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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
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Maintain the National Firearms Registration Transfer Record [PDF - 44.96 KB]

This order delegates authority to maintain custody and control of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and authority to execute certifications relative thereto.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Firearms
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Make Determinations on Applications for Relief from Federal Firearm and/or Explosives Disabilities [PDF - 51.34 KB]

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on applications for relief from Federal firearms and/or explosives disabilities.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Approve ATF F 1345.4 Request and Nondisclosure Agreement [PDF - 46.81 KB]

This order delegates the authority to approve ATF F 1345.4, Request and Nondisclosure Agreement, for current, departing, and former employees who are removing or accessing Bureau documents.

Published/Revised: November 9, 2015

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Issue Reimbursable Work Authorizations [PDF - 53.03 KB]

This order delegates authority for issuing General Services Administration (GSA) Form 2957, Reimbursable Work Authorizations, when required for alterations, renovations, repairs or services to real property occupied by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Issue Space Requests to General Services Administration (GSA) [PDF - 44.93 KB]

This order delegates authority for issuing requests for space on Standard Form 81, Request for Space.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Delegation Order - Designation of Acting Supervisory Officials [PDF - 44.88 KB]

The purpose of this delegation order is to grant supervisors authority to designate acting supervisory officials of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Federal Firearms License Proceedings - Hearings (2008R-15P) Feb. 3, 2012 [PDF - 64.97 KB]

The Department of Justice is proposing to amend the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding administrative hearings held as part of firearms license proceedings. This proposed rule clarifies that such hearings are held in an informal setting and that persons requesting a hearing will be afforded the opportunity to submit facts, arguments, offers of settlement, or proposals of adjustment for review and consideration. The proposed regulations are intended to ensure that federal firearms licensees and persons applying for a federal firearms license are familiar with the hearing process relative to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a firearms license, or imposition of a civil fine.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

Firearms
Regulatory Armor Piercing Ammunition [PDF - 97.17 KB]

To protect the lives and safety of law enforcement officers from the threat posed by ammunition capable of penetrating a protective vest when fired from a handgun, the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), as amended, prohibits the import, manufacture, and distribution of "armor piercing ammunition" as defined by the statute. Interpreting the meaning of this statutory language, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has developed a framework that will apply to requests seeking a determination that certain projectiles qualify for this "sporting purpose" exemption.

Published/Revised: September 28, 2015

Firearms
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Facilitate Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 [PDF - 46.6 KB]

This order delegates the authority to exercise the authorities and responsibilities committed to the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, Public Law 110–180 (NIAA).

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Firearms
Regulatory Northrop Grumman Granting Relief of Disabilities (2011R-13T) [PDF - 44.22 KB]

Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc. (NGGECI) (formerly Litton Systems, Inc.), a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), has been granted relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws by the Director of ATF with respect to the acquisition, transfer, receipt, shipment, or possession of firearms.

Published/Revised: September 24, 2015

Firearms
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2009 [PDF - 59.43 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials.  Removes ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP)

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Explosives
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2013 [PDF - 53.68 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. One addition: Black powder substitutes

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Explosives
Regulatory List of Explosive Materials - 2003 [PDF - 53.97 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. Two additions: Tetrazole explosives, and Ammonium perchlorate having particle size less than 15 microns.

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Explosives
Regulatory Registro de Transacción de Armas de Fuego - Formulario 5300.9 / ATF F 5300.9 (S) [PDF - 615.72 KB]

La información y certificación del presente formulario sirven para que el que posea una licencia conforme a la sección 923 del título 18, Código de los Estados Unidos, determine si él/ella puede vender o entregar legalmente un arma de fuego a la persona indicada en la sección A y para que el adquiriente/comprador este alertado de las restricciones que se imponen al recibo y la posesión de armas de fuego.

Published/Revised: November 28, 2023

Firearms
Regulatory List of Explosives Materials - 2014 [PDF - 54.78 KB]

Notice of List of Explosive Materials

Published/Revised: September 23, 2015

Explosives
Regulatory Report of Theft or Loss-Explosive Materials - ATF Form 5400.5 [PDF - 244.48 KB]

The purpose of this form is to report the theft or loss of explosive materials to ATF.

Published/Revised: April 22, 2024

Explosives
Regulatory Application for an Amended Federal Explosives License or Permit - ATF Form 5400.33 [PDF - 307.29 KB]

This application must be completed by any federal explosives licensee or permittee (FEL/P) who intends to make changes, such as the name and/or address, to an active license or permit.

Published/Revised: May 7, 2024

Explosives
Regulatory Delegation Order - Authority to Make Determinations on Notices of Clearance, Letters of Clearance, or Denial, and Appeals of Letters of Denial Under 18 U.S.C. 843(h) [PDF - 44.55 KB]

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on Notices of Clearance, Letters of Clearance, Letters of Denial, and Appeals of Letters of Denial under 18 U.S.C. 843(h) for responsible persons and employee possessors listed on explosives licenses and permits.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory Demand 2 Program: Report of Firearms Transactions - ATF Form 5300.5 [PDF - 901.26 KB]

When a Type 01, Type 02, Type 07, or Type 08 Federal firearms licensee meets the criteria of the ATF Demand 2 Program and is notified in writing by an ATF official, the licensee must complete ATF Form 5300.5, Demand 2 Program: Report of Firearms Transactions.

Published/Revised: January 1, 2025

Firearms
Regulatory Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm - ATF 5320.4 (Form 4) [PDF - 2.01 MB]

Application for tax paid transfer and registration of firearm used to request approval to transfer a National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm subject to transfer tax liability. Typically submitted for a transfer to an individual or legal entity such as a trust.

Published/Revised: January 30, 2026

Firearms
Regulatory TD 477: Correction - 02–18553 - July 25, 2002 [PDF - 31.67 KB]

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms published a final rule in the April 15, 2002, Federal Register concerning the delegation of the Director’s authorities in its exportation of liquors regulations. This document corrects the amendatory instructions in one paragraph of that final rule.

Published/Revised: July 25, 2002

Alcohol & Tobacco
Regulatory TD 435: Delegation of Authority for Parts 20, 21 and 22 - 01–1163 - Jan. 19, 2001 [PDF - 61.48 KB]

This final rule places all ATF authorities contained in parts 20, 21 and 22, title 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), with the ‘‘appropriate ATF officer’’ and requires that persons file documents required by such parts, with the ‘‘appropriate ATF officer’’ or in accordance with the instructions for the ATF form. Also, this final rule removes the definitions of, and references to, specific officers subordinate to the Director and the word ‘‘region.’’ Concurrently with this Treasury Decision, ATF Order 1130.9 is being published. Through this order, the Director has delegated all of the authorities in 27 CFR parts 20, 21 and 22 to the appropriate ATF officers and specified the ATF officers with whom applications, notices and other reports, which are not ATF forms, are filed.

Published/Revised: January 19, 2001

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory TD-409: Delegation of Authority - 99-6736 - Feb. 9, 1999 [PDF - 75.95 KB]

This final rule places most ATF authorities contained in part 24, title 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), with the appropriate ATF officer and requires that persons file documents required by part 24, title 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), with the appropriate ATF officer or in accordance with the instructions on the ATF form. Also, this final rule removes the definitions of, and references to, specific officers subordinate to the Director. 

Published/Revised: February 9, 1999

Workforce and Mission
Regulatory TD-469: Removal of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax for Use of the United States; Recodification of Regulations - 01–28257 - Nov. 13, 2001 [PDF - 40.8 KB]

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is recodifying the regulations in part 295 - Removal of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax for Use of the United States, title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Published/Revised: November 13, 2001

Alcohol & Tobacco
Regulatory TD-479: Importation of Distilled Spirits, Wines, and Beer; Recodification of Regulations - 02–11257 - May 8, 2002 [PDF - 43.18 KB]

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is recodifying the regulations pertaining to the importation of distilled spirits, wines, and beer.

Published/Revised: May 8, 2002

Alcohol & Tobacco
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

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