ATF Revises Forms for Importing Guns and Ammo Smoothly
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
The ATF is updating the form used to apply for permits to import firearms, ammo, and defense gear. This affects importers who’ll see some changes to the paperwork, aiming to make it clearer and easier to handle. Comments on the update are open until January 30, 2026, with no new fees expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork time falls with ATF eForms
If you apply to import firearms, ammunition, or defense articles, the average time to complete ATF Form 5330.3A is now 17 minutes. More than 90% of filings are electronic (about 12,077 electronic vs. 1,700 paper), cutting paper completion from about 30 minutes to about 15 minutes and reducing total annual burden to 3,869 hours in 2025 (down from 5,000 hours three years earlier).
No new fees expected for import permits
ATF states that the revision of the information collection will not add any new fees for persons applying for the import permit. The estimated total annual other cost burden associated with the collection is $1,241.
Form required to obtain import permit
The Gun Control Act and related statutes prohibit importing firearms, ammunition, and defense articles unless the importer meets criteria and the Attorney General (delegated to the ATF Director) approves the import. ATF uses Form 5330.3A as the application and permit, so you must complete this form to obtain approval to import those items.
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