Who must submit ATF Form 6A?
Any importer who receives firearms, ammunition, or implements of war under an approved ATF Form 6 import permit must complete and submit ATF Form 6A. This applies to licensed firearms importers and dealers, manufacturers, and other authorized parties regulated under the Gun Control Act and the Arms Export Control Act. The completed form must reach the ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch within 15 days of receiving the shipment.
How to fill out ATF Form 6A step by step
- Complete importer information - Provide your full legal name or business name, mailing address, and federal firearms license (FFL) number.
- Record the import permit number - Enter the permit number from the ATF Form 6 approval that authorized this specific shipment.
- List the imported items - Describe each firearm or item by type, quantity, caliber or gauge, model name, and country of manufacture. These details must match the original ATF Form 6 permit exactly.
- Identify foreign parties - Provide the complete name and address of the foreign seller and the shipper in the designated fields.
- Obtain U.S. Customs certification - A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer must sign and date the Certification of Release section confirming the items are released from customs.
- Complete the verification section - After receiving the items, confirm the quantities and types match the permit, then sign and date the Verification of Importation section.
- Submit to ATF - Send the completed ATF Form 6A to the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch within 15 days of receipt. Retain a copy for your compliance records.
Related ATF forms
ATF Form 6A is one of several Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives compliance documents used in firearms regulation. Depending on your transaction type, you may also need:
- ATF Form 4473 - Firearms Transaction Record, required for commercial firearm sales at a licensed dealer
- ATF Form 1 - Application to Make and Register a Firearm under the National Firearms Act
- ATF Form 2 - Notice of Manufacture or Transfer of a National Firearms Act regulated firearm
Frequently asked questions about ATF Form 6A
What is the difference between ATF Form 6 and ATF Form 6A?
ATF Form 6 is the import permit application submitted before goods arrive in the United States. ATF Form 6A is the receipt form completed after the goods clear U.S. Customs and are received by the importer. Both documents are required for every legal firearms import transaction.
What happens if ATF Form 6A is submitted late?
Missing the 15-day submission deadline can result in regulatory penalties and may affect approval of future ATF Form 6 import applications. Contact the ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch as soon as possible if you expect a delay.
Is a separate ATF Form 6A needed for each shipment?
Yes. Each approved ATF Form 6 permit covers a single shipment, and a separate ATF Form 6A must be completed and submitted for each individual importation transaction.