Question about CFLC / Shipment Approval

[Adam925]

Hi there FFLs -
I've recently purchased a SAA through gunbroker from an owner out of state (Oregon resident) shipped to my FFL from his FFL.

I've done gb.com buys plenty of times, had shipped in form out-of-state to my favorite FFL, everything good to go to start the DROS within a day of arrival.

This time, there's been a peculiar and indefinite delay as my FFL is waiting on the shipper to provide some piece of information. My FFL indicated what they're waiting for, which I believe they said is the Shipment Approval. It was busy, and I didn't want to bother them to explain all the gory details.

Can someone take a moment to explain what happens when an out of state shipper (FFL) ships to my FFL? Been reading a little about the CFLC program on the oag.ca.gov site, but it's not too clear to me who has the responsibility to do what and when.

Next question here is - what is my recourse? If the seller in Oregon shipped through an FFL as we agreed would need to be done, but the sender FFL hasn't and will never complete this paperwork, will my SAA sit in my FFL's safe for the rest of its life? Am I stuck, or is there any recourse other than pestering the seller to follow through?

[Achelous]

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/cflcoverview

[sfe187]

Sorry to say but if shipping FFL is unwilling (he is not wrong) to do CFLC, you can be in a world of hurt also if seller is uncooperative. It'll come down to lost of money, lot of money is possible.

When buying from out of state, always double triple check with receiving FFL to see his terms. Always ask seller is he is shipping it or he is using an FFL to ship. Sure CFLC is easy say some, but many don't even want to bother with CA period.

Good luck.

[Achelous]

sfe187, while signing up for the CFLC is easy and no charge (objectively true), I agree that for many out of state Dealers, it's a matter of principle and they won't do it. When I had just my 03, I always checked with out-of-state Dealers to make sure they were willing and able (i.e., enrolled) to ship to CA.

If the OP didn't check in advance, and the out-of-state Dealer won't do it, then Op needs a plan B. All depends on the details of the transaction, but if the objecting Dealer is just providing the transfer service, which is the way it reads, OP needs to find another Dealer with help of the Seller.

Receiving CA Dealer will not want the shipment without the Approval Letter. DOJ audits look for proof that the CFLC paperwork is in order.

[SkyHawk]

Never buy from Gunbroker unless you know that the seller is familiar with and will use or be sure the FFL uses CA CFLC, if the gun will be shipped by a FFL.

Unfortunately as a CA resident buying on Gunbroker, it is on YOU to know more than anyone else about CFLC and when it is required and how to use it. You have to be able to explain it and ask the right questions of the seller before entering into a deal.

In this case, the seller complicated matters greatly by using a FFL to ship instead of shipping to your FFL directly. You should have explained that to them before sending payment.

[Adam925]

In this case, the seller complicated matters greatly by using a FFL to ship instead of shipping to your FFL directly. You should have explained that to them before sending payment.

Thanks all for the feedback and guidance on this.

As I mentioned, I've executed plenty of out-of-state purchases via gb.com and have perhaps grown a little over-confident / complacent as, until this last one, I've yet to have what I feel is a close-call - or - any concern at all, in any of the transactions I've entered into.

The good news ... I learned this afternoon that the paperwork arrived, all is now in-order, and I can begin moving forward. Relieved, and very happy!

SkyHawk,
Maybe you can clarify for me - I thought that to ship into CA, required that the seller was themselves an FFL, or was shipping via an FFL. This has never even been a consideration of mine in the past, as my purchases, once complete, "just manage to show up" at my FFL. The difference with this transaction is that the seller called-out specifically a nominal fee to ship via an FFL if required by the buyer. So, being under the impression that if the seller is mentioning/asking, it must be necessary, because why wouldn't CA have an extra hoop or two to jump through. Would really like to understand this better ...

[SkyHawk]

SkyHawk,
Maybe you can clarify for me - I thought that to ship into CA, required that the seller was themselves an FFL, or was shipping via an FFL. This has never even been a consideration of mine in the past, as my purchases, once complete, "just manage to show up" at my FFL. The difference with this transaction is that the seller called-out specifically a nominal fee to ship via an FFL if required by the buyer. So, being under the impression that if the seller is mentioning/asking, it must be necessary, because why wouldn't CA have an extra hoop or two to jump through. Would really like to understand this better ...

It is not required that a FFL ship to a FFL.

It is sometimes cheaper for a FFL to ship to another FFL if it is a handgun.

Only FFLs are required to use CFLC.

It is up to your receiving FFL if they will accept shipments from non-licensees. Always check with them first.

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/cflcfaqs#2

I am not an FFL but I want to ship a firearm to a California FFL. Do I have to obtain a Firearms Shipment Approval number before shipping a firearm to California?

No. Only shipments from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) require a Firearms Shipment Approval number.

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0813-firearms-top-12-qaspdf/download

May I lawfully ship a firearm directly to an out-of-State licensee, or must I have a licensee in my State ship it to him?

Any person may ship firearms directly to a licensee in any State, with no requirement for another licensee to ship the firearm

[Adam925]

Great info here - thank you all for the education on this topic - it’s info that will come in very handy for me in the future!

[Nardo1895]

For future reference I have used Wilde Built Tactical (and Audiophil before them) as a middleman when I had a seller who would not ship to CA. It obviously adds to the cost but sometimes its worth it if the item is something you really want and hard to find. Best to make these arrangements before you bid though. I had one seller who would not ship to a middleman either.

[tpowell59]

If the shipment is from a private party they are exempt from the shipment approval (CFLC)

This is according to the California DOJ

[tpowell59]

If the shipment is from a private party they are exempt from the shipment approval (CFLC)

This is according to the California DOJ