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ATF's Proposed Rules for Firearms Imports



August 4, 2026

On  May 8, 2026, the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a series of
proposed rules that would change how it regulates firearms. Amongst these changes are two clarifying
rules that affect how ATF regulates firearms imports. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) at 91
Federal Register 25159 would define firearms imports in such a way that would allow conversion of
temporaryfirearms imports (i.e., firearms with a final destination outside the United States) into
permanentfirearms imports (i.e., items with a final destination inside the United States). The NPRM at 91
Federal Register 25192 proposes allowing importation of firearm frames, receivers, and barrels that can
be used in building sporting, non-sporting, or National Firearms Act (NFA) regulated firearms.

Allowable Firearms Imports

Importing a firearm into the United States requires having a Federal Firearms License (FFL) Type-08 and
being registered as a licensed importer under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). For individuals
possessing these credentials, the Attorney General shall authorize imports as defined in 18 U.S.C.
§925(d) when the item
    *   is being imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, or is for use in
        connection with competition or training of U.S. Armed Forces pursuant to Chapter 751,
        Title 10;
    *   is an unserviceable, non-machinegun firearm imported as a curio or museum piece;
    *   is not defined as a firearm under the NFA; is generally recognized as particularly
        suitable or adaptable to sporting purposes; and is not a surplus military firearm (however,
        in any case where the Attorney General has not authorized the importation ofthe firearm
        pursuant to this paragraph, it shall be unlawful to import any frame, receiver, or barrel of
        such firearm which would be prohibited if assembled); or
    *   was previously legally taken out of the United States or a possession by the person who is
        bringing in the firearm or ammunition. (This allows a person to avoid standard
        importation bans on firearms ifthey are legally bringing a firearm back into the United
        States after bringing it out.)



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