Legal > International Controls
Federal law generally prohibits the importation of NFA weapons, nonsporting firearms* and ammunition, and surplus military firearms or ammunition. 18 U.S.C. 922(l), 925(d)(3); 26 U.S.C. 5844.
The AECA makes it unlawful to import "defense articles," including firearms and ammunition, into the United States without a permit and to export such articles from the United states without a license. Import permits and export licenses specify the importer or exporter and the purchaser. AECA regulations, 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 and 27 C.F.R. Part 47, require the registration of individuals and entities engaged in the business of importing or exporting defense articles. Registration is a prerequisite for persons engaged in the business of importing or exporting these articles.
*In the case of rifles and shotguns, "nonsporting" firearms are firearms other than NFA weapons (e.g. , machineguns) and semiautomatic assault weapons. Administrative criteria are used to determine whether handguns are sporting. The criteria take into account factors such as size, weight, and the presence of safety features.