Any Restrictions on Importing Brass?

artsmom · August 27, 2009, 08:49 PM

I have a good opportunity to buy a large shipment of cartridge cases in a hard to find caliber (.41 Action Express) from Sweden.

However, neither the seller or I am sure that it is legal to import brass cartridge cases into the country. Does anybody have any experience or expertise on the question?

I appreciate any insight anyone can give me.

RDak · August 28, 2009, 07:09 AM

None that I know of. Is it possible the quantity is so large that someone might assume you are a manufacturer?

artsmom · August 28, 2009, 06:23 PM

About 3,000 pieces.

**44 AMP** · August 30, 2009, 01:53 AM

are not ammunition, are not primed (they're not, right?), and should face no restrictions. After all, they are just little brass pipes, closed at one end, right?

I know of no restrictions, but I am not experienced in this area, sorry. 3,000 cases is not a large number as far as imports go. Ask the people you are buying them from how they would be shipped, and if they have any restrictions on where they can ship.

I'm sure there is some govt agency who has the jurisdiction to give you an answer, but unfortunately I have no idea which one it would be. Cases can be sent by any common carrier. UPS or FedEX could probably tell you if there are restrictions, they ship world wide, and certainly must have run across this issue before.

RDak · August 30, 2009, 04:00 AM

You should be fine artsmom.

rkba_net · August 30, 2009, 05:07 AM

Importation of ammunition or ammunition components require an approved ATF Form 6 to import...

CFR

TITLE 27--ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND FIREARMS

CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

PART 47--IMPORTATION OF ARMS, AMMUNITION AND IMPLEMENTS OF WAR

Subpart A--Scope

snip...
........

(b) The permit procedures of subpart E of this part are applicable
to all importations of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List not
subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 178 or 179. U.S. Munitions Import
List articles subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 178 or 27 CFR Part
179 are subject to the import permit procedures of those regulations if
imported into the United States (within the meaning of 27 CFR Parts 178
and 179).

........

Subpart C--The U.S. Munitions Import List

Sec. 47.21 The U.S. Munitions Import List.

snip..

category iii--ammunition

(a) Ammunition for the arms in Categories I and II of this section.
(b) Components, parts, accessories, and attachments for articles in
paragraph (a) of this category, including but not limited to cartridge
cases, powder bags, bullets, jackets, cores, shells (excluding shotgun
shells), projectiles, boosters, fuzes and components therefor, primers,
and other detonating devices for such ammunition.
(c) Ammunition belting and linking machines.
(d) Ammunition manufacturing machines and ammunition loading
machines (except handloading ones).
Note: Cartridge and shell casings are included under Category III
unless, prior to their importation, they have been rendered useless
beyond the possibility of restoration for use as a cartridge or shell
casing by means of heating, flame treatment, mangling, crushing,
cutting, or popping.

**44 AMP** · August 30, 2009, 03:36 PM

Sounds like brass does require an ATF permit. However, reading through the quoted sections (thank you rkba_net), indicates that there are other sections that must be consulted in order to determine if your brass (civilian, small arms, under .50 caliber) is actually on the required list, or not.

Section A (b) says section e applies to what is not covered under 27CFR 178/179. So, you need to find out what is convered in 178/179, and what is not.
And Subpart C (the Munitions Import list) section/paragraph (a) says ammo for arms in Categories I and II. (b) says components for this ammo.

So, you need to know what arms are in Cats I and II.

All this, and probably something else will need to be read and evaluated to determine if your .41 AE brass actually falls under the restrictions or not.

The ATF sections posted are useful, but not inclusive enough, by themselves, to determine with certainty if your brass is regulated by them.

So, at this point, what is known for sure is, that more needs to be known, to avoid any possibility of unintentional illegal acts.

RDak · September 1, 2009, 03:25 AM

Sorry artsmom. Rkba's post doesn't say anything that only manufacturers are required to get that import approval.

I was wrong and apologize.

rkba_net · September 3, 2009, 08:34 AM

You need an approved ATF form 6... I have done it in the past... BTW sec 179 talks about tax exemptions on importation re Gov't agencies...

Sec. 178.115 Exempt importation.

