Rules and Regulations Library

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

ATF has determined that federal firearms licensees may lawfully import “dual-use” firearm barrels—barrels that may be used on both sporting and non-sporting firearms—under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3) if, at the time imported, there is an identified firearm sporting configuration for the barrel. Importation may be approved regardless of whether a barrel had been previously configured on non-sporting, military surplus, or National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. Further, once the barrel is in the United States, ATF has determined that nothing in the statutes prevent a dual-use barrel from being used to assemble a sporting, non-sporting, or NFA firearm, provided assembling such firearm complies with 18 U.S.C. § 922(r) (assembly of a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun) and the NFA, 26 U.S.C. chapter 53, as applicable. This Ruling supersedes a November 2005 ATF Open Letter on dual-use barrels.

Published/Revised: June 24, 2025

ATF authorizes the importation of certain marking rounds (“training rounds”) because these training rounds do not meet the definition of “ammunition” as defined by the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A). These items are not designed for offensive and defensive combat and are not “designed for use in any firearm.” Similarly, training rounds are not regulated by the Arms Export