ATF Issues Regulations Relating to Firearms Disabilities
for Nonimmigrant Aliens and Announces a Requirement for
Import Permits for Nonimmingrant Aliens Bringing Firearms
and Ammunition Into the United States

Washington, DC - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) announces the issuance of a temporary rule implementing the provision of Public Law 105-277, relating to firearms disabilities for nonimmigrant aliens. These regulations implement the law by prohibiting, with certain exceptions, the transfer to and possession of firearms and ammunition by aliens in the United States in a nonimmigrant classification. In addition, ATF is amending the regulations to give the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate the authority to require nonresident who bring firearms and ammunition into the United States for hunting or sporting purposes to obtain an import permit. In the interest of national security and public safety, ATF will require nonimmigrant aliens to obtain import permits for all importations of firearms and ammunition into the United States (except for those exempt importations specified in the regulations) as of the effective date of the temporary rule. The temporary regulations are effective February 19, 2002, and will remain in effect until superseded by final regulations.

The temporary regulations also serve as the text of a notice of proposed rulemaking for final regulations. The period for soliciting public comments on the temporary regulations will be open until May 6, 2002. For the full text of the temporary rule (T.D. ATF-471), and how to submit comments on the temporary regulations, refer to today's issue of the Federal Register or visit the ATF web site at http://www.atf.treas.gov.

Fill out this form: ATF F 6 - Part 1 (5330.3A) - Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War and FAX to: Firearms and Explosives Import Branch, (202) 927-2697.