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January 10, 2024

In general, does ATF normally give notice of an inspection or are most of them by surprise?


ATF compliance inspections are, by policy, typically unannounced. There are circumstances when ATF will contact the FFL in advance, which is usually when the FFL has odd business hours, or the Industry Operations Investigator will have to travel a good distance to the FFL’s business premise and needs to ensure the FFL will be there. NSSF recommends that FFLs are prepared for ATF to show up to conduct a compliance inspection any day.

 

This question was asked during the NSSF Webinar: Hot Topics from the NSSF Compliance Hotline.


Hot Topics from the NSSF Compliance Hotline

Compliance Webinar: Hot Topics from the NSSF Compliance Hotline

NSSF operates a Hotline as a service for its members through which you can ask any ATF compliance questions. And not just ATF questions but also OSHA, EPA, and import/export questions. The goal of the Hotline is to respond to the caller as soon as possible. The number is 855-FFL-NSSF (335-6773). Many NSSF members have never used this service. If that is you, we encourage you to give it a try when a compliance question comes up. We think you will be glad you did.

During this webinar, NSSF compliance consultants Judy LeDoux and Wally Nelson discussed common hotline questions from 2023 and answered them in detail.

Watch at SHOT University™ Online


NSSF Member Webinars

SHOT University Course: Completing ATF Form 4473 (2023 Version) When OSHA Arrives
From transfers to inspections to trace, the new (as of 2023) Form 4473 is a critical document for all firearms retailers. This course is designed to take you step-by-step and line-by-line through the nuances of completing each section of ATF Form 4473.

Watch at SHOT University Online

Presented by Jason Smith, this 3 part course focuses on range safety and health specifically through the lens of the OSHA’s 7 Core Elements and recommendations for workplace safety.

Watch at SHOT University Online

More Range Compliance Resources Here

Looking for more education opportunities?

Consider NSSF’s SHOT University Online, a one-stop e-learning platform for firearms retailers and ranges. On-demand and free for NSSF members, this library of interactive online courses provides a deep dive on critical topics ranging from compliance and regulatory issues to operational guidance and business improvement for both business owners and employees.

Learn more about SHOT University Online


Looking for more guidance?

NSSF’s Premium Range Membership offers unparalleled protection and benefits. Designed to offer the best protection and benefits in the industry, this membership is available to any qualifying NSSF range or retailer/range member who is not currently facing any OSHA and or state OSH violations.

Membership directly supports NSSF in its mission to promote, protect and preserve our industry and our sports. NSSF stands in defense of every segment of our industry on Capitol Hill and in state capitols nationwide and is working on behalf of every one of its members every day to strengthen our industry.Start your application today, or upgrade your existing membership to premium.

Apply Today


24-Hour Compliance Hotline

NSSF members can greatly benefit from the NSSF’s Retail Member Hotline. The toll-free hotline will bring calls in to the NSSF headquarters on a 24/7 basis. If questions regarding compliance, transactions, legislation or any other topic cannot be answered at the time of the call, an all-out attempt will be made to provide the answer within 24 hours.

NSSF members have exclusive 24/7 access to the NSSF’s Retail Member Hotline. Non-member retailers can view some of the questions that have been asked and answered through this service here.

Compliance Resources for Members

NSSF offers an array of resources and information to help members operate their businesses in compliance with laws and regulations. NSSF’s regulatory compliance resources include articles, newsletters, videos, online training courses, legal and regulatory compliance consultants and more.Log in to access.

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Categories: Retailers