ATF Compliance: NSSF Expands Consulting Program for Firearms Retailers

When it comes to record keeping and maintaining internal controls, firearms retailers need to "sweat the details," but the National Shooting Sports Foundation reminds them that they don't have to go it alone.

NSSF, the trade association for the firearms industry, offers federally licenced firearms retailers (FFLs) the opportunity to work with experienced advisors who, as former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials, understand what it takes to stay compliant with ATF rules and regulations.

This service is a key benefit available only to NSSF retailer members; it alone can be worth the price of a retailer membership.

"Working with an ATF compliance advisor can save a firearms retailer time, money, hassles and, in a worst case scenario, his or her business," said Randy Clark, NSSF's managing director of business development.

This is how it works. Retailers requiring assistance contact NSSF, which coordinates requests with retired ATF compliance advisors participating in the program. A compliance advisor will then personally visit the retailer to assess its level of ATF compliance, conduct a review of internal controls over firearms and record keeping and train the retailer and staff to help the business to be prepared for an ATF compliance inspection and pass it with flying colors. The price of this service for members is only $499. NSSF also will pick up other fees of compliance advisors, including all travel expenses.

Each ATF compliance advisor brings a wealth of experience to the job, having conducted hundreds of firearm retailer compliance inspections. "These are high quality, seasoned former ATF compliance professionals," said Clark.

NSSF has added three advisors to its popular retailer compliance program so that more FFLs can take advantage of expert advice and avoid warning conferences, warning letters, fines, license revocations or license non-renewals that often are due to oversights and human errors involving paperwork and inventory and not staying abreast of new regulations.

The enhanced program was announced at SHOT Show® University^SM, a series of educational seminars for firearms retailers taking place the day before the SHOT Show® in Las Vegas.

To learn more about the NSSF's Retailer Compliance Program, email Randy Clark at rclark@nssf.org.