ATF Seeks Comments on Import Form Update for Firearms, Ammunition, and Defense Articles

Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is asking for public comments on a new version of its form called “Application and Permit to Import Firearms, Ammunition, and Defense Articles.” The form is known as ATF Form 5330.3B, or “Form 6, Part II.”

Purpose of the Notice

The ATF needs to collect information from individuals who want to bring firearms, ammunition, or defense articles into the United States. This process is done through the Form 6, Part II document. The form helps ATF check if what someone wants to bring in can be imported.

This update is a regular review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The comment period will last for 60 days, ending October 6, 2025.

Changes to the Form

  • The form title will be changed for better readability.
  • New attachment sheets are added. This helps people who need extra space, especially if importing many items at once.
  • The new sheets are for listing defense articles and ammunition.
  • Instructions on the form are updated. These now include current laws, use easier words, and explain things more clearly.
  • Details like office contact information are updated so people know how to reach out if they need help.
  • Grammar and terminology updates are made throughout.

There are no changes to the overall procedure or requirements, but the number of people using the form has dropped.

Who Uses This Form?

Individuals, like returning military members, use Form 6, Part II to ask permission before bringing firearms, ammunition, or defense articles into the U.S. Filling out the form is required to get approval to import these items.

Annual Use and Burden

  • Estimated number of users per year: 312 people.
  • How often: Each user fills it out once a year.
  • Time to fill out: About 30 minutes per person.
  • Total annual time: 156 hours for all users.
  • Estimated total cost of respondent time: $3,588 per year.

Comments Needed

The ATF wants feedback from the public and any groups who work with the form. They are looking for comments on:

  • Whether the form is needed and useful.
  • If their numbers and estimates are correct.
  • Any ideas to make the form more helpful or clear.
  • Ways to make the form easier, like by using computers or electronics.

How to Respond

People who want to comment or get more information can contact Austin Funk at the Firearms and Explosives Import Branch. He can be reached by mail at Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405; by email; or by phone at 304-616-4654.

For other information, Darwin Arceo at the Department of Justice can also be reached at 145 N Street, NE, Washington, DC.

The official notice was signed by Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer for the U.S. Department of Justice, on July 31, 2025.

The full information is published in the Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 148, on August 5, 2025.


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