(a) Firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States or
any possession thereof by any person who can establish to the
satisfaction of Customs that such firearm or ammunition was previously
taken out of the United States or any possession thereof by such person.
Registration on Customs Form 4457 or on any other registration document
available for this purpose may be completed before departure from the
United States at any U.S. customhouse or any office of an Regional
director (compliance). A bill of sale or other commercial document
showing transfer of the firearm or ammunition in the United States to
such person also may be used to establish proof that the firearm or
ammunition was taken out of the United States by such person. Firearms
and ammunition furnished under the provisions of section 925(a)(3) of
the Act to military members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty
outside of the United States also may be imported into the United States
or any possession thereof by such military members upon establishing to
the satisfaction of Customs that such firearms and ammunition were so
obtained.
(b) Firearms, firearm barrels, and ammunition may be imported or
brought into the United States by or for the United States or any
department or agency thereof, or any State or any department, agency, or
political subdivision thereof. A firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition
imported or brought into the United States under this paragraph may be
released from Customs custody upon a showing that the firearm, firearm
barrel or ammunition is being imported or brought into the United States
by or for such a governmental entity.
(c) The provisions of this subpart shall not apply with respect to
the importation into the United States of any antique firearm.
(d) Firearms and ammunition are not imported into the United States,
and the provisions of this subpart shall not apply, when such firearms
and ammunition are brought into the United States by:
(1) A nonresident of the United States for legitimate hunting or
lawful sporting purposes, and such firearms and such ammunition as
remains following such shooting activity are to be taken back out of the
territorial limits of the United States by such person upon conclusion
of the shooting activity;
(2) Foreign military personnel on official assignment to the United
States who bring such firearms or ammunition into the United States for
their exclusive use while on official duty in the United States;
(3) Official representatives of foreign governments who are
accredited to the U.S. Government or are en route to or from other
countries to which accredited;
(4) Officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign
visitors who have been so designated by the Department of State; and
(5) Foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments
entering the United States on official law enforcement business.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) (2), (3), (4)
and (5) of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate
may in the interest of public safety and necessity require a permit for
the importation or bringing into the United States of any firearms or ammunition.

SOSARMS · September 4, 2009, 09:37 AM

If you complete your deal, and are interested in selling some, i will be interested in hearing from you.....
SOSARMS

August 27, 2009, 08:49 PM	#1
artsmom Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 334	Any Restrictions on Importing Brass? I have a good opportunity to buy a large shipment of cartridge cases in a hard to find caliber (.41 Action Express) from Sweden. However, neither the seller or I am sure that it is legal to import brass cartridge cases into the country. Does anybody have any experience or expertise on the question? I appreciate any insight anyone can give me.

August 30, 2009, 01:53 AM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Virgin brass cases are not ammunition, are not primed (they're not, right?), and should face no restrictions. After all, they are just little brass pipes, closed at one end, right? I know of no restrictions, but I am not experienced in this area, sorry. 3,000 cases is not a large number as far as imports go. Ask the people you are buying them from how they would be shipped, and if they have any restrictions on where they can ship. I'm sure there is some govt agency who has the jurisdiction to give you an answer, but unfortunately I have no idea which one it would be. Cases can be sent by any common carrier. UPS or FedEX could probably tell you if there are restrictions, they ship world wide, and certainly must have run across this issue before. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 30, 2009, 03:36 PM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Ok, learn something mew every day Sounds like brass does require an ATF permit. However, reading through the quoted sections (thank you rkba_net), indicates that there are other sections that must be consulted in order to determine if your brass (civilian, small arms, under .50 caliber) is actually on the required list, or not. Section A (b) says section e applies to what is not covered under 27CFR 178/179. So, you need to find out what is convered in 178/179, and what is not. And Subpart C (the Munitions Import list) section/paragraph (a) says ammo for arms in Categories I and II. (b) says components for this ammo. So, you need to know what arms are in Cats I and II. All this, and probably something else will need to be read and evaluated to determine if your .41 AE brass actually falls under the restrictions or not. The ATF sections posted are useful, but not inclusive enough, by themselves, to determine with certainty if your brass is regulated by them. So, at this point, what is known for sure is, that more needs to be known, to avoid any possibility of unintentional illegal acts. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

