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.
Can I bring Sporting ammunition into 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.
Up to 11 lb (5 kg) of small arms ammunition for personal sporting use (FAA/DOT); ATF may inspect quantities
- 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)
Required at the destination customs authority
Full 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.
At the airport
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Permitted in transit. 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.
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).
Up to 11 lb (5 kg) of small arms ammunition for personal sporting use (FAA/DOT); ATF may inspect quantities
- 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)
27 CFR Part 478 (ATF); FAA 49 CFR 175.10; TSA Dangerous Goods policy
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry sporting ammunition through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Sporting ammunition is classified under Class 1 — Explosives. Cabin and checked-baggage rules apply on top of any destination regulation.
Related rules
Sporting ammunition rules in other countries
Sporting ammunition
🇪🇸 Spain
Sporting ammunition may be imported only by licensed firearm holders with prior authorisation from the Guardia Civil.
Sporting ammunition
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Travellers may not import ammunition without prior approval from the General Directorate of Public Security.
Sporting ammunition
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Importing ammunition into the UK requires a valid UK firearms or shotgun certificate; tourists without a UK licence cannot import ammunition and are effectively prohibited.
Sporting ammunition
🇦🇺 Australia
Importing ammunition into Australia requires a specific import licence from the Australian Federal Police and a state/territory firearms licence; effectively prohibited for tourists without advance authorisation.