Publications

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requests $1,229,518,000 for FY 2014, including 5,192 positions and 4,876 full time equivalents (FTE). This request includes a total of $14,587,000 in net adjustments-to-base (ATBs) which will allow ATF to maintain its current mission services. These ATBs will provide the funding to support employee payroll costs for existing staff, as well as resources to support the continued operation of ATFs land mobile radio program.

Published/Revised: May 15, 2015

Due to the potential misuse of these explosive materials to the detriment of public safety, the role of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in protecting the public from unsafe or unsecure storage is vital. ATF’s jurisdiction over explosives extends to requiring licenses to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing and/ or distributing explosives materials. An ATF permit is also required to ship, transport or receive explosives. ATF regularly inspects the explosives storage magazines and records of explosives licensees and permittees to ensure compliance with federal explosives regulations.

Published/Revised: December 15, 2025

eTrace fact sheet for FY 2024.

Published/Revised: January 20, 2026

National Tracing Center fact sheet for FY 2024.

Published/Revised: January 20, 2026

ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) issues and renews federal firearms licenses (FFLs) in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. ATF’s Federal Explosives Licensing Center (FELC) issues and renews federal explosives licenses and permits (FEL/FEPs) submitted by industry members who manufacture, deal in, and import or receive explosive materials in accordance with the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and the Safe Explosives Act of 2002.

Published/Revised: December 20, 2025

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requests $1,120,772,000 for FY 2010, including $1,114,772,000 in Direct Salaries and Expenses and 5,025 full time equivalents (FTE) and $6,000,000 for construction of explosives ranges at the ATF National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR).

Published/Revised: May 1, 2009

Firearm trafficking is the movement of firearms from the legal to illegal marketplace. It is one of the most pressing problems in the firearms industry today. It reaches across U.S. borders, affecting other countries and U.S. citizens living abroad.

Published/Revised: May 22, 2015

This publication describes the National Response Team (NRT) and its functions and responsibilities.

Published/Revised: May 26, 2015

 NTC - eTrace: Internet-based Firearms Tracing and Analysis

Published/Revised: May 22, 2015

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.

Published/Revised: January 27, 2022

FFLC Telephone Directory - March 4, 2025.

Published/Revised: March 5, 2025

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for investigating and reducing federal crimes involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. Part of ATF’s responsibilities includes providing information and assistance to victims of those crimes. Crime can have a devastating effect on victims and their families, and they may need help to cope with the impact of the violent crime. ATF Victim/Witness Specialists are available to assist you and to coordinate with other agencies in providing you with support, information, and resources that can effectively meet your needs. Last revised July 2016.

Published/Revised: April 2, 2019

This brochure provides information about ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).  With ATF's NIBIN Program, State and local agencies receive technology that they could likely not afford on their own, as well as the capability to exchange investigative information with other jurisdictions.

Published/Revised: June 17, 2015

This notice provides information about the laws and public responsibility regarding firearms near to or in school zones. 

Published/Revised: October 1, 2006

This publication provides best practices in regards to transfers of firearms by private sellers.

Published/Revised: January 1, 2013

This publication outlines and defines the compliance guidelines for federal explosive licensees and permittees, per the federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: March 1, 2012

Information for FFLs on how to establish a disaster preparedness plan and key elements to include, as well as links to other disaster preparation resources.

Published/Revised: June 1, 2021

This brochure provides information about ATF's National Firearms Act (NFA) Branch.

Published/Revised: June 10, 2016

ATF has had outreach programs in place for more than 10 years, beginning with the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program and expanding to include industry outreach and interaction with other professional organizations.  Each year, thousands of firearms are reported lost or stolen.  The owners’ ability to adequately identify these firearms is central to law enforcement’s ability to investigate these crimes and losses.  Insurance claims and reacquisition of recovered firearms will also hinge on the ability to correctly identify these firearms.

Published/Revised: May 22, 2015

Each year, thousands of firearms are reported lost or stolen.  The owners’ ability to adequately identify these firearms is central to law enforcement’s ability to investigate these crimes and losses.  Insurance claims and reacquisition of recovered firearms will also hinge on the ability to correctly identify these firearms.  Keep this list separate from your firearms to assist police in the event your firearms are ever lost or stolen.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

Also known as the "Orange Book," this documentation provides federal explosives law and regulations and reflects changes and developments in response to the Safe Explosives Act of 2002.

Published/Revised: August 7, 2019

This publication provides information on Daily Summary of Magazine Transactions (DSMT), which is a running balance of explosive materials in a magazine and includes a must have listing.

Published/Revised: August 21, 2020

This publication provides information on magazine explosives classes and storage requirements.

Published/Revised: July 20, 2020

Voluntary steps for Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees to prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Published/Revised: March 1, 2011

This publication defines what federally licensed explosives dealers must do for compliance, as per the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555.

Published/Revised: January 1, 2011