| Title and Description |
|---|
| 2023 - November - All FELs - Notification for Previously Exempted Special Explosive Devices (SECs)
The purpose of this open letter is to notify all persons that ATF has rescinded special explosive device exemptions for certain consumer-style grenades (e.g. flashbang grenades, smoke grenades). As a result, these explosive devices are no longer exempt from the provisions of the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555 – Commerce in Explosives. Published/Revised: |
| 2021 - October - All FELs - E-Nicotine Delivery Systems
The purpose of this open letter is to provide all federal explosives licensees and permittees guidance on the safe storage of explosive materials. Electronic nicotine delivery systems, or other similar devices, are electronic devices that, through an aerosolized solution, deliver nicotine, flavor, and/or other substances (including non-tobacco products) to the user inhaling from the device. ATF has determined that electronic nicotine delivery systems are spark producing devices. Therefore, they cannot be brought into or within 50 feet of any outdoor explosives storage magazine or within any room containing an indoor magazine. Published/Revised: |
| 2014 - June - All FELs - Black Powder
This is an open letter to all federal explosives licensees and permittees in regard to inquiries about black powder exceptions under the federal explosives laws.
Published/Revised: |
| 2012 - September - All FELs - Table of Distance Requirements
The purpose of this open letter is to provide information regarding ATF revisiting its guidelines for the application of the tables of distances for the storage of certain explosive materials.
Published/Revised: |
| 2012 - April - National - Unmarked Plastic Explosives
The purpose of this letter is to remind all federal law enforcement agencies and military components of certain provisions of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 pertaining to plastic explosives that do not contain a detection agent.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011 - November - All FELs - Clarify the Definition of "Display Fireworks" in the Federal Explosives Regulations
The purpose of this letter is to clarify the definition of "display fireworks" in the federal explosives regulations.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011 - August - All FELs - September 11 Anniversary
This open letter is to encourage federal explosives licensees to exercise increased awareness and vigilance as the anniversary of September 11 approaches. The security of your explosives' storage sites is very important. Published/Revised: |
| 2011 - July - All FELs - Distribution to and Receipt of Explosive Pest Control Devices
This letter provides information regarding the distribution to and receipt of explosives for pest control and mitigation purposes by states or their political subdivisions.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011 - April - All FELs - Importance of Security When Storing or Transporting Explosive Materials
In response to continued thefts of vehicles carrying explosive materials along the southwest U.S. border, the ATF reminds all persons holding Federal explosives licenses or permits of the importance of security when storing or transporting explosive materials.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011 - March - All FELs - Exemption of Tribal Display Materials
This open letter is to all federally recognized Indian tribes and explosives licensees and permittees and provides guidance regarding the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010. The law created an exemption for federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal agencies from provisions of the Federal explosives laws with respect to display fireworks.
Published/Revised: |
| 2010 - All FELs - Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs)
This letter provides information regarding explosive pest control devices (EPCDs). Agricultural, aquacultural, and aviation industries use EPCDs — commonly known as bird bombs or seal bombs — to help protect crops, natural resources, and aircraft from damage by wildlife.
Published/Revised: |
| 2009 - July - All FELs - Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant
The purpose of this letter is to provide Federal explosives licensees and permittees with information about the recent district court decision regarding ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP).
Published/Revised: |
| 2009 - February - All FELs - Explosives Industry Security Checklist
This advisory is a security checklist of best practices for all Federal explosives licensees and permittees. Published/Revised: |
| 2008 - May - All FELs - Notification of Proposed Improvement to Fireworks Recordkeeping Process
This year, a fireworks industry groups made a proposal that ATF anticipates will make fireworks recordkeeping more manageable and enhance our ability to trace and track fireworks. The proposed process should improve public safety and reduce the number of illegal transactions in display fireworks. Published/Revised: |
| 2003 - June - All FELs - Reminder Regarding the Limited Permit
The purpose of this open letter is to remind federal explosives licensees and permittees to be vigilant during the Fourth of July holiday and provide information regarding the new intrastate limited permit.
Published/Revised: |
| 2003 - May - All FELs - Reminder Regarding Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act
The purpose of this letter is to remind all federal explosives licensees and permittees that the first provisions of the Act went into effect on Jan. 24, 2003, and the remaining provisions go into effect on May 24, 2003.
Published/Revised: |
| 2002 - November - All FELs - Enacted Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act
The purpose of this letter is to provide you information on the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (the Act), which was enacted on Nov. 25, 2002. Published/Revised: |
| 2002 - All FELs - Safe Explosives Act Provisions for Blasting/Mining Educators
This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act.
Published/Revised: |
| 2002 - May - All FELs - Asks that Explosives Licensees and Permittees Remain Vigilant When Selling Explosive Materials
The purpose of this letter is to ask that you continue to be vigilant in light of heightened security concerns regarding possible terrorist activity involving explosives.
Published/Revised: |
| 2001 - September - All FELs - Heightened Security Precautions Request for Explosives Licensees and Permittees
The purpose of this letter is to advise all persons holding federal explosives licenses or permits of heightened security precautions that should be taken in light of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Published/Revised: |
Explosives Open Letters
Last Updated:
August 21, 2025
