For firearm retailers, compliance is equally – if not more – important to the success of the business than selling firearms themselves. After all, without proper ATF compliance, a retail FFL won’t be in business long.

In 2020, the ATF conducted firearms compliance inspections of 4,600 Type 01 and 02 FFLs. Of those, barely half (55%) reported no violations. Meanwhile, the other 45% was most frequently cited with failures of routine tasks and responsibilities relating to firearm transfers, ATF Forms 4473 and background checks, including missing contact, firearm and NICS information and inaccurate acquisition and disposition records.

Despite being complicated at times, maintaining retail compliance doesn’t have to be difficult if armed with an understanding of the regulations. At the upcoming 2022 Firearms Industry Conference (FIC), to be held virtually and in-person April 21–27, firearms law attorneys and federal agency executives will lead educational sessions to address these violations and ensure you’re complying as the regulations intend.

Firearm Transfers
When a firearm is transferred to a buyer or transferee, it must be disposed of in the FFL Bound Book. However, a proper disposition can only be made if the firearm was first properly acquired. Today, many firearm dealers rely on electronic Bound Books to maintain such records, but even modern applications rely on human data entry and verification of information. For how to control accuracy of firearm records, virtual FIC On-Air™ session, “Requirements for Recording eA&D Entries,” will detail required information and everything you need to know to stay compliant.

ATF Forms 4473
Known as the Firearm Transaction Record, the ATF Form 4473 is completed by both the firearm buyer/transferee and the FFL. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the largest source of FFL violations. From missing signatures and dates to identification documents, “Identifying, Correcting & Eliminating 4473 Errors” will cover the most frequent 4473 violations and how your FFL can avoid making similar mistakes

Once Forms 4473 are completed, FFLs must store them for up to 20 years (in most cases). Most are stored as paper copies, but new technology has enabled FFLs with ATF variances to also store them digitally. Regardless of method, regulations dictate firearm transaction records be stored in a specific manner and order, as virtual session “Proper Numbering, Storage and A&D Recording for 4473 Firearm Transfers” will discuss.

Background Checks
Does your state use the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or a Point of Contact (POC) to perform firearm background checks? Are concealed carry permits an acceptable alternative to background checks? These important questions and more will be answered in FIC On-Air’s “Understanding NICS & State Background Checks,” led by Orchid VP and Lead Attorney at FFL Law, Phil Milks.

Later, FBI NICS personnel will further detail federal and state NICS systems during the main FIC conference and discuss how modern POS, Bound Book and e4473 platforms can integrate directly with these systems in “Integrating NICS at the Federal and State Levels.”

Interested in learning more? Registration for FIC 2022, including FIC On-Air™, pre-con FIC Workshops and the main conference, is open now. Sponsorships are also available and include complimentary tickets for industry partners. A portion of all ticket sales and sponsorships will be donated to Project ChildSafe.

To register to attend or sponsor FIC 2022, visit orchidadvisors.com/FIC.