ATF Approval
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) does not provide a 'blanket approval' process for any software; therefore each FFL holder needs to individually request, and be approved, in order to use any alternate form of recording acquisitions and dispositions of firearms. You may read the full text of the regulation below.
An article on computerize acquisition and disposition records was included in a FFL Newsletter from May, 2001 (click here). In response to the requirements detailed in this article, a document titled 'eBound Meets ATF Requirements' was created to be used when requesting approval.
To simplify your process of gaining approval to use eBound for your operations, we have created a sample letter and other approval related documents. Please follow the steps below.
Your Steps
- Download the sample 'Approval Request' letter.
- Modify the letter with your specific information (Name, Address, ATF Address, License #)
- Print a sample report (Firearms A&D Report) to accompany the approval request. If you'd rather, you could also just print this sample report.
- Print the document 'eBound Meets ATF Requirements'.
- Mail all 3 documents to the Director of Industry Operations in your area.
Federal Regulation 27 C.F.R. 178.125 (h)
Alternate records. Notwithstanding the provisions of
paragraphs (a), (e), and (f) of this section, the Director of Industry
Operations may
authorize alternate records to be maintained by a licensed dealer or licensed
collector to record the acquisition and disposition of firearms
or curios or relics and the disposition of armor piercing ammunition when it is
shown by the licensed dealer or the licensed collector that such
alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the required information.
A licensed dealer or licensed collector who proposes to use
alternate records shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the
Director of Industry Operations and shall describe the proposed alternate
records and the need therefore . Such alternate records shall not be employed by
the licensed dealer or licensed collector until approval in such regard is
received from the Director of Industry Operations.