September 3, 2009, 08:34 AM	#9
rkba_net Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2000 Posts: 153	You need an approved ATF form 6... I have done it in the past... BTW sec 179 talks about tax exemptions on importation re Gov't agencies... Sec. 178.115 Exempt importation. (a) Firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States or any possession thereof by any person who can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that such firearm or ammunition was previously taken out of the United States or any possession thereof by such person. Registration on Customs Form 4457 or on any other registration document available for this purpose may be completed before departure from the United States at any U.S. customhouse or any office of an Regional director (compliance). A bill of sale or other commercial document showing transfer of the firearm or ammunition in the United States to such person also may be used to establish proof that the firearm or ammunition was taken out of the United States by such person. Firearms and ammunition furnished under the provisions of section 925(a)(3) of the Act to military members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside of the United States also may be imported into the United States or any possession thereof by such military members upon establishing to the satisfaction of Customs that such firearms and ammunition were so obtained. (b) Firearms, firearm barrels, and ammunition may be imported or brought into the United States by or for the United States or any department or agency thereof, or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. A firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition imported or brought into the United States under this paragraph may be released from Customs custody upon a showing that the firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition is being imported or brought into the United States by or for such a governmental entity. (c) The provisions of this subpart shall not apply with respect to the importation into the United States of any antique firearm. (d) Firearms and ammunition are not imported into the United States, and the provisions of this subpart shall not apply, when such firearms and ammunition are brought into the United States by: (1) A nonresident of the United States for legitimate hunting or lawful sporting purposes, and such firearms and such ammunition as remains following such shooting activity are to be taken back out of the territorial limits of the United States by such person upon conclusion of the shooting activity; (2) Foreign military personnel on official assignment to the United States who bring such firearms or ammunition into the United States for their exclusive use while on official duty in the United States; (3) Official representatives of foreign governments who are accredited to the U.S. Government or are en route to or from other countries to which accredited; (4) Officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign visitors who have been so designated by the Department of State; and (5) Foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments entering the United States on official law enforcement business. (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may in the interest of public safety and necessity require a permit for the importation or bringing into the United States of any firearms or ammunition. Last edited by rkba_net; September 3, 2009 at 08:44 AM.

August 28, 2009, 07:09 AM	#2
RDak Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 734	None that I know of. Is it possible the quantity is so large that someone might assume you are a manufacturer?

August 28, 2009, 06:23 PM	#3
artsmom Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 334	About 3,000 pieces.

August 30, 2009, 04:00 AM	#5
RDak Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 734	You should be fine artsmom.

August 30, 2009, 05:07 AM	#6
rkba_net Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2000 Posts: 153	Importation of ammunition or ammunition components require an approved ATF Form 6 to import... CFR TITLE 27--ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND FIREARMS CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PART 47--IMPORTATION OF ARMS, AMMUNITION AND IMPLEMENTS OF WAR Subpart A--Scope snip... ........ (b) The permit procedures of subpart E of this part are applicable to all importations of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List not subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 178 or 179. U.S. Munitions Import List articles subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 178 or 27 CFR Part 179 are subject to the import permit procedures of those regulations if imported into the United States (within the meaning of 27 CFR Parts 178 and 179). ........ Subpart C--The U.S. Munitions Import List Sec. 47.21 The U.S. Munitions Import List. snip.. category iii--ammunition (a) Ammunition for the arms in Categories I and II of this section. (b) Components, parts, accessories, and attachments for articles in paragraph (a) of this category, including but not limited to cartridge cases, powder bags, bullets, jackets, cores, shells (excluding shotgun shells), projectiles, boosters, fuzes and components therefor, primers, and other detonating devices for such ammunition. (c) Ammunition belting and linking machines. (d) Ammunition manufacturing machines and ammunition loading machines (except handloading ones). Note: Cartridge and shell casings are included under Category III unless, prior to their importation, they have been rendered useless beyond the possibility of restoration for use as a cartridge or shell casing by means of heating, flame treatment, mangling, crushing, cutting, or popping.

September 1, 2009, 03:25 AM	#8
RDak Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 734	Sorry artsmom. Rkba's post doesn't say anything that only manufacturers are required to get that import approval. I was wrong and apologize.

September 4, 2009, 09:37 AM	#10
SOSARMS Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: The great Buckeye state...where nuts are not just for eating Posts: 623	If you complete your deal, and are interested in selling some, i will be interested in hearing from you..... SOSARMS