Importers must hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL) as an importer of ammunition and obtain an ATF Form 6 import permit prior to shipment. CBP will not release the goods without evidence of ATF authorization. Certain projectile types — such as armor-piercing handgun ammunition — are subject to additional restrictions or outright import prohibitions regardless of permit status.

ATF regulations prohibit the importation of armor-piercing handgun ammunition, defined by projectile core material and jacket composition. Steel-core or tungsten-core rifle ammunition may or may not meet the statutory definition depending on caliber and intended use. Importers should obtain a formal ATF classification determination for any non-lead-core projectile before committing to a purchase order.