S.C. 553(d).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) do not apply to this final rule because no notice of proposed 
rulemaking is required.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    These regulations are being issued without prior notice and public 
procedure pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). 
For this reason, the collections of information contained in these 
regulations have been reviewed under the requirements of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507(j)) and, pending receipt and evaluation 
of public comments, approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under control numbers 1512-0017 and 1512-0019. An agency may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a valid control number 
assigned by OMB.
    Comments concerning the collections of information should be 
directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk 
Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco 
and Firearms, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, 
DC 20503, with copies to the Chief, Document Services Branch, Room 
3110, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226. Any such comments should be 
submitted not later than August 21, 2000. Comments are specifically 
requested concerning:
    Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for 
the proper performance of the function of the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; the accuracy of the estimated burden associated with 
the proposed collections of information (see below); how the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected may be 
enhanced, and; how the burden of complying with the proposed 
collections of information may be minimized, including through the 
application of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    The new collections of information under OMB control number 1512-
0017 are in 27 CFR 47.42(a)(1), 47.57(b)(1), 178.112(b)(1)(v), and 
178.113(b)(1)(v). The new collections of information under OMB control 
number 1512-0019 are in 27 CFR 47.45(a), 178.112(c) and (d)(1). This 
information is required to ensure compliance with the import provisions 
of the Gun Control Act and Arms Export Control Act. This information 
will be used to ensure that defense articles are lawfully imported into 
the United States. The collections of information are mandatory. The 
likely respondents are businesses and individuals.
    For collections of information under OMB control number 1512-0017:
    Estimated total annual reporting burden: 4,500 hours.
    Estimated annual burden per respondent: .5 hours.
    Estimated number of respondents: 9,000.
    Estimated annual frequency of responses: 1.
    For collections of information under OMB control number 1512-0019:
    Estimated total annual reporting burden: 8,000 hours.
    Estimated annual burden per respondent: .4 hours.
    Estimated number of respondents: 20,000.
    Estimated annual frequency of responses: 1.

Compliance With 5 U.S.C. Chapter 8

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 808(2), ATF has found that, consistent 
with guidance from the Department of State and for reasons of the 
foreign policy of

[[Page 38197]]

the United States, notice and public procedure are unnecessary and 
contrary to the public interest.

Disclosure

    Copies of this final rule will be available for public inspection 
during normal business hours at: ATF Public Reading Room, Room 6480, 
650 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC.

Drafting Information

    The authors of this document are Scott Mendoza, Senior Operations 
Officer, Detroit Field Division, and James P. Ficaretta, Regulations 
Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

List of Subjects

27 CFR Part 47

    Administrative practice and procedure, Arms control, Arms and 
munitions, Authority delegation, Chemicals, Customs duties and 
inspection, Imports, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Scientific equipment, Seizures and forfeitures.

27 CFR Part 178

    Administrative practice and procedure, Arms and ammunition, 
Authority delegations, Customs duties and inspection, Exports, Imports, 
Military personnel, Penalties, Reporting requirements, Research, 
Seizures and forfeitures, and Transportation.

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, ATF amends 27 CFR parts 
47 and 178 as follows:

PART 47--IMPORTATION OF ARMS, AMMUNITION AND IMPLEMENTS OF WAR

    Paragraph 1. The authority citation for 27 CFR part 47 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2778.


    Par. 2. Section 47.2 is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 47.2  Relation to other laws and regulations.

* * * * *
    (d) For provisions requiring the registration of persons engaged in 
the business of brokering activities with respect to the importation of 
any defense article or defense service, see Department of State 
regulations in 22 CFR part 129.


Sec. 47.21  [Amended]

    Par. 3. Section 47.21 is amended by removing ``Office of Munitions 
Control'' in the introductory text and in Category XXI of the U.S. 
Munitions Import List and adding in their place ``Office of Defense 
Trade Controls''.

    Par. 4. Section 47.34(b) is amended by adding a comma after the 
word ``disposition'', by removing the phrase ``by the registrant'' and 
adding in its place ``including Forms 6 and 6A'', and by adding a new 
sentence at the end of paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 47.34  Maintenance of records by persons required to register as 
importers of Import List articles.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * See Sec. 178.129 of this chapter for articles subject to 
import control under part 178 of this chapter.
* * * * *


Sec. 47.35  [Amended]

    Par. 5. Section 47.35 is amended by removing paragraph (b) and by 
redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (b).

