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
Recordkeeping Requirements for Explosive Material Importers (ATF P 5400.21) (3763 KB)
This publication defines what each federally licensed importer must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.
Explosives Guide
Recordkeeping Requirements for Explosive Material Manufacturers (ATF P 5400.19) (4772 KB)
This publication identifies what licensed manufacturers must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.
 
 
Explosives Guide
Recordkeeping Requirements for Explosives Permittees and Limited Permittees (ATF P 5400.20) (518 KB)

This publication defines what each Federal explosives permittee and limited permitee must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations, at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Explosives Guide
Suspicious Packages (ATF P 5400.26) (285 KB)

This publication provides vital safety information to persons and organizations encountering suspicious packages and/or bomb threats.

Explosives Guide
TD-400: This final rule amends regulations to clarify the meanings of terms, increase license and permit fees, eliminate duplication in licensing, relax the licensing requirements for on-site manufacturers, implement a storage notification requirement (104 KB)

This final rule amends regulations to clarify the meanings of terms, increase license and permit fees, eliminate duplication in licensing, relax the licensing requirements for on-site manufacturers, implement a storage notification requirement for manufacturers and other storers of explosives, update the theft/loss hotline number for reporting thefts or losses of explosives, and make minor modifications to regulations on storage.

Explosives Report
TD-419: Implementation of Public Law 104-132, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Relating to the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection. (Published:10/14/99 – Effective: 12/13/99) (27 KB)

This final rule implements certain provisions of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-132).  These regulations implement the law by requiring detection agents for plastic explosives. The final rule also authorizes the use of four specific detection agents to mark plastic explosives and provides for the designation of other detection agents.

Explosives Report
Type 3 Magazines (Presentation - Sept. 10, 2020) (262 KB)

This presentation provides an overview of Type 3 magazine construction, reporting requirements and use intended for temporary attended storage on a worksite. 

Explosives Guide
Underground Storage (Presentation - Sept. 18, 2020) (2238 KB)

This presentation provides a history of the implementation of the Safe Explosives Act, the intention of the legislation and the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to regulate the storage of explosives, above ground or underground. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with ATF, the Mine Safety and Health Administration will inspect underground explosives storage sites for compliance with 27 CFR part 555, subpart K, Storage and will cite for any violations.

Explosives Guide
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