December 11, 2023
ATF Q&A: 4473 Forms
During an inspection does the ATF review past 12 months of 4473's? Would they review further back if there was a low number of 4473's or for other reasons?
Yes, they can go back as far as they want if they find a lot of violations or anything suspicious, e.g., straw purchases. It is mandatory that they review the past 12 months from the date they begin the inspection unless they request permission from their Field Division Director to conduct a sampling. This sometimes happens when there are a large number of forms and they have reviewed approximately half and are not finding violations.
This question was asked during the NSSF Webinar: NSSF Compliance Consultant’s “Report from the Field.”
NSSF Compliance Consultants “Report from the Field”
The risk of ATF administrative actions, including license revocation, demands proactive measures. This presentation will help you gather valuable insights for maintaining compliance at your firearms business.
Retired ATF Director of Industry Operations Judyth LeDoux and Compliance Expert John ‘JC’ Clark – both NSSF Compliance Consultants, address critical topics impacting Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) while delving into essential topics that every FFL should be aware of.
Watch at SHOT University™ Online
NSSF Member Webinars
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. | 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. |
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.
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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.
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.