Publications Library

ATF occasionally issues publications to inform the industries it regulates and the general public about the laws and regulations administered and enforced by ATF. These include guidebooks, newsletters, brochures, studies, and reports.

Titlesort descending Description Category Document Type
ATF 17F (157 KB) Decision-Making Authority Regarding the Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of a Federal Firearms License, or Imposition of a Civil Fine - The Department of Justice has adopted as final, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (‘‘ATF’’) to delegate to the Director of ATF the authority to serve as the deciding official regarding the denial, suspension, or revocation of federal firearms licenses, or the imposition of a civil fine. Under the interim rule, the Director has the flexibility to delegate to another ATF official the authority to decide a revocation or denial matter, or may exercise that authority himself. Because the Director can redelegate authority to take action as the final agency decision-maker to Headquarters officials, field officials, or some combination thereof, such flexibility allows ATF to more efficiently conduct denial, suspension, and revocation hearings, and make the determination whether to impose a civil fine.
 
Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 19F (199 KB) Elimination of Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume) -The effective date of this final rule is October 3, 2014. - The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by eliminating the Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume (LV)), Parts I and II. Federally licensed firearms dealers used this form as an alternate record for the receipt and disposition of firearms. Because licensees rarely use Form 4473 (LV), ATF has determined that continued use of this form is unwarranted and it should be eliminated. Licensees will be required to use the standard Form 4473 for all dispositions and maintain a record of the acquisition and disposition of firearms in accordance with the regulations.
 
Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 2 (57 KB)

The Department of Justice is amending current regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to remove the requirement that common or contract carriers taking possession of explosive materials for delivery to a licensee or permittee complete ATF Form 5400.8 (Explosives Delivery Record) prior to taking possession of explosive materials, regardless of whether they are hired by the distributor or by the distributee.

Explosives Report
ATF 2013R-9F (217 KB)

Technical Amendments to Regulations - The effective date of this final rule is August 11, 2014. - This final rule makes technical amendments and corrects typographical errors in ATF regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Many of the technical changes are being made to reflect changes in nomenclature resulting from the transfer of ATF to the Department of Justice from the Department of the Treasury pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The changes are designed to provide clarity and enhance uniformity throughout these regulations.

Resource Center Report
ATF 22I (237 KB) Residency Requirements for Aliens Acquiring Firearms. Comments on this interim final rule are due on or before September 5, 2012. - The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by removing the 90-day State residency requirement for aliens lawfully present in the United States to purchase or acquire a firearm. The Department has determined that the Gun Control Act does not permit ATF to impose a regulatory requirement that aliens lawfully present in the United States are subject to a 90-day State residency requirement when such a requirement is not applicable to U.S. citizens. Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 24F (239 KB) Firearms Disabilities for Certain Nonimmigrant Aliens. The effective date of this final rule is July 9, 2012. - The Department of Justice has now determined that the relevant statutory prohibitions on transfer and possession of firearms and ammunition apply only to nonimmigrant aliens who were admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, and that the prohibitions do not apply to nonimmigrant aliens who lawfully entered the United States without a visa.
 
Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 25I (236 KB) Importation of Arms, Ammunition and Defense Articles--Removal of Certain Defense Articles Currently on the U.S. Munitions Import List That No Longer Warrant Import Control Under the Arms Export Control Act.”  The effective date of this finale rule is April 28, 2014.  Comments on this interim final rule are due on or before June 25, 2014.  To submit a comment electronically, use the http://www.regulations.govfor Docket No. ATF 25I.  To submit comments by mail or fax, see the instructions included within the notice.  To view all comments and documents associated with this rulemaking, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 27P (61 KB)

The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (‘‘ATF’’) to delegate to the Director of ATF the authority to serve as the deciding official regarding the denial, suspension, or revocation of federal firearms licenses, or the imposition of a civil fine. The Director will have the flexibility to delegate to another ATF official the authority to decide a revocation or denial matter, or may exercise that authority himself.

Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 43P (213 KB) Importation of Arms, Ammunition and Implements of War and Machine Guns, Destructive Devices, and Certain Other Firearms; Extending the Term of Import Permits (2010R–26P). The effective date of this final rule is April 8, 2014. - This rule amends the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to extend the standard term of import permits for firearms, ammunition, and defense articles from 1 year to 2 years. The additional time will allow importers sufficient time to complete the importation of the authorized commodity. In addition, it will eliminate the need for the importer to submit a new import application, ATF Form 6, where the importation was not completed within the 1-year period.
 
Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 5 (81 KB)

The Department of Justice is amending the current regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to require licensed importers to identify by marking all explosive materials they import for sale or distribution.

Explosives Report
ATF 6F (156 KB)

The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to clarify that the requirements of part 555 do not apply to model rocket motors consisting of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, black powder, or other similar low explosives, containing no more than 62.5 grams of total propellant weight, and designed as single-use motors or as reload kits capable of reloading no more than 62.5 grams of propellant into a reusable motor casing. This final rule is intended to provide rocketry hobbyists with guidance to enable them to enjoy their hobby in compliance with the safety and security requirements of the law and regulations.

