BATF
Import Permits:
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal
law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Justice.
Amongst its many responsibilities ATF regulates, via permit, the
permanent import of Defense Articles that are listed on the
United State Munitions Import List (USMIL). While jurisdiction for
the permanent and temporary export, as well as the temporary import of
Defense Articles is administered by the Department of State, the permanent
importation provisions are administered by ATF.
The USMIL is compiled in conjunction with Department of State, Directorate
of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and enumerates defense articles and defines
defense services that may be imported into the United States under the
provisions the AECA administered by ATF. Articles on the USMIL also include
items in a partially completed state (such as forgings, castings,
extrusions, and machined bodies) that have reached a stage in manufacture
where they have been clearly identified as defense articles.
Anyone engaged in the business of importing articles on the U.S.
Munitions Import List for commercial purposes must register with ATF as an
importer under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and pay the prescribed
fee. Following that, a Permit for Importation of Firearms,
Ammunition and Implements of War is generally needed to import defense
articles into the United States.
ITC Strategies regularly works with companies to identify items
subject to the ATF import controls, and if needed can assist with the
registration and possible permit applications that for companies.
