Anyone every submit an ATF Form 6 to import a firearm

[Rockrivr1]

This summer the wife and I are heading to Italy for our delayed honeymoon. I was thinking that if I found a real nice over under at a decent price I would buy it and ship it home. That was until I started looking over these forms. There are actually two forms.

One is an ATF F6 Part 1 that I need to send in for ATF approval to import a firearm. You have to list the firearm. Um, how do I list a firearm that I haven't even seen yet? Also, you need to submit the form and wait 60 days for the approval to come it. I will be leaving before the 60 days, so I won't have the permit yet. Have any of you ever been turned down for this permit? I'm thinking if I buy something I'll ship it to Customs and then apply. Hummm, I wonder how long Customs will keep the package?

If I do get approved I also have to fill in and ATF F6A to get it out of customs.

Would you do it this way or does it sound way to risky? I figure I'll never get back there and would kick myself if I let a nice hand made over under pass because of some stupid paperwork.

 

[Chris Rhines]

I have. It wasn't hard, but it took a long time and I had to pretty well buy the pistol sight unseen.

Here's the details, from the place I bought my Pardini: http://www.potfire.com.au/export.htm

- Chris

 

[Aguila Blanca]

You do have to buy the pistol sight unseen, and the Form 6 must be filed by an FFL. And it isn't 60 days, it's 90 days.

I submitted one last year, trying to import a model from Brazil that isn't sold here. You have to have the serial number of THE firearm you want to import before you can apply. The manufacturer kindly agreed to set aside a gun for me and they sent me the serial number. I submitted the form, but I misunderstood and didn't realize it had to go throguh an FFL.

The pregnant dog at the BATFE sat on my application for the FULL 90 days allotted, then returned it without action under a cover letter saying I could reapply through an FFL. Except that she didn't tell me why my application was returned without action; I had to telephone her to find that out.

By then the manufacturer was tired of waiting, so they sold "my" gun and that was the end of my abortive attempt at a private import.

I think you would be making a HUGE mistake if you try to send it to the U.S. in advance of even submitting the application. Customs isn't going to hold it. If you don't show up with an approved Form 6, that gun is going to be "destroyed" (probably into some customs inspectors closet, but that's of no import to you). If you find something you like over there, you'll have to hope the seller or some other neutral party is trustworthy enough for you to leave the gun with them while you return home and process the import application. Your money is at risk -- if it's a model that isn't already on the BATFE approved list, there is NO guarantee they will approve your application. It's not a rubber stamp.

 

[qlajlu]

More questions

Okay, would it be possible to have someone who regularly does importation of firearms bring it into the the states or does the importation paperwork have to be done by the "end user?" Could Rockrivr1 call a professional with the serial number and such and have him import it?

 

[Diomed]

Okay, would it be possible to have someone who regularly does importation of firearms bring it into the the states or does the importation paperwork have to be done by the "end user?" Could Rockrivr1 call a professional with the serial number and such and have him import it?

Absolutely, this is how most people who import on an individual basis do it. There are a few dealers who specialize and can do it in an expeditious manner. It'll cost, of course. And the seller may or may not have to provide a statement to the effect that the weapon hasn't been in an unapproved country (e.g. Liberia) in the last five years. The importer I use requires it, but I'm not sure if that's just to cover his ass or if it's the law.

Just be prepared to wait.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Rockrivr1,

You cannot get pre-approval before you leave. IF you find a shotgun you want to buy, get all of the information about the gun and the dealer and bring it back. Then find a FFL that will accept the shipment. It can be any 01-FFL. Submit the Form 6 and when it comes back, the overseas dealer can ship it to your FFL. The FFL also does the 6A Customs form to get the gun out of customs.

As mentioned, it is easier to use a local importer. You can go here: http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp and get a list of FFLs in your area. Some of them double as importers. You might have to use one out of state and then transfer the shotgun to your local FFL.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

The last wrinkle is that the FFL who signs the Form 6 must also be the person who goes (physically) to customs to pick up the firearm. If you don't live in reasonable proximity to a port of entry, you will virtually have to go through a professional importer.

Diomed, I'd appreciate knowing who you use. Feel free to PM me if for some reason you don't want to post it en claire.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Thanks everyone for the information. I'll definitely look into finding an importer. Diomed, you indicated that I should be prepared for the cost to use an importer. Sounds like you've done this a few times. If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you to use the importer?

 

[Diomed]

Rockrivr1 -

Prices vary, $200 for the first piece seems like about average, with $50-100 for each additional. The cheapest I've heard of is $75 to start.