Live Webinar: A Primer on Navigating ATF Import Controls

No doubt you have heard of the State Department controls over exports of defense articles, but do you know that certain items are controlled as defense articles for permanent import into the United States? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates permanent imports of defense articles, but their rules are very different from State Department’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Indeed, what is controlled for export may not be controlled for permanent import, and there are plenty of items controlled as “defense articles” for permanent import even though they are not considered defense articles for export. Confusing? You’re not alone. Due to increasing demand, ECTI is excited to offer a 90-minute webinar on ATF import controls, taught by attorney Johanna Reeves. We will explore ATF’s controls over imports of defense articles and look at the added controls that attach to certain firearms and destructive devices.

Topics will include:

• Scope of ATF controls and statutory authority
• Imports of Defense Articles
  • What constitutes a “defense article”
  • Registration requirements
  • Import permit application process
  • Import permit exemptions
  • Country policies
  • What happens when a temporary import turns into a permanent import?
  • Recordkeeping requirements
• Additional requirements and restrictions on imports of firearms and ammunition
  • ATF definition of firearms
  • License to “engage in the business” of importing firearms
  • Restricted imports and the sporting purposes requirement
  • National Firearms Act weapons
  • How firearms must be marked
  • Recordkeeping requirements
• Importing explosives

This webinar will include PowerPoint slides and live video and commentary from Johanna Reeves. Each registrant, even if unable to attend live, will have access to the presentation, certificate of completion, speaker contact information for follow-up questions, and access to the webinar recording within 1-2 business days after the webinar airs. Webinar participants are invited to submit questions during the webinar and the final 30 minutes will be allotted to answering attendee questions.

Speaker Bio: Johanna Reeves is an attorney with more than 20 years’ experience. The founding partner of the Washington, DC law firm Reeves & Dola, LLP, Johanna dedicates her practice to advising U.S. companies on export and import matters arising under the Arms Export Control Act, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the Export Administration Regulations, economic sanctions and embargoes administered by the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the federal firearms and explosives laws. Full bio here.