DUPLICATION OF SERIAL NUMBERS ON
IMPORTED FIREARMS
Importers of Firearms and Destructive Devices:
Recently, ATF has noted cases where some importers have adopted the
same serial number for more than one firearm. These instances of dupli-
cation have generally occurred when firearms are received from more than
one source.
Title 27 CFR 178.92 requires that the serial number you affix to a
firearm must not duplicate the number affixed to any other firearm that
you import into the United States. Those of you who import destruc-
tive devices are under the same requirement due to the inclusion
of destructive devices in the definition of firearm as used in
27 CFR 178.11. ATF Ruling 75-28 stated that a serial number, affixed
by the foreign manufacturer may be adopted to fulfill this unique
serial number requirement. However, the manufacturer's serial number
must be affixed in the manner set forth in 27 CFR 178.92 and must not
duplicate a number previously adopted by you for another firearm.
If you receive two or more firearms with the same serial number,
it is your responsibility to affix additional markings to make each
serial number unique.
ATF Ruling 75-28 also reminds you of the other identifying marks
required by 27 CFR 178.92. In addition to a unique serial number, each
firearm must be marked to show the model (if any); the calibre or gauge;
the name of the manufacturer and importer, or recognizable abbrevia-
tions; the country of manufacture; and the city and State (or
recognized abbreviations) in which your licensed premises are located.
Any inquiries relating to this circular should be directed to the
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20226, Attn: R:I:S. Phone inquiries may be
made at (202) 566-7591.
![Rex Davis](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117210155im_/http://ttb.gov/images/rex_davis.jpg)
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