Firearms; ARMS AND AMMUNITION; PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (HS code(s): 93); Weapons (ICS code(s): 95.060)

Converting Temporary to Permanent Imports for Defense Articles; (8 page(s), in English)

Notice of proposed rulemaking - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (''ATF'') proposes to amend Department of Justice (''Department'') regulations regarding the permanent import provisions of the Arms Export Control Act (''AECA''). The proposed rule would allow importers to apply for ATF authorization to convert items imported temporarily-- under a Department of State (''DOS'') authorization or under the entry clearance requirements for temporary imports in the Export Administration Regulations (''EAR'') maintained by the Department of Commerce (''DOC'')--to permanent imports in compliance with other applicable federal firearms laws, without having to export and then reimport the items. Relatedly, ATF proposes amendments to require that firearms converted from temporary to permanent imports be marked according to GCA and NFA standards within 15 days of conversion approval. Additionally, importers would be required to submit Form 6A within this timeframe to record serial numbers and finalize the permanent import status.