Firearm Industry Compliance Resources

 

NSSF offers an array of resources and information to help Industry 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.

Whether it’s providing information for ATF inspection preparedness, Straw Purchase awareness, improving store security, OSHA lead & noise compliance, marking standards, reporting requirements and much more. NSSF is committed to helping your company improve operations, public safety and the overall health of the firearms industry, and education is a key component of our combined success.

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Retailer Compliance Resources

 

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

ATF Compliance Consultations
Be prepared to pass inspection before ATF comes knocking on your door. Take advantage of a one-day training and consultation session with experienced advisors who, as former ATF officials and industry compliance experts, understand what it takes to stay compliant with ATF rules and regulations. Learn more about compliance consultants here.

 

Compliance Tools

In addition to the team of expert consultants to help guide our retailer to compliance success, we’ve gathered the following useful information to further assist in the effort:

  • 4473 Overlay
    NSSF offers discounted pricing on the 4473 Overlay Tool to its retail members. This clear template is used as an overlay on a customer completed 4473 that helps your staff, store compliance managers and responsible persons ensure that all the questions on the form have been answered and answered in the correct way. Overlays can be requested online. (Mexican-Spanish version available)
  • Exclusive for Startups
    Starting Point is a comprehensive compliance and startup resource for new FFL retailers. Learn more.
  • Detecting and Preventing Straw Purchases
  • Operation Secure Store®
    Download and complete the Security Risk Self-Assessment toolkit to help identify and quantify vulnerabilities and risks within your business operation.
  • Articles
    • 5 FFL ‘Willful’ State Violation Referrals that Will Result in Mandatory Revocations. Read
    • How to Pass an ATF Inspection. Read
    • Understand what constitutes a “willful” violation of the GCA and the ATF regulations. Read
    • How Long Do I Have to Retain Copies of Federal Firearms Licenses? Read
  • FREE Educational Webinars
    NSSF will be providing industry businesses with FREE in-depth compliance online training and insights via the 2022 Firearm Industry Compliance Education Series — a monthly, live webinar series, with a focus on topics central to our industry including ATF inspection preparedness, Straw Purchase awareness, improving store security, OSHA lead & noise compliance and much more. Learn more.
SHOT University Online Educational Webinars
NSSF’s SHOT University Online is 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. Find more courses here.

Completing ATF Form 4473 Target-Hardening Strategies
This 3 part course, reviews critical elements of the new ATF Form 4473’s use and purpose, as well as tips for identifying and correcting common errors made by both buyers and sellers. As criminals change their tactics frequently, we must be aware to determine if we should change our defense. During this session, you’ll learn tactics you can implement to protect your business. These scenario-based videos were developed to help educate firearm retailers to be better able to identify and deter illegal straw purchases and to raise public awareness that straw purchasing is a serious crime.

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

Range Compliance Resources

 

24-Hour Compliance Hotline
Answers are there when you need them most. If you’re making changes or expansions to the makeup of your range and its operations, first get the guidance to ensure that you continue to maintain regulatory compliance from an EPA or OSHA point of view. (Login here for hotline number.)

OSHA Compliance Consultant Visit & Ongoing Support
Receive a one-time complimentary site visit upon applying from an NSSF OSHA Compliance Consultant to review and approve existing plans. The consultant will provide guidance to improve current practices where necessary while identifying any gaps within the health and safety programs listed below. After receiving this site visit the consultant will be available by phone or email to answer quick questions as issues arise at no charge. If the need arises a consultant may also be directly contracted to assist with in-depth research, investigations, and comprehensive training above and beyond the complimentary site visit. Learn more.

Outside NSSF Range Suppliers and Consultants
Before hiring a firm to provide equipment or assistance, it is usually advisable to talk about the range’s needs with several firms, ask for references from past clients, and check with other ranges and shooting organizations. Firms with an established track record of success might be expected to provide the greatest confidence of good service and value. Learn more.

 

Compliance Tools

In addition to the team of expert consultants to help guide our range owners to compliance success, we’ve gathered the following useful information to further assist in the effort:

  • Operation Secure Store
    Download and complete the Security Risk Self-Assessment toolkit to help identify and quantify vulnerabilities and risks within your business operation.
  • Articles
    • Lead Management. Read
    • Why your Range should be Using HEPA Filters. Read
    • Range Ventilation Upkeep. Read
    • Range Specific Filters. Read
  • FREE Educational Webinars
    NSSF will be providing industry businesses with FREE in-depth compliance online training and insights via the 2022 Firearm Industry Compliance Education Series — a monthly, live webinar series, with a focus on topics central to our industry including ATF inspection preparedness, Straw Purchase awareness, improving store security, OSHA lead & noise compliance and much more. Learn more.
SHOT University Online Educational Webinars
NSSF’s SHOT University Online is 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. Find more courses here.

Seven Core Elements of Effective Range Health & Safety Programs
When OSHA Arrives Environmental Management for Outdoor Shooting Ranges
Watch this presentation to learn the seven core elements of building and maintaining an effective health and safety program for your shooting range. OSHA investigations are rare, but they do happen. Michael Degan will walk you through the steps you can take to increase your chances of minimizing the impact of an OSHA investigation. You’ll learn the key regulations and their implications, the distribution of lead, and the development of a site-specific Environmental Stewardship Plan considering key issues, solutions, and implementation.

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

Manufacturing Compliance Resources

 

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

ATF Compliance Consultations
Be prepared to pass inspection before ATF comes knocking on your door. Take advantage of a one-day training and consultation session with experienced advisors who, as former ATF officials and industry compliance experts, understand what it takes to stay compliant with ATF rules and regulations. Learn more about compliance consultants here.

 

Compliance Tools

In addition to the team of expert consultants to help guide our range owners to compliance success, we’ve gathered the following useful information to further assist in the effort:

  • Operation Secure Store
    Download and complete the Security Risk Self-Assessment toolkit to help identify and quantify vulnerabilities and risks within your business operation.
  • Articles
    • Are you a Gunsmith or a Manufacturer?
      • The lines are not always clear. Read
      • Working in the Grey Area. Read
  • FREE Educational Webinars
    NSSF will be providing industry businesses with FREE in-depth compliance online training and insights via the 2022 Firearm Industry Compliance Education Series — a monthly, live webinar series, with a focus on topics central to our industry including ATF inspection preparedness, Straw Purchase awareness, improving store security, OSHA lead & noise compliance and much more. Learn more.

SHOT University Online Educational Webinars
NSSF’s SHOT University Online is a one-stope-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. Find more courses here.

ATF's Final Rule When OSHA Arrives Hazcom, Hearing & Record Keeping
It is now more critical than ever for firearm retailers and manufacturer FFLs, to maintain complete, accurate and timely processes and records. OSHA investigations are rare, but they do happen. Michael Degan will walk you through the steps you can take to increase your chances of minimizing the impact of an OSHA investigation. Presented by Erica Moncayo, this course is made up of 3 modules which review three of the most pressing topics safety and health-related topics for ranges.

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

Watch at SHOT University Online

There are many requirements for firearms manufacturers, such as marking standards, reporting requirements and payment of federal firearms excise taxes.

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