The requirements and prohibitions that apply to the mailing of firearms in domestic mail, as stated in Chapter 4, also apply to international mail subject to any restrictions in the ICL in the IMM. Prohibited firearms include:
- Nonautomatic and semiautomatic rifles, carbines, revolvers, and pistols (regardless of caliber), except those of .50 caliber or less manufactured before 1898.
- Shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches long.
- Machine guns, submachine guns, machine pistols, and fully automatic rifles.
To obtain an export license, mailers should contact the following federal agency:
U.S Department of State
PM/DTC STE 1200 SA-1
2401 E ST NW
Washington, DC 20037–2915
Telephone: 202–663–2980
Additional licensing requirements applicable to the international mailing of arms or implements of war, component parts, and related technical data can be found in IMM 540.
Export of firearms to certain APOs, FPOs, or DPOs is prohibited. Restrictions can be verified in the Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail table, which is published in the current Postal Bulletin. Footnote F of this table lists the restrictions for mailing firearms. If no Footnote F restriction is assigned to the specific APO, FPO, or DPO ZIP Code, the mailer must present an export license obtained from the regional Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) office.
Under the following conditions, members of the armed forces may mail rifles or shotguns without an import permit:
- Permanent Change of Duty or Release from Active Duty: Incident to a permanent change of duty or release from active duty, any member of the armed forces who has been stationed on active duty outside the United States for the preceding 60 days may, without an import permit, present up to three rifles or shotguns that are mailable to the appropriate armed forces transportation officer to be forwarded to the member‘s residence as unaccompanied baggage officially shipped through the mail. Firearms imported in this manner must be intended for the member‘s personal use.
- Firearms with Prior U.S. Ownership: Firearms with proof of prior ownership in the United States are exempt from the three-firearm limitation. Members may mail these firearms back into the United States or its possessions if they can satisfactorily demonstrate prior ownership to U.S. Customs Service.
Any member of the armed forces importing firearms per items a. and b. (above) must prepare ATF Form 6A, Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War (ATF Form 5330.3C) and receive the required permit under 27 CFR § 178.114. This form and permit, along with certifications to the customs officer releasing the firearms, must be furnished by the member or the member‘s authorized agent in compliance with 27 CFR § 178.114.
Any member of the armed forces who wishes to import more than three mailable firearms must prepare ATF Form 6 Part 2, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War (ATF Form 5330.3B), receive the required permit under 27 CFR § 178.114, and comply with Defense Transportation Regulation 4500.9-R and any other relevant military directives.
