Publications

The purpose of this open letter is to inform licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles that the United States Department of State has rescinded the sanctions on trade in defense articles and services from South Africa.

Published/Revised: July 11, 2005

What's In This Issue: Changes in the Arson and Explosives Programs Division; Director's Speech at the ISEE National Conference; New Federal Explosives Licensing Center; Reporting Changes in Responsible Persons and Employees Authorized to Possess Explosive Materials; Reporting Procedures for Explosives Transactions; Storage of More Than 300,000 Pounds of Explosives; ATF Inspections

Published/Revised: June 30, 2005

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that on July 1, 2005, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) will cease to operate as the point of contact (POC) for the National Instant Background Check (NICS) program, and to further advise you of the affect these changes may have on firearms transactions conducted under your Federal firearms license.

Published/Revised: April 29, 2005

In an effort to keep Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) abreast of changing firearms laws and regulations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will provide semi-annual FFL Newsletters. In furtherance of our goal to provide you with up-to-date information, ATF will publish the newsletters in February and August of each year and distribute them to each FFL.

Published/Revised: February 28, 2005

The letter provides information in response to numerous questions that ATF has received regarding the capabilities of the 5.7 X 28mm cartridge and the FR 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) pistol.

Published/Revised: January 20, 2005

The purpose of this letter is to inform Federal firearms licensees that the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System's (NICS) Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) has been established.

Published/Revised: December 15, 2004

The open letter is to inform all Washington State federal firearms licensees that as of Nov. 30, 2003, all the grandfathered permits will have expired, and Washington FFLs may longer accept a Washington concealed weapons permit as an alternative to a NICS check.

Published/Revised: December 15, 2004

The letter provides information on ATF's findings with regards to the improperly destroyed Russian GP-30 grenade launcher, which is classified as a destructive device.   

Published/Revised: October 14, 2004

This open letter is to advise the import community of the provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 that no longer apply to the manufacture, transfer and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAWs) and to transfer and possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs).

Published/Revised: September 13, 2004

On April 1, 2004, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced that Carl J. Truscott will serve as the new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where he will be responsible for the Bureau’s enforcement of Federal firearms, explosives, and arson laws, as well as its jurisdiction relative to the Federal alcohol and tobacco diversion laws.

Published/Revised: August 30, 2004

The 7.62mm Aircraft Machine Gun, identified in the U.S. military inventory as the "M-134" (Army), "GAU-2B/A" (Air Force), and "GAU-17/A" (Navy), is a machinegun as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(b). Rev. Rul. 55-528 modified.

Published/Revised: August 4, 2004

 It will be 3 years this September since America was attacked. We at ATF remain vigilant, but we are requesting your assistance in our national effort to prevent terrorism.

Published/Revised: July 7, 2004

The purpose of this open letter is to advise Federal explosives industry licensees and permittees to remain diligent in security and protection of their explosives inventory. 

Published/Revised: July 7, 2004

What's In This Issue: A Message from the Chief, Arson & Explosives Programs Division; New Director, Deputy Director of ATF Announced; Lewis P. Raden Named Assistant Director; Changes in the Arson and Explosives Programs Division; Volatile Organic Compounds; Day Boxes; Manufacture of Binary Explosives; Indoor Storage Magazine Locking Requirements; ATF Attends Conferences; Thefts and Loss Reporting Requirements; New Annual List of Explosives Published; Theft of Explosives as Reported to ATF

Published/Revised: June 30, 2004

ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.

Published/Revised: June 5, 2004

A decision was agreed upon to amend Annex A of the Voluntary Restraint Agreement (VRA) by adding 74 types of firearms to the list. Please note, that even though these 74 firearms have been added to Annex A, ATF will still need to determine the importability of some of these firearms.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2004

Approved alternate method or procedure for importers to use when temporarily importing firearms subject to the NFA, the GCA and the Arms Export Control Act for inspection, testing, calibration, repair, or incorporation into another defense article.

Published/Revised: April 7, 2004

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of ATF's continued commitment and strong partnership with the Michigan firearms industry and to request your assistance in combating the illegal traffic and use of firearms.

Published/Revised: March 15, 2004

This open letter provides guidance regarding the use of a State of Michigan issued Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP, but commonly referred to as a CCW) and a License to Purchase a Pistol as alternatives to NICS background check.  

Published/Revised: March 15, 2004

This open letter discusses the importance of the partnerships that have been established between ATF and the firearms industry and to reinforce our joint responsibilities under the Gun Control Act (GCA).

Published/Revised: January 14, 2004

This letter serves to provide federal firearms licensees (FFLs) with procedural guidance regarding the handling of ATF From 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, after a firearm transaction has occurred. 

Published/Revised: November 6, 2003

This open letter is to inform all Massachusetts federal firearms licensees that as of Oct. 21, 2003, all previously grandfathered Massachusetts licenses to carry will have expired. 

Published/Revised: October 15, 2003

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of important changes to the procedures Indiana Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must follow beginning Oct. 1, 2003, in order to comply with the Brady Law. It also will advise you of the procedures you will have to follow to comply with Indiana state law.

Published/Revised: September 15, 2003

The purpose of this open letter is to remind federal explosives licensees and permittees to be vigilant during the Fourth of July holiday and provide information regarding the new intrastate limited permit.

Published/Revised: June 27, 2003

What's In This Issue: Safe Explosives Act of 2002 - Key Provisions Outlined; Application for Restoration of Explosives Privileges; Changes Within ATF Resulting From the Signing of the Homeland Security Bill; Frequently Asked Questions; The New Federal Explosives License and Permit Application - Explosive Applications and Renewals

Published/Revised: May 31, 2003