Compliance is not optional.
It's our foundation.
GatSwap was built from the ground up to meet and exceed every federal, state, and local firearms regulation. Every feature, every workflow, every check exists to keep you on the right side of the law.
How we stay compliant
Our multi-layered compliance framework covers every aspect of the firearm trading process.
Federal Compliance
GatSwap operates in full compliance with the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and all ATF regulations governing firearm transfers.
- All transfers processed through licensed FFL dealers
- ATF Form 4473 completion required for every transfer
- NICS background check facilitation
- Prohibited persons screening on every transaction
- Interstate transfer regulations enforced automatically
State & Local Compliance
Our compliance engine maintains an up-to-date database of state and local firearms regulations across all 50 states, automatically enforcing jurisdiction-specific requirements.
- State-specific waiting period enforcement
- Magazine capacity restriction alerts
- Assault weapons ban compliance by jurisdiction
- State permit and license requirement verification
- Local ordinance checks for participating municipalities
Documentation & Record Keeping
Every transaction on GatSwap generates a complete digital paper trail that meets or exceeds federal record-keeping requirements.
- Digital bill of sale generation
- Transfer receipt archiving for 7+ years
- Acquisition and disposition record support for FFLs
- Audit-ready transaction histories
- Secure document storage with encryption at rest
Data & Security Compliance
GatSwap maintains enterprise-grade security controls and complies with applicable data protection regulations.
- SOC 2 Type II certification
- AES-256 encryption for all data at rest
- TLS 1.3 for all data in transit
- CCPA and state privacy law compliance
- Regular third-party security audits
ATF Guidelines Reference
Key regulatory guidelines that govern how GatSwap operates.
Who Needs an FFL?
Under federal law, anyone who is 'engaged in the business' of dealing in firearms must have a Federal Firearms License. GatSwap routes all transactions through licensed FFLs to ensure every transfer is legally compliant, regardless of whether the parties involved are individuals or businesses.
The Background Check Process
Before any firearm transfer, the receiving party must complete ATF Form 4473 at the FFL dealer's premises. The dealer then contacts the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to verify eligibility. GatSwap's platform pre-screens for common disqualifying factors to minimize delays.
Interstate Transfers
Federal law requires that interstate transfers of firearms be conducted through an FFL. Long guns may be transferred in person at an FFL in the buyer's or seller's state of residence. Handguns must be shipped to an FFL in the buyer's state of residence. GatSwap automatically enforces these requirements.
Prohibited Items
GatSwap prohibits the listing of items that violate federal law, including unregistered NFA items (machine guns manufactured after 1986, unregistered short-barreled rifles/shotguns, unregistered suppressors), firearms with removed/altered serial numbers, stolen firearms, and 'ghost guns' in jurisdictions where they are prohibited.
NFA Item Transfers
For National Firearms Act items (suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs, and pre-1986 machine guns), GatSwap facilitates the ATF Form 4 transfer process through specialized NFA dealers in our network. These transfers require additional wait times for ATF approval.
Record Retention
FFLs are required to maintain records of all firearm transactions for a minimum of 20 years or until they cease doing business, at which point records are transferred to the ATF. GatSwap maintains digital records independently for 7 years to support our dealers and users.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearms laws are complex and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal questions. GatSwap's compliance tools are designed to assist, not replace, professional legal counsel.
Questions about compliance?
Our compliance team is available to answer questions about how GatSwap handles regulatory requirements.
Contact Compliance Team