    Par. 6. Section 47.41 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 47.41  Permit requirement.

    (a) Articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List will not be imported 
into the United States except pursuant to a permit under this subpart 
issued by the Director. For articles subject to control under parts 178 
or 179 of this chapter, a separate permit is not necessary.
* * * * *
    (c) A permit is not required for the importation of--
    (1)(i) The U.S. Munitions Import List articles from Canada, except 
articles enumerated in Categories I, II, III, IV, VI(e), VIII(a), XVI, 
and XX; and
    (ii) Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all 
specifically designed components, parts, accessories, attachments, and 
associated equipment thereof (see Category XXI); or
    (2) 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.

    Par. 7. Section 47.42(a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 47.42  Application for permit.

    (a)(1) Persons required to obtain a permit as provided in 
Sec. 47.41 must file a Form 6--Part I, in triplicate, with the 
Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the 
information requested on the form, including:
    (i) The name, address, telephone number, license and registration 
number, if any (including expiration date) of the importer;
    (ii) The country from which the defense article is to be imported;
    (iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign 
shipper;
    (iv) A description of the defense article to be imported, 
including--
    (A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
    (B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, aircraft, 
vessel, and in the case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, 
etc.);
    (C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (D) The model;
    (E) The length of barrel, if any (in inches);
    (F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
    (G) The serial number, if known;
    (H) Whether the defense article is new or used;
    (I) The quantity;
    (J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or 
other defense article to be imported;
    (K) The category of U.S. Munitions Import List under which the 
article is regulated;
    (v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient 
information if different from the importer; and
    (vi) Certification of origin.
    (2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved 
application will serve as the permit to import the defense article 
described therein, and importation of such defense article may continue 
to be made by the licensed/registered importer (if applicable) under 
the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. 
The Director will furnish the approved application (permit) to the 
applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
    (ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the licensed/
registered importer (if applicable) will be notified of the basis for 
the disapproval.
* * * * *


Sec. 47.43  [Amended]

    Par. 8. Section 47.43(c) is amended by removing the second 
sentence.

    Par. 9. Section 47.45 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 47.45  Importation.

    (a) Articles subject to the import permit procedures of this 
subpart

[[Page 38198]]

imported into the United States may be released from Customs custody to 
the person authorized to import same upon his showing that he has a 
permit from the Director for the importation of the article or articles 
to be released.
    For articles in Categories I and III imported by a registered 
importer, the importer will also submit to Customs a copy of the export 
license authorizing the export of the article or articles from the 
exporting country. If the exporting country does not require issuance 
of an export license, the importer must submit a certification, under 
penalty of perjury, to that effect.
    (1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of an article 
imported pursuant to a permit, the permit holder will prepare Form 6A, 
in duplicate, and furnish the original to the Customs officer releasing 
the article. The Customs officer will, after certification, forward the 
original ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form.
    (2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the 
form, including:
    (i) The name, address, and license number (if any) of the importer;
    (ii) The name of the manufacturer of the defense article;
    (iii) The country of manufacture;
    (iv) The type;
    (v) The model;
    (vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (vii) The serial number in the case of firearms, if known; and
    (viii) The number of defense articles released.
    (b) Within 15 days of the date of their release from Customs 
custody, the importer of the articles released will forward to the 
address specified on the form a copy of Form 6A on which will be 
reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the Form 6A certified by 
Customs and serial numbers if not previously provided on ATF Form 6A.
* * * * *

    Par. 10. Section 47.57 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) 
through (c) to read as follows:


Sec. 47.57  U.S. military defense articles.

    (a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or of parts 
178 or 179 of this chapter, no military defense article of United 
States manufacture may be imported into the United States if such 
article was furnished to a foreign government under a foreign 
assistance or foreign military sales program of the United States.
    (2) The restrictions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section cover 
defense articles which are advanced in value or improved in condition 
in a foreign country, but do not include those which have been 
substantially transformed as to become, in effect, articles of foreign 
manufacture.
    (b) Paragraph (a) of this section will not apply if:
    (1) The applicant submits with the ATF Form 6--Part I application 
written authorization from the Department of State to import the 
defense article; and
    (2) In the case of firearms, such firearms are curios or relics 
under 18 U.S.C. 925(e) and the person seeking to import such firearms 
provides a certification of a foreign government that the firearms were 
furnished to such government under a foreign assistance or foreign 
military sales program of the United States and that the firearms are 
owned by such foreign government. (See Sec. 178.118 of this chapter 
providing for the importation of certain curio or relic handguns, 
rifles and shotguns.)
    (c) For the purpose of this section, the term ``military defense 
article'' includes all defense articles furnished to foreign 
governments under a foreign assistance or foreign military sales 
program of the United States as set forth in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
* * * * *

PART 178--COMMERCE IN FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

    Par. 11. The authority citation for 27 CFR part 178 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 18 U.S.C. 847, 921-930; 44 U.S.C. 
3504(h).


    Par. 12. Section 178.112 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), 
(c), and (d), and by adding a parenthetical text at the end of the 
section to read as follows:


Sec. 178.112  Importation by a licensed importer.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6--Part I, to import 
or bring a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition into the United 
States or a possession thereof under this section must be filed, in 
triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed and dated 
and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
    (i) The name, address, telephone number, and license number 
(including expiration date) of the importer;
    (ii) The country from which the firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition is to be imported;
    (iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign 
shipper;
    (iv) A description of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to 
be imported, including:
    (A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
    (B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver and, in the 
case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
    (C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (D) The model;
    (E) The barrel length, if a firearm or firearm barrel (in inches);
    (F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
    (G) The serial number, if known;
    (H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
    (I) The quantity;
    (J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to 
be imported;
    (v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient 
information if different from the importer;
    (vi) Verification that if a firearm, it will be identified as 
required by this part; and
    (vii)(A) If a firearm or ammunition imported or brought in for 
scientific or research purposes, a statement describing such purpose; 
or
    (B) If a firearm or ammunition for use in connection with 
competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, U.S.C., a 
statement describing such intended use; or
    (C) If an unserviceable firearm (other than a machine gun) being 
imported as a curio or museum piece, a description of how it was 
rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is a curio or 
museum piece; or
    (D) If a firearm other than a surplus military firearm, of a type 
that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 
5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is for sporting 
purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
    (E) If ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement 
why the ammunition is particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes; or
    (F) If a firearm barrel for a handgun, an explanation why the 
handgun is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily 
adaptable to sporting purposes. (2)(i) If the Director approves the 
application, such approved application will serve as the permit to 
import the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition described therein, 
and importation of such firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition may 
continue to be made by the licensed importer under the approved 
application (permit) during the period

[[Page 38199]]

specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application 
(permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for 
administrative use.
    (ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the licensed 
importer will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
    (c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought 
into the United States or a possession thereof under the provisions of 
this section by a licensed importer may be released from Customs 
custody to the licensed importer upon showing that the importer has 
obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition to be released. The importer will also 
submit to Customs a copy of the export license authorizing the export 
of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition from the exporting 
country. If the exporting country does not require issuance of an 
export license, the importer must submit a certification, under penalty 
of perjury, to that effect.
    (1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported 
through the use of a permit, the licensed importer will prepare ATF 
Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the 
Customs officer releasing the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition. 
The Customs officer will, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A 
to the address specified on the form.
    (2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the 
form, including:
    (i) The name, address, and license number of the importer;
    (ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm, firearm barrel, 
or ammunition;
    (iii) The country of manufacture;
    (iv) The type;
    (v) The model;
    (vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (vii) The serial number in the case of firearms, if known; and
    (viii) The number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds of 
ammunition released.
    (d) Within 15 days of the date of release from Customs custody, the 
licensed importer must:
    (1) Forward to the address specified on the form a copy of ATF Form 
6A on which must be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the 
ATF Form 6A certified by Customs and serial numbers if not previously 
provided on ATF Form 6A;
    (2) Pursuant to Sec. 178.92, place all required identification data 
on each imported firearm if same did not bear such identification data 
at the time of its release from Customs custody; and
    (3) Post in the records required to be maintained by the importer 
under subpart H of this part all required information regarding the 
importation.


(Paragraph (b) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 1512-0017; paragraphs (c) and (d) approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0019)


    Par. 13. Section 178.113 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and 
(c) and by adding a parenthetical text at the end of the section to 
read as follows:


Sec. 178.113  Importation by other licensees.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6--Part I, to import 
or bring a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition into the United 
States or a possession thereof by a licensee, other than a licensed 
importer, must be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The 
application must be signed and dated and must contain the information 
requested on the form, including:
    (i) The name, address, telephone number, and license number 
(including expiration date) of the applicant;
    (ii) The country from which the firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition is to be imported;
    (iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign 
shipper;
    (iv) A description of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to 
be imported, including:
    (A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
    (B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver and, in the 
case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
    (C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (D) The model;
    (E) The barrel length, if a firearm or firearm barrel (in inches);
    (F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
    (G) The serial number, if known;
    (H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
    (I) The quantity;
    (J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to 
be imported;
    (v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient 
information if different from the applicant; and
    (vi)(A) If a firearm or ammunition imported or brought in for 
scientific or research purposes, a statement describing such purpose; 
or
    (B) If a firearm or ammunition for use in connection with 
competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, U.S.C., a 
statement describing such intended use; or
    (C) If an unserviceable firearm (other than a machine gun) being 
imported as a curio or museum piece, a description of how it was 
rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is a curio or 
museum piece; or
    (D) If a firearm other than a surplus military firearm, of a type 
that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 
5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is for sporting 
purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
    (E) If ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement 
why the ammunition is particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes; or
    (F) If a firearm barrel for a handgun, an explanation why the 
handgun is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily 
adaptable to sporting purposes.
    (2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved 
application will serve as the permit to import the firearm, firearm 
barrel, or ammunition described therein, and importation of such 
firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition may continue to be made by the 
applicant under the approved application (permit) during the period 
specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application 
(permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for 
administrative use.
    (ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant 
will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
    (c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought 
into the United States or a possession thereof under the provisions of 
this section may be released from Customs custody to the licensee upon 
showing that the licensee has obtained a permit from the Director for 
the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be 
released.
    (1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported 
through the use of a permit, the licensee will prepare ATF Form 6A, in 
duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer 
releasing the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition. The Customs 
officer will, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the 
address specified on the form.
    (2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the 
form, including:

[[Page 38200]]

    (i) The name, address, and license number of the licensee;
    (ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm, firearm barrel, 
or ammunition;
    (iii) The country of manufacture;
    (iv) The type;
    (v) The model;
    (vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (vii) The serial number in the case of firearms; and
    (viii) The number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds of 
ammunition released.


(Paragraph (b) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 1512-0017; paragraph (c) approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 1512-0019)


    Par. 14. Section 178.113a is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and 
(c) and by adding a parenthetical text at the end of the section to 
read as follows:


Sec. 178.113a  Importation of firearm barrels by nonlicensees.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6--Part I, to import 
or bring a firearm barrel into the United States or a possession 
thereof under this section must be filed, in triplicate, with the 
Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the 
information requested on the form, including:
    (i) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
    (ii) The country from which the firearm barrel is to be imported;
    (iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign 
shipper;
    (iv) A description of the firearm barrel to be imported, including:
    (A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
    (B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver);
    (C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (D) The model;
    (E) The barrel length (in inches);
    (F) The quantity;
    (G) The unit cost of the firearm barrel;
    (v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient 
information if different from the importer; and
    (vi) If a handgun barrel, an explanation of why the barrel is for a 
handgun that is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or 
readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
    (2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved 
application will serve as the permit to import the firearm barrel, and 
importation of such firearm barrels may continue to be made by the 
applicant under the approved application (permit) during the period 
specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application 
(permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for 
administrative use.
    (ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant 
will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
    (c) A firearm barrel imported or brought into the United States or 
a possession thereof under the provisions of this section may be 
released from Customs custody to the person importing the firearm 
barrel upon showing that the person has obtained a permit from the 
Director for the importation of the firearm barrel to be released.
    (1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm 
barrel authorized by this section to be imported through the use of a 
permit, the person importing the firearm barrel will prepare ATF Form 
6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs 
officer releasing the firearm barrel. The Customs officer will, after 
certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the 
form.
    (2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the 
form, including:
    (i) The name and address of the person importing the firearm 
barrel;
    (ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm barrel;
    (iii) The country of manufacture;
    (iv) The type;
    (v) The model;
    (vi) The caliber or gauge of the firearm barrel so released; and
    (vii) The number of firearm barrels released;.


(Paragraph (b) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 1512-0017; paragraph (c) approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 1512-0019)
    Par. 15. Section 178.114 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and 
(b) and by adding a parenthetical text at the end of the section to 
read as follows:


Sec. 178.114  Importation by members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

    (a) The Director may issue a permit authorizing the importation of 
a firearm or ammunition into the United States to the place of 
residence of any military member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is on 
active duty outside the United States, or who has been on active duty 
outside the United States within the 60-day period immediately 
preceding the intended importation: Provided, That such firearm or 
ammunition is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or 
readily adaptable to sporting purposes and is intended for the personal 
use of such member.
    (1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6--Part II, to import a 
firearm or ammunition into the United States under this section must be 
filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed 
and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, 
including:
    (i) The name, current address, and telephone number of the 
applicant;
    (ii) Certification that the transportation, receipt, or possession 
of the firearm or ammunition to be imported would not constitute a 
violation of any provision of the Act or of any State law or local 
ordinance at the place of the applicant's residence;
    (iii) The country from which the firearm or ammunition is to be 
imported;
    (iv) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign 
shipper;
    (v) A description of the firearm or ammunition to be imported, 
including:
    (A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
    (B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver and, in the 
case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
    (C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (D) The model;
    (E) The barrel length, if a firearm (in inches);
    (F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
    (G) The serial number;
    (H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
    (I) The quantity;
    (J) The unit cost of the firearm or ammunition to imported;
    (vi) The specific purpose of importation, that is --
    (A) That the firearm or ammunition being imported is for the 
personal use of the applicant; and
    (B) If a firearm, a statement that it is not a surplus military 
firearm, that it does not fall within the definition of a firearm under 
section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and an 
explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as particularly 
suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
    (C) If ammunition, a statement why it is generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; 
and
    (vii) The applicant's date of birth;
    (viii) The applicant's rank or grade;
    (ix) The applicant's place of residence;

[[Page 38201]]

    (x) The applicant's present foreign duty station or last foreign 
duty station, as the case may be;
    (xi) The date of the applicant's reassignment to a duty station 
within the United States, if applicable; and
    (xii) The military branch of which the applicant is a member.
    (2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved 
application will serve as the permit to import the firearm or 
ammunition described therein. The Director will furnish the approved 
application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for 
administrative use.
    (ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant 
will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a 
firearm or ammunition imported into the United States under the 
provisions of this section by the applicant may be released from 
Customs custody to the applicant upon showing that the applicant has 
obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm 
or ammunition to be released.
    (1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm or 
ammunition authorized by this section to be imported through the use of 
a permit, the military member of the U.S. Armed Forces will prepare ATF 
Form 6A and furnish the completed form to the Customs officer releasing 
the firearm or ammunition. The Customs officer will, after 
certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the 
form.
    (2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the 
form, including:
    (i) The name and address of the military member;
    (ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm or ammunition;
    (iii) The country of manufacture;
    (iv) The type;
    (v) The model;
    (vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
    (vii) The serial number in the case of firearms; and
    (viii) If applicable, the number of firearms or rounds of 
ammunition released.
    (3) When such military member is on active duty outside the United 
States, the military member may appoint, in writing, an agent to obtain 
the release of the firearm or ammunition from Customs custody for such 
member. Such agent will present sufficient identification of the agent 
and the written authorization to act on behalf of such military member 
to the Customs officer who is to release the firearm or ammunition.
* * * * *

(Paragraph (a) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 1512-0018; paragraph (b) approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 1512-0019)


    Par. 16. Section 178.129(d) is amended by revising the first 
sentence to read as follows:


Sec. 178.129  Record retention.

* * * * *
    (d) Records of importation and manufacture. 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 of 
this part. * * *
* * * * *

    Dated: March 17, 2000.
Bradley A. Buckles,
Director.
    Dated: April 4, 2000.
John P. Simpson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Regulatory Tariff and Trade Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 00-15485 Filed 6-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P