ATF issues four explosives rules to modernize storage requirements, close out decades-old interim regulations, and strengthen first responder safety
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives today announced four explosives regulatory actions, two final rules and two proposed rules, that modernize storage and reporting requirements, close out decades-old interim regulations, and provide local fire departments with better information about explosive material stored in their communities.
“These rules reflect what we’ve heard from industry and first responders alike: requirements should be clear, current, and focused on real safety outcomes,” said ATF Director Rob Cekada. “We’re finishing work that has been open since 2003, eliminating outdated and duplicative requirements, and making sure the firefighters who respond to emergencies know what they’re walking into.”
Final Rules
The following final rules will be effective on Oct. 26, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- Implementation of the Safe Explosives Act (RINs 1140-AA00/1140-AA20).
This rule finalizes two Department of Justice interim final rules issued in 2003 to implement the Safe Explosives Act, formally ending their interim status. It responds to public comments received in 2003, rescinds ATF Ruling 2003-5, and revises certain provisions in response to those comments. The changes clarify when federal licensees and permittees must report changes in responsible persons and authorized employees, eliminate the requirement to verify the identity of persons accepting delivery on behalf of distributees, and amend exemption language governing aspects of transporting explosive materials.
- Annual Reporting of Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to the Local Fire Authority (RIN 1140-AA51).
Under current regulations, persons storing explosives must notify the local fire authority only when they begin storing explosive materials at a location. This rule requires them to notify the local fire authority every 12 months thereafter of the location of their explosives magazines in that jurisdiction and to notify the authority when they stop storing explosives at that location. The rule is intended to increase safety, particularly for first responders.
Proposed Rules
- Explosive Magazine Safety and Housekeeping Requirements (RIN 1140-AA67).
This proposed rule would consolidate separate requirements governing smoking and open flames, storage within Type 1, 2, 3, and 4 magazines, and housekeeping into a single regulation. It would also codify guidance from ATF Ruling 2010-2, which authorized alternate storage of containers of explosive materials in magazines so that marks are not visible.
- Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives (RIN 1140-AA86).
This proposed rule would update the exceptions to the requirement that explosive materials be stored in locked magazines. ATF proposes adding a testing exception, removing restrictions that limit existing exceptions to materials being physically handled or transported to a site for storage or use, excepting materials to be imminently used or transported, and adopting a perforating gun exception. The changes would streamline on-site operations, reflect developments in industry practice, increase safety by reducing how often explosives are moved, and eliminate the requirement for Type 3 magazines.
Public Comment
The proposed rules will be published in the Federal Register on Sept. 25. ATF encourages industry members, first responders and the public to submit comments before the 60-day deadline of Nov. 24, at regulations.gov. The docket numbers are as follows:
- Explosive Magazine Safety and Housekeeping Requirements (RIN 1140-AA67) can be found under regulations.gov at ATF-2026-0364.
- Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives (RIN 1140-AA86) can be found under regulations.gov at ATF-2026-0365.
More information is available at atf.gov/explosives.
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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
