The Bureau and Law Enforcement
ATF is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans, including those guaranteed by the Second Amendment. The Bureau does not target lawful firearm ownership or commerce. Rather, ATF focuses its enforcement efforts on individuals and criminal organizations that illegally use firearms to commit violent crime. By holding offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law, ATF promotes public safety while preserving the lawful exercise of Second Amendment rights.
ATF works to reduce violent crime involving the criminal illegal use of firearms through an integrated criminal and regulatory enforcement approach. Criminal investigations prioritize armed violent offenders, career criminals, narco-terrorists, violent gangs, and domestic and international firearms traffickers. To prevent the diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets, ATF Industry Operations Investigators conduct license qualification and compliance inspections and partner with the firearms industry through outreach and training. Regulatory enforcement also supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local firearm laws.
ATF supports its partnership with the firearms industry through a Senior Industry Partnership Advisor, who serves as the primary liaison to regulated industries and trade associations. The advisor provides timely responses to inquiries, clarifies regulatory requirements, and offers expert guidance to promote fair treatment and strong, sustainable relationships. Questions may be directed to industryliaison@atf.gov.
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Current Processing Times for ATF Applications (Paper and eForms)
What's New
NewFeb. 25, 2026: Agency Information Collection; Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; LEO Certification Letter for Official Duty Firearm Purchase - Comment Period: Feb. 25, 2026 - April 27, 2026
Feb. 23, 2026: Agency Information Collection; Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested; Application/Permit to Import Firearms, Ammunition, and Defense Articles - Comment Period: Feb. 20, 2026 - March 23, 2026
Jan. 22, 2026: Agency Information Collection; Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested; Interim Final Rule; Revising Definition of ‘‘Unlawful User of or Addicted to Controlled Substance’’ - Comment Period: Jan. 22, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Jan. 15, 2026: State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (36th Edition) and Brady State List Point of Contact and Partial Point of Contact.
Federal Firearms Licensees
ATF is proud to announce a new Senior Industry Partnership Advisor. This position is designed to support and enhance ATF’s relationships with the regulated industries, industry associations, and their representatives by providing technical expertise and to help develop and maintain effective, sustainable relationships with the regulated industries. This liaison will be the agency point-of-contact for the regulated industry, associations, and their representatives, helping to clarify obscure issues and provide expert advisory and counseling services on regulatory matters by responding directly to letters, internet inquiries, phone calls and emails. If members of the regulated industries, industry associations, and their representatives have questions for the new liaison, please email industryliaison@atf.gov.
The Tools and Services for Licensees section contains information for the firearms industry and its members, classifications of firearms and the interpretation of the regulations codified under 27 CFR, Parts 447, 478 and 479.
If you need assistance regarding firearms enforcement-related issues, please contact your local ATF office.
