FastBound offers free support for pawnbrokers, NFA / SOT / Class 3, and firearm importers. We help ensure adherence to the complex legal landscape of firearm transportation in the United States. We have an extra compliance layer for importers and pawnbrokers. Our system will ensure that you are compliant with NFA 3, 4, 5, and any additional information for no extra charge. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless and lawful operation for the import of firearms.
Understanding NFA Regulations
The National Firearms Act (NFA) categorizes specific classes of firearms, each subject to regulatory oversight for importers in the US. Understanding these classifications is fundamental for ensuring compliance:
Class 3 Firearms
This category includes firearms that are regulated under the NFA, such as full auto machine guns (semi-automatic handguns), silencers, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, destructive devices, and any suppressor component parts. Pawn shops dealing in these firearms must have a Class 3 Special Occupational Tax (SOT) license.
- Short-Barreled Shotguns: Shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches.
- Short-Barreled Rifle: Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches in length.
- Modified Weapons: Weapons made from shotguns or rifles that have an overall length of less than 26 inches or barrels shorter than 18 inches (for shotguns) and 16 inches (for rifles).
- Silencers: Devices that reduce the loud sound of a portable firearm.
- Destructive Devices: A category of firearms including explosives, poison gas, bombs, grenades, etc.
Class 4 Items
This category encompasses even more heavily regulated and restricted firearms like machine guns, grenades, rocket launchers, missiles with more than 1/4 oz explosive charge, and weapons with a muzzle greater than a 1/2 inch diameter. Importers of these weapons must register with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) under the Arms Export Control Act by filling out the ATF Form 4587.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
When importing guns as a pawnbroker, it’s important to be aware of certain regulations and requirements in the process.
Arms Export Control Act
When thinking of NFA 4 heavily regulated items, importers must follow the Arms Export Control Act. This legislation governs the import and export permits of defense articles into the United States. This includes certain firearms, ammunition, and firearms parts.
ATF Form 4587 and Form 6
Importers must apply for registration by completing the ATF Form 4587, which serves as a declaration of intent to import firearms or ammunition. This is different from the ATF Form 6, which is an application to obtain an import permit for firearms from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). An importer with a registration certificate under the ATF Form 4587 can import items from the NFA list once they’ve gotten their import license approved with the ATF Form 6. By following the details on these forms, individuals stay compliant with NFA regulations.
FastBound’s Support for Compliance
FastBound is your trusted partner in simplifying compliance with NFA regulations for the importation of firearms. Our user-friendly platform meets the unique needs of importers and pawnbrokers, ensuring that every step of the process aligns with NFA 3, 4, and 5, regulations.
We also offer efficient compliance management backed by legal defense, secure record-keeping, and automated A&D records for the transaction and transfer of firearms. These resources provide users with confidence in navigating the regulations associated with importing guns. With FastBound, we help you stay compliant so that you can focus on your business operations.
