Importation of Small Arms Ammunition into the United States :
Importation of small ammunition into the United States is regulated by the ATF under 27CFR178.115 and 120. Authorization for importation is obtained through an approved importation permit (Form 6 Part I/ATF F 5330.3A or From 6 NIA/ATF F 5330.3D
http://www.atf.treas.gov/forms/5000.htm#firearms). For information on import permits contact the ATF at (202) 927-8320.
A Form 6 can be used to import small arms ammunition up to .50 caliber. Non-US citizens (Non-Immigrant Aliens [NIA] in ATF language) may import ammunition for display at shows. The application for the Form 6 NIA must be accompanied by a copy of either a valid hunting license or an invitation to attend a show or conference issued by an ATF approved organization. The annual IAA sponsored St Louis International Cartridge Show is ATF approved. If a NIA wishes to buy ammunition in the US it is advisable to have a hunting license. A Form 6 does not authorize the purchase of ammunition. There is no limit on the quantity of ammunition on an individual Form 6, but the ATF may question the application if the quantity is excessive. Quantities of 1000 to 2000 should generally be acceptable for an individual. Once issued, a Form 6 is valid for one year. The column marked "US MIL" is for the Munitions Import List category for the ammunition that is III.
The ATF has established a database to track arms and ammunition importation and the list attached to a Form 6 must be entered in this database which is time consuming. The ATF is also screening the list in much more detail (like the 7.62x25mm restriction above) and it is more likely that the permit will be returned for revision if it is not complete and meets all Federal requirements.
YOU SHOULD ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 4 MONTHS AND IDEALLY 6 MONTHS FOR FORM 6 APPROVAL.
Apparently, UPS does not accept international shipments of ammunition. FedEx will accept international shipments, but the shipper must complete the shipper declaration in compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. The person at the other end will have to contact a shipper who is IATA certified to handle the shipment.
Small arms ammunition is regulated by 49CFR173.56 (which can be found through
http://hazmat.dot.gov) and is hazmat classification code 1.4S (UN Code 0014). 49 CFR 173.63 is available at
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/ edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.63.pdf