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Publications

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.

Document type Description Category
Publication Outreach Training Materials - FAIR Trade Group Firearms and Ammunition Import and Export Conference: Marking Requirements, Gunsmithing Rules [PDF - 1.3 MB]

Outreach training materials from the FAIR Trade Group Firearms and Ammunition Import and Export Conference. This PDF includes information on marking requirements, and gunsmithing rules.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Outreach Training Materials - FAIR Trade Group Firearms and Ammunition Import and Export Conference: DOD Contractor Inspections (FO) [PDF - 989.56 KB]

Outreach training materials from the FAIR Trade Group Firearms and Ammunition Import and Export Conference. This PDF includes information on the DOD contractor inspection process.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Reference Guide - Federal Firearms Laws [PDF - 98.99 KB]

A quick reference guide to federal firearms laws.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication ATF National Canine Division Program Application Package [PDF - 3.19 MB]

 In this package you will find a “draft” Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), Canine Program Application, and procedural flow chart.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Fact Sheet - Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs) - FY2023 [PDF - 661.31 KB]

PDF version of the CGICs fact sheet for fiscal year 2023. ATF launched its Crime Gun Intelligence Centers in July 2016 as interagency collaborations to collect, analyze and distribute intelligence data about crime guns, mass shootings, and major incidents across multiple jurisdictions.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Fact Sheet - U.S. Bomb Data Center (USBDC) - FY2023 [PDF - 2.06 MB]

PDF version of the USBDC fact sheet for fiscal year 2023. USBDC collects information and intelligence about crimes involving bombings, arson and explosives to support interagency criminal cases.

Published/Revised:

Explosives
Publication Fact Sheet - Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) - FY2023 [PDF - 966.86 KB]

PDF version of the FATD fact sheet for fiscal year 2023. ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division is the federal government’s technical expert on classifying firearms and ammunition under federal statutes and regulations.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication ATF FOIA Request Form [PDF - 116.47 KB]

The Freedom of Information Act allows any person to request information about organizations, businesses, investigations, historical events, incidents, groups, or deceased persons. ATF records can be requested through both FOIA and the Privacy Act.

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Publication Silencer Destruction Diagram [PDF - 407.49 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm silencer. View more information on how to properly destroy a silencer.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Do I Need a License to Buy or Sell Firearms? - ATF P 5310.2 [PDF - 1.55 MB]

This publication contains information to help the public understand when those who buy and sell firearms must have a federal firearms license.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Final Rule 2022R-17F - Questions & Answers [PDF - 295.1 KB]

Questions and answers regarding Final Rule 2022R-17F.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act Information Guide [PDF - 296.23 KB]

The Attorney General has delegated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to administer and enforce the PACT Act. ATF is providing this document on the PACT Act’s amendments to the Jenkins Act (15 U.S.C. §375-378), which governs the collection of taxes on, and trafficking in, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. There are specified responsibilities that require independent action, coordination of efforts, and information sharing.PACT Act Law

Published/Revised:

Alcohol & Tobacco
Publication Special Agent Informational Packet - ATF P 2310.4 [PDF - 319.95 KB]

This informational packet provides detailed information about the ATF special agent position to include major duties, basic qualifications, conditions of employment and specific requirements.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees - ATF P 3317.2 [PDF - 1.77 MB]

This booklet provides safety and security information for federal firearms licensees (FFL) and their businesses. In this booklet you will find information pertaining to ATF's stolen firearms program, steps for reducing your vulnerability to theft or loss, properly identifying and recording firearms information, recording suspicious person descriptions and how to report a theft or loss of firearms inventory. 

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Fact Sheet - Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program - 2024 [PDF - 422.82 KB]

PDF version of the G.R.E.A.T. program fact sheet, last updated July 2024. ATF’s G.R.E.A.T. program teaches young people to avoid gangs, resist peer pressure and build relationships with law enforcement officers. 

Published/Revised:

Workforce and Mission
Publication Fact Sheet - National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) - FY 2024 [PDF - 345.77 KB]

PDF version of the NIBIN fact sheet for fiscal year 2024. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Fact Sheet - Tobacco Enforcement - FY 2024 [PDF - 1.93 MB]

PDF version of the Tobacco Enforcement fact sheet, last updated in 2025. ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act and the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, which now includes Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, such as vapes.

Published/Revised:

Alcohol & Tobacco
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Improper Recommendations - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2) [PDF - 699.24 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Granting an Unauthorized Preference - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6) [PDF - 465.2 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Violating Veterans’ Preference - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11) [PDF - 460.17 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Nepotism - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7) [PDF - 453.44 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Influencing Withdrawal From Competition - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5) [PDF - 464.87 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. 

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Obstructing Right to Compete - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4) [PDF - 700.86 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised:

Careers
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: M16/AR-type Receiver [PDF - 218.16 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the M16/AR-type receiver.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: MP5/SP5-type [PDF - 262.72 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the MP5/SP5-type.

Published/Revised:

Firearms
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

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