Explosives Open Letters

Titlesort descending Description
All FELs-Apr2011-Open Letter-Importance of Security When Storing or Transporting Explosive Materials (63.71 KB)
In response to continued thefts of vehicles carrying explosive materials along the southwest U.S. border, the ATF reminds all persons holding Federal explosives licenses or permits of the importance of security when storing or transporting explosive materials.
All FELs-Aug2008-Open Letter-Guidance for Pending Natural Disasters (174.36 KB)
The purpose of this open letter is to help you protect your business premises and inventory in the event of a natural disaster; and provide guidance on what to do if your business premises is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.
All FELs-Aug2011-Open Letter-September 11th Anniversary (59.77 KB)

This open letter is to encourage Federal explosives licensees to exercise increased awareness and vigilance as the anniversary of September 11th approaches. The security of your explosives storage sites is very important.

All FELs-Feb2003-Open Letter-Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Explosives Regulations (137.43 KB) This open letter announces that ATF is issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking affecting federal explosives regulations.
All FELs-Feb2009-Open Letter-Security Checklist (220.44 KB) This advisory is a security checklist of best practices for all Federal explosives licensees and permittees.
All FELs-July2004-Open Letter-ATF Director's Letter to Explosives Industry to Be Aware and Be Secure (165.56 KB)

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. 

All FELs-July2009-Open Letter-Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant (APCP) (61.39 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to provide Federal explosives licensees and permittees with information about the recent district court decision regarding ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP). 
All FELs-July2011-Open Letter-State/Local Government Entities and Explosives Industry Members Distribution To and Receipt Of Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (168.65 KB)
This letter provides information regarding the distribution to and receipt of explosives for pest control and mitigation purposes by States or their political subdivisions.
All FELs-Jun2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding the Limited Permit (165.35 KB)
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.
All FELs-Jun2014-Open Letter-Black Powder (61.02 KB)
This is an open letter to all Federal explosives licensees and permittees in regards to inquiries about black powder exceptions under the Federal explosives laws.
All FELs-Mar2011-Open Letter-Exemption of Tribal Display Materials (69.28 KB)
This open letter is to all Federally recognized Indian tribes and Explosives licensees and permittees and  provides guidance regarding the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010.  The law created an exemption for federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal agencies from provisions of the Federal explosives laws with respect to display fireworks.
All FELs-May2002-Open Letter-ATF Asks that Explosives Licensees and Permittees Remain Vigilant When Selling Explosive Materials (101.23 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to ask that you continue to be vigilant in light of heightened security concerns regarding possible terrorist activity involving explosives.
All FELs-May2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (176.71 KB)
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 January 24, 2003, and the remaining provisions go into effect on May 24, 2003.
All FELs-May2008-Open Letter-Notification of Proposed Improvement to Fireworks Recordkeeping Process (159.47 KB)

This year, a fireworks industry groups made a proposal that ATF anticipates will make fireworks recordkeeping more manageable and enhance our ability to trace and track fireworks. The proposed process should improve public safety and reduce the number of illegal transactions in display fireworks.

All FELs-Nov 2023-Notification for Previously Exempted Special Explosive Devices (SECs) (237.24 KB)

The purpose of this open letter is to notify all persons that ATF has rescinded special explosive device exemptions for certain consumer-style grenades (e.g. flashbang grenades, smoke grenades). As a result, these explosive devices are no longer exempt from the provisions of the Federal explosives regulations at 27 CFR, Part 555 – Commerce in Explosives. 

All FELs-Nov2001-Open Letter-Notification of Undelivered Correspondence to ATF (99.17 KB) This open letter is to notify all Federal firearms licensees and Federal explosives licensees and permitees that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has not received mail since October 25, 2001.
All FELs-Nov2002-Open Letter-Enacted Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (302.6 KB) The purpose of this letter is to provide you information on the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (the Act), which was enacted on November 25, 2002.
All FELs-Nov2002-Open Letter-Safe Explosives Act Provisions for Blasting/Mining Educators (202.41 KB)
This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act
All FELs-Nov2010-Open Letter-Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (163.52 KB)
This letter provides information regarding explosive pest control devices (EPCDs). Agricultural, aquacultural, and aviation industries use EPCDs — commonly known as bird bombs or seal bombs — to help protect crops, natural resources, and aircraft from damage by wildlife.
All FELs-Nov2011-Open Letter-Clarify the Definition of "display fireworks" in the Federal Explosives Regulations (71.11 KB)
The purpose of this letter is to clarify the definition of "display fireworks" in the Federal explosives regulations. 
All FELs-Oct2021-Open Letter-E-Nicotine Delivery Systems (293.22 KB)

The purpose of this letter is to provide all federal explosives licensees and permittees guidance on the safe storage of explosive materials. Electronic nicotine delivery systems, or other similar devices, are electronic devices that, through an aerosolized solution, deliver nicotine, flavor, and/or other substances (including non-tobacco products) to the user inhaling from the device. ATF has determined that electronic nicotine delivery systems are spark producing devices. Therefore, they cannot be brought into or within 50 feet of any outdoor explosives storage magazine or within any room containing an indoor magazine.

All FELs-Sep2012-Open Letter-Building Positive Working Relationships with Industry Members (178.49 KB) This open letter was sent from ATF's Deputy Director to all Federal firearms licensees and all Federal explosives licensees/permittees discussing how ATF continues to work towards maintaining and building positive working relationships industry members, trade associations, law enforcement, and the general public.
All FELs-Sept2001-Open Letter-Heightened Security Precautions Request for Explosives Licensees and Permittees (100.03 KB) The purpose of this letter is to advise all persons holding Federal explosives licenses or permits of heightened security precautions that should be taken in light of the events of September 11, 2001.
All FELs-Sept2005-Open Letter-Hurricane Katrina Damaged Areas (140.32 KB)

The purpose of this open letter is to provide procedures to Federal explosives licensees and permittees affected by Hurricane Katrina. 

All FELs-Sept2012-Open Letter-Table of Distance Requirements (115.1 KB)
The purpose of this open letter is to provide information regarding ATF revisiting its guidelines for the application of the tables of distances for the storage of certain explosive materials.
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