Can ammunition be sold through the mail

In the United States, the sale of ammunition through the mail is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Generally, it is legal to sell ammunition through the mail, but there are certain requirements and restrictions that must be followed:

  1. Federal Law: The Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 prohibit the sale of firearms and ammunition through the mail unless the seller is a licensed firearms dealer and the buyer is a licensed collector or dealer.
  2. ATF Requirements: To sell ammunition through the mail, the seller must be a licensed firearms dealer and must comply with ATF regulations, including:
    • Maintaining accurate records of sales and inventory.
    • Conducting background checks on buyers.
    • Ensuring that buyers are not prohibited persons (e.g., convicted felons, domestic abusers).
  3. USPS Restrictions: The USPS has its own regulations regarding the shipment of ammunition. For example:
    • Ammunition must be shipped in a sturdy, crush-resistant package.
    • The package must be clearly labeled as containing ammunition.
    • The seller must comply with USPS regulations regarding hazardous materials.
  4. State and Local Laws: Some states and local jurisdictions may have additional regulations or restrictions on the sale of ammunition through the mail. For example, some states may require a permit or license to sell ammunition, or may have specific requirements for packaging and labeling.

To summarize, while it is legal to sell ammunition through the mail, it is important for sellers to comply with federal, state, and local regulations to ensure that their sales are legal and safe.