Guns in Storage Zones Dodge Import Rules, ATF Says
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The ATF wants to change the rules so firearms brought into customs-bonded warehouses won’t count as imports under gun laws, just like items in foreign-trade zones. This means businesses storing guns in these special areas won’t have to follow import rules, but customs rules still apply. If you’re involved in firearm trade or storage, get ready to comment by August 6, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Customs-Bonded Warehouses Treated Like FTZs
ATF proposes that firearms, firearm barrels, and ammunition brought into a customs-bonded warehouse (CBW) would not be treated as "imported" under 27 CFR 478.11 and 479.11 until they are removed from the CBW into the United States. ATF estimates there are 1,666 FFL importers and assumes about 10% (167 importers) might otherwise have to move operations to an FTZ, avoiding at least a $10,000 FTZ application fee per importer (an illustrative $1.67 million one-time savings industry-wide).
Removal of "For Storage" Activity Limit
ATF proposes removing the regulatory requirement that firearms be brought into FTZs or CBWs only "for storage," which would allow other permitted activities (for example, repacking, sorting, or manufacturing-type operations) in FTZs and CBWs if allowed by customs (CBP) or the FTZ Board. ATF says this could let importers perform operations such as reconfiguring items before importation and could expand use of U.S. labor, but ATF also notes approximately 21,499 domestic Type 07 FFL manufacturers may be indirectly and negatively affected by increased competition.
Customs and AECA Rules Still Apply
The proposed rule does not exempt merchandise from any applicable customs requirements and does not change Arms Export Control Act (AECA) obligations: FFLs must still complete ATF Form 5330.3A (Form 6, part I) and obtain ATF approval before bringing firearms into FTZs or CBWs, and must complete Form 5330.3C (Form 6A) to withdraw permanently. ATF also states the related information collections (OMB control numbers 1140-0005 and 1140-0007) would be unchanged.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-09161, Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act Firearms
If you own special firearms registered under the National Firearms Act, the ATF wants to make it easier for you to move them around the U.S. for up to a year without asking for permission first. For moves longer than a year or permanent relocations, you’ll still notify the ATF but won’t have to wait for approval before transporting. This change could save time and hassle starting after the comment period ends on August 6, 2026.
Next: 2026-09163, Importing Dual-Use Frames, Receivers, or Barrels
The ATF is updating rules to make it clear that licensed gun dealers can import gun parts like frames, receivers, or barrels that can be used for both sporting and non-sporting guns, as long as they have a sporting use when imported. After import, these parts can be used to build different types of firearms, following all other gun laws. Comments on this change are open until August 6, 2026, giving folks a chance to weigh in before it becomes official.