Washington, DC – -(Ammoland.com)- Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has advised Reeves & Dola that the agency recently adopted a new policy of electronically transmitting sensitive information only to “verified” non-government email addresses.
An example of how this policy change will affect industry members is the instance when a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and Special (Occupational) Taxpayer (SOT) needs to obtain a listing of all National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms registered to the company on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).
FFL/SOTs often request such information to prepare for a regulatory compliance inspection or to conduct an internal inventory. In the past, ATF has provided this information via email in the form of an Excel spreadsheet, which is much more efficient than an ATF employee printing out the information and then mailing or faxing the hard copy.
In the wake of the recent data breaches at the Office of Personnel Management, ATF has reevaluated its policy of electronically transmitting NFA information and other sensitive information. The agency is seeking a long-term software solution to preserve the security of electronic transmissions to non-government recipients.
Until such time as that solution is implemented, NFA registration information will be provided to industry members through the following means:
1. By mail to the requester at the address shown on the face of the FFL;
2. By fax to the requester’s fax number at their licensed premises; or
3. By email to a registered eForms user whose e-mail address is on file through the eForms system.
FFL/SOTs requesting a list of its NFA firearms registered on the NFRTR should specify one of the above methods for ATF to securely transmit the information.
ATF advises that this policy applies to NFA registration information and other “sensitive” information. Consequently, this may affect marking variance requests and responses and firearms classification requests and responses. We will provide you with more information as ATF’s policy is clarified.
The above alert is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice. Receipt of this alert does not establish, in and of itself, an attorney-client relationship.
Questions about this alert can be directed to:
- Johanna Reeves: 202.715.9941 | [email protected]
- Teresa Ficaretta: 202.715.9183 | [email protected]
About Reeves & Dola
Reeves & Dola is a Washington, DC law firm that specializes in helping clients navigate the highly regulated and complex world of manufacturing, sales and international trade of defense and commercial products. We have a deep understanding of the Federal regulatory process, and use our expertise in working with a variety of Federal agencies to assist our clients with their transactional and regulatory needs. www.reevesdola.com
Reeves & Dola, LLP
1425 K Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20005
202.683.4200
[email protected]