ATF launched a new era of reform in 2025 focused on a commitment to transparency, accountability, and partnership with the firearms industry, gun owners, and the public. Under new leadership, the agency has fundamentally changed course, moving toward a model built on trust and collaboration. This means working with federal firearms and explosives licensees as partners, reducing unnecessary burdens on law-abiding businesses and citizens, and ensuring ATF’s actions are grounded in clear statutory authority and focused on protecting American communities from violent crime driven by explosives, arson, and the illegal use of firearms.
New Era Actions Taken
- Published a landmark package of proposed and final rules to streamline regulations and forms, reducing burden on dealers and gun owners alike. Public comments are encouraged during the open comment period for each rule. Rules can be found on the following pages:
- Ended the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy that had targeted firearms dealers; FFLs whose licenses were revoked or surrendered under that policy may reapply under the new Administrative Action Policy.
- Published a new Administrative Action Policy emphasizing firearm traceability and public safety while deemphasizing immaterial paperwork errors.
- Revised processes for determining what inspection and compliance data is published.
- Instituted a NICS alert policy restricting use of NICS alerts to federal firearms trafficking violations.
- Established a Senior Industry Partnership Advisor/Liaison to address industry concerns and foster productive engagement.
- Established a classifications board requiring all new firearm classifications to be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Director prior to publication.
- Improved response time from the Firearms & Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) to FFL inquiries.
- Reversed bans on the importation of non-lethal training ammunition and dual-use barrels.
What's Next
This is an ongoing effort. ATF is committed to continued modernization and welcomes public input on proposed rules or outreach to our Senior Industry Partnership Advisor/Liaison.