Rules and Regulations Report
ATF 9F (73 KB)

This final rule conforms the regulations in 27 CFR Part 447 to the revised International Traffic in Arms Regulations by amending the list of countries from which the importation of defense articles into the United States is proscribed by adding Afghanistan and removing South Africa and some of the states composing the former Soviet Union (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan). The rule also removes the arms embargo against the countries of Serbia and Montenegro. It also clarifies an outdated reference in the regulations to Zaire, currently known as the ‘‘Democratic Republic of the Congo,’’ and makes a miscellaneous technical amendment to the regulations.

Rules and Regulations Report
ATF Disclosure Of Firearms Trace Data (ATF P 3312.11) (0 KB)
This brochure clarifies ATF's disclosure policy regarding trace data.
Firearms Guide
ATF eForms 4473 User Manual (3250 KB)

This user manual is to be used by federal firearms licensees who have downloaded ATF's e4473 form. 

Firearms Guide
ATF Fire Research Laboratory (Technical Bulletin 002) - Arc Mapping as a Tool for Fire Investigations (315 KB)

ATF Fire Research Laboratory Technical Bulletin 002 - Arc Mapping as a Tool for Fire Investigations - March 2017

Report
ATF Firearms Tracing Guide (ATF P 3312.13) (3169 KB) This booklet will help you understand the firearms trace process.  It contains instructions on requesting a trace; understanding trace results; capabilities of comprehensive firearms tracing; and, how to establish a tracing program. Firearms Guide
ATF Form 3310.4 OMB 1140-0003-60.pdf (195 KB)

Description :Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers – 60 day Notice – comment period ends April 20, 2015

Summary :The information documents certain sales or other dispositions of handguns for law enforcement purposes and determines if the buyer is involved in an unlawful activity, or is a person prohibited by law from obtaining firearms.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 3310.4 OMB 1140-0003.pdf (202 KB)

Description :Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested – Action: 30-day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers

Summary :The information documents certain sales or other dispositions of handguns for law enforcement purposes and determines if the buyer is involved in an unlawful activity, or is a person prohibited by law from obtaining firearms.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5300.5 OMB 1140-0024.pdf (189 KB)

Description :Report of Firearms Transaction-Demand 2 – 30 day Notice – comment period ends 4-27-15

Summary :The information collection documents transactions of firearms for law enforcement purposes. ATF uses the information to determine that the transaction is in accordance with laws and regulations, and establishes the person(s) involved in the transactions.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5320.20 OMB Number 1140-0010 application to transport interstate or temporarily export certain national firearms act.pdf (207 KB)

Description :Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested – Action: 60-day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Application to Transport Interstate or Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms

Summary :In response to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 Section 130002(b) as amended in 1996, the Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5320.9 OMB 1140-0008.pdf (194 KB)

Description :Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms – 30 day Notice – comment period ends 3-5-15

Summary :The form will be used by the public when applying for Federal firearms license and collector of curios and relics license to facilitate a personal collection in interstate and foreign commerce. The information requested on the form will be used by ATF to determine whether the individual is qualified to be a responsible person in a firearms business or as a collector. The form will also be used to add responsible persons to existing Federal firearms licenses.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5330.20 OMB 1140-0061.pdf (194 KB)

Description :Application for Federal Firearms License –60 day Notice – comment period ends July 21, 2015

Summary :The law at 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) makes it unlawful for any nonimmigrant alien to ship or transport in interstate commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm, ammunition, which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5400.28 OMB 1140-0072-60.pdf (189 KB)

Description :Employee Possessor Questionnaire – 60 day Notice – comment period ends February 17, 2015

Summary :Each employee possessor in the explosives business or operations required to ship, transport, receive, or possess (actual or constructive), explosive materials must submit this form. The form will be submitted to ATF to determine whether the person who provided the information is qualified to be an employee possessor in an explosive business.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 5400.28 OMB 1140-0072.pdf (189 KB)

Description :Employee Possessor Questionnaire – 30 day Notice – comment period ends March 26, 2015.

Summary :Each employee possessor in the explosives business or operations required to ship, transport, receive, or possess (actual or constructive), explosive materials must submit this form. The form will be submitted to ATF to determine whether the person who provided the information is qualified to be an employee possessor in an explosive business.

Resource Center Report
ATF Form 7 5310.12 7cr 5310.16 OMB 1140-0018-60.pdf (206 KB)

Description :Application for Federal Firearms License –60 day Notice – comment period ends January 25, 2015

Summary :In accordance with 18 U.S.C. 923(a)(1) each person intending to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition importer or manufacturer, or dealer in firearms shall file an application, pay the required fee with ATF and obtain a license before engaging in business. The information requested on the form will be used to determine eligibility for the license as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 923.

Resource Center Report
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