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

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 AK47, AKM, and AKS74 type firearms.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Erma EMP receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 RPD/type 56/ type 62 light machineguns.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Finnish Suomi KP/-31 receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Japanese type 96/99 light machineguns.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Fabrique National Herstal (FNH) model D (BAR-type).

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Heckler and Koch (HK) model UMP.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 M16/AR-type firearms.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 MP40.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 PPS43.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 RPG7. 

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Società Italiana Tecnologie Speciali S.p.A. (SITES) model Spectre.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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 Chartered Industries of Singapore model Ultimax 100.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

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