WASHINGTON, D.C. – After speaking with staff at the NFA Division, the American Suppressor Association can confirm that NFA examiners returned to normal processing duties on Monday, January 28. In order to efficiently resume operations, ATF has asked for patience as they return from the 35-day furlough. While everyone (including us) is eager to know when our transfers will be approved, NFA Division leadership has asked that consumers limit inquiries on transfer status.
NFA examiners and contractors are known to work extensive overtime, including holidays and weekends. We anticipate that they will look to make up for lost wages and time now that government operations have resumed. That said, in order to minimize the effects of the shutdown, NFA Division examiners and staff are focusing on a number of tasks, including:
1. Processing Form 2 submissions and updating the NFRTR for NFA items that were manufactured during the shutdown.
2. Processing eForm 3 submissions to move NFA items from manufacturers to distributors and dealers.
3. Entering Forms 1 & 4 submissions that were received during the shutdown.
4. Processing existing transfer applications in the order in which they were received.
While NFA Division customer service contractors will be answering phone calls as usual, limiting transfer status inquiries will free up examiners and support staff to work on processing the backlog. However, you *should* respond to any direct inquiry you receive from NFA, such as a request for missing documents or an error letter.
American Suppressor Association staff will continue working to streamline processing efficiencies for NFA applications. As progress is made, ASA will bring you updates. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue buying and using your suppressors! After all, suppressors are one of the best ways to help protect your hearing.
