Sporting ammunition → United States

Sporting ammunition may be imported into the US by non-US persons for sporting purposes, but must be declared to CBP and transported in checked baggage in a locked hard-sided container.

Details

CBP and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) regulations under 27 CFR Part 478 permit non-immigrant visitors to import ammunition for sporting purposes (hunting, competitive shooting). Ammunition must be declared to CBP on arrival. For air travel, TSA requires ammunition in checked baggage only, in a hard-sided locked container; not in carry-on. Quantity is limited to a reasonable sporting amount (typically no more than 11 lb / 5 kg of small arms ammunition per FAA 49 CFR 175.10). Armour-piercing and tracer ammunition is prohibited for non-licensed importers.

Quantity limit

Up to 11 lb (5 kg) of small arms ammunition for personal sporting use (FAA/DOT); ATF may inspect quantities

Documentation required

• CBP declaration (Form 6059B)
• Proof of sporting purpose (e.g., tournament entry, hunting licence)
• ATF Form 6NIA for non-immigrants (may be required for larger quantities)

Legal reference

27 CFR Part 478 (ATF); FAA 49 CFR 175.10; TSA Dangerous Goods policy

At the airport

1. Before checking in, place ammunition in its original manufacturer's box inside a hard-sided, locked container separate from any firearm. Do not mix with firearms unless the airline permits both in one locked container.
2. At the airline check-in counter, inform the agent you are checking a bag containing ammunition. Complete the 'Unloaded Firearm/Ammunition' baggage declaration tag required by TSA.
3. The bag will be handled by the airline under FAA 49 CFR 175.10. On arrival at the US port of entry, CBP clearance for non-immigrant sporting use (form I-94 noting purpose) applies.

Transit

Transit permitted. IATA DGR and TSA rules permit sporting ammunition in transit through US airports in checked baggage, provided it is securely packed in the manufacturer's original packaging inside a locked hard-sided container, declared to the airline at check-in, and the passenger has an onward boarding pass. Ammunition must not enter the cabin.

Leaving with this item

Sporting ammunition export from United States follows the firearms-export framework — advance authorisation plus airline dangerous-goods limits.

Practical advice

Pack ammunition in its original factory box inside a hard-sided locked container in your checked baggage. Declare it to the airline at check-in and to CBP on arrival. Keep documentation of sporting purpose (e.g., USPSA/IPSC match registration, hunting outfitter letter).

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov