| Title and Description |
|---|
| 2023-2 - Commercial Records
This ruling authorizes licensed explosives importers, manufacturers and dealers to maintain commercial records instead of a separate record as a permanent record of acquisitions, distributions/dispositions, and use of explosive materials. Published/Revised: |
| 2023-1 - Electronic Explosives Records Ruling
ATF authorizes federal explosives licensees and permittees to maintain their explosives records electronically instead of in paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
| 2022-2 - Remote Avalanche Control Devices
ATF authorizes federal explosives licensees and permittees, and state and local government agencies conducting avalanche control/mitigation activities, to store explosives in remote avalanche control systems, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
| 2007-1 - Maintaining Required Explosives Records in Computerized Form
Under specified conditions, approval is granted to utilize computerized records as required records under 27 CFR 555, Subpart G.
Published/Revised: |
| E9–578 - Final Rule - Commerce in Explosives—Amended Definition of ‘‘Propellant Actuated Device’’ (2004R–3P) - Jan. 14, 2009
The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (‘‘ATF’’) to clarify that the term ‘‘propellant actuated device’’ does not include hobby rocket motors or rocket-motor reload kits consisting of or containing ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (‘‘APCP’’), black powder, or other similar low explosives. Published/Revised: |
| 2012-2 - Storage of Display Fireworks in Picking Bins
ATF authorizes alternate storage of display fireworks in fixed, unmarked, and uncovered bins inside explosives storage magazines provided all of the requirements of this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011-3 - Alternate Locks Authorized for Explosives Magazines
ATF authorizes alternate use of hidden-shackle "hockey puck" locks, recessed padlocks, and padlocks with boron alloy shackles to secure explosives magazines, provided all of the requirements stated of this ruling have been met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011-2 - Locking Requirements for Outdoor Type 5 Bin and Silo Magazines
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store bulk blasting agents in outdoor type 5 bin or silo magazines without the specified locks provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling have been met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2010-2 - Visibility of Marks on Explosives Containers Stored in Magazines
ATF authorizes alternate storage of containers of explosive materials in magazines so that marks are not visible, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2007-2 - Temporary Storage of Display Fireworks
Under specified conditions, display fireworks may be temporarily stored in locked, attended motor vehicles at explosives magazine site(s) and fireworks display site(s) without meeting 27 CFR 555.210 locking requirements provided certain security measures are in place.
Published/Revised: |
| 2005-3 - Meaning of Term Inhabited Building
ATF provides guidance on two situations involving structures and whether they are "inhabited buildings" as defined in 27 CFR Part 555.
Published/Revised: |
| 2005-2 - Meaning of Term Highway
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
Published/Revised: |
| 2004-3 - Locking Requirements for Indoor Type 4 Storage Magazines
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
Published/Revised: |
| 2003-5 - Distribution of Explosives to Limited Permittees
Distributors distributing explosive materials via common or contract carrier to limited permittees may verify receipt of the materials by telephone, facsimile, email, or other means within three business days of shipment. ATF Form 5400.4 notation requirements.
Published/Revised: |
| 2002-3 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in a Residence or Dwelling
ATF will approve variances to store explosives in a residence or dwelling only upon certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of a certification of compliance with state and local law, and documentation that local fire safety officials have received a copy of the certification.
Published/Revised: |
| 2002-4 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in Business Premises Directly Adjacent to a Residence or Dwelling
ATF requires approval of variances for indoor storage of explosives in business premises directly adjacent to a residence or dwelling.
Published/Revised: |
| 1977-24 - Storage Compartments on Vehicles
Alternate magazine construction standards for storage of electric blasting caps with other explosive materials are prescribed.
Published/Revised: |
| 1976-18 - Alternate Bullet-Resistant Construction Standards for Explosives Magazines
ATF prescribes alternate bullet resistance construction standards for explosives storage facilities.
Published/Revised: |
| 1975-31 - Meaning of the Terms "Engaged in the Business"
Explosives manufacturer license required for certain companies that manufacture explosive materials for use in their own operations.
Published/Revised: |
| 1975-21 - Construction of Storage Facilities by the Department of Defense - Concrete Floors
Certain explosives storage facilities meeting standards of construction prescribed by the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board are approved.
Published/Revised: |
| 1975-20 - Meaning of Terms "Inhabited Building"
An office or repair shop used in connection with the manufacture, etc., of explosive materials are not "inhabited buildings."
Published/Revised: |
Explosives Rulings
Last Updated:
August 21, 2025
