Publications

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

What's In This Issue: Changes in the Public Safety Branch; New Chief of the National Licensing Center; Requirements for Distraction Devices; ATF Meets With Mining Industry and ISEE; Limited Permit Procedures Detailed; Sales of Explosives Away From the Licensed Premises; Changes at the National Licensing Center; Theft of Explosives as Reported to ATF; Reporting Changes in Responsible Persons and Employee Possessors

Published/Revised: December 31, 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

Distributors distributing explosive materials via common or contract carrier to limited permittees may verify receipt of the materials by telephone, facsimile, email, or other means within three business days of shipment. ATF Form 5400.4 notation requirements.

Published/Revised: May 23, 2003

The purpose of this letter is to remind all federal explosives licensees and permittees that the first provisions of the Act went into effect on Jan. 24, 2003, and the remaining provisions go into effect on May 24, 2003.

Published/Revised: May 16, 2003

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 transferred certain law enforcement and regulatory functions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice and changed its name to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This rule delegates specific authorities to that Bureau and incorporates it into the structure of the Department of Justice.

Published/Revised: January 31, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the Heckler & Koch G3 type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the Browning M1919 type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the FN FAL type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

An ATF-approved method of destruction for the Sten type machinegun will result in the severed portions of the receiver being importable for unrestricted commercial sale.

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 divides the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of the Treasury, into two separate agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the Department of Justice, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the Department of the Treasury. 27 CFR Parts 447, 478 et al. Reorganization of Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations; Final Rule

Published/Revised: January 24, 2003

The new ATF F 4473, Firearms Transaction Record Part I (Over-the-Counter), requires all non-US citizens to provide an INS-issued Alien Number or an INS-issued Admission Number (both types of numbers are often referred to as "A" numbers). Only a non-US citizen must provide one ofthe numbers.

Published/Revised: December 30, 2003

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information on a provision of the recently enacted Homeland Security Act of 2002. This provision moves most of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Justice effective Jan. 24, 2003.

Published/Revised: December 18, 2002

What's In This Issue: A Message From the Chief, Arson & Explosives Programs Division; ATF Hosts Explosives Industry Executive Meeting; Variances; EPA and the Toxic Substances Control Act; New Industry Circulars; International Explosives Assistance & Coordination; Fugitive Corner

Published/Revised: November 30, 2002

The purpose of this letter is to provide you information on the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (the Act), which was enacted on Nov. 25, 2002.

Published/Revised: November 29, 2002

This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act.

Published/Revised: November 29, 2002

In accordance with 27 CFR 178.92 and 27 CFR 179.102, identification of firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity ammunition feeding devices, the terms "conspicuously" and "legibly" as used therein mean, respectively, that the markings are wholly unobstructed from plain view and that the markings contain exclusively Roman letters and Arabic numerals.

Published/Revised: November 5, 2002