On October 15, H.R. 3802, the Alternative Ammunition Manufacturing Act was introduced by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Member Congressman Brian Babin (TX). Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, ammunition composed of alternative materials is illegal to import, manufacture and sell unless it receives a “sporting purposes” exemption from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Currently, the ATF has received 32 petitions from ammunition manufacturers and has given no indication on when they will make a determination on whether they qualify for the “sporting purposes exemption.” The Alternative Ammunition Manufacturing Act will ensure that the ATF processes petitions by ammunition manufacturers in an expedient manner, which will allow for additional alternative ammunition to be brought to market. If an application for an exemption does not receive a ruling by the ATF within 60 days, the application will be automatically approved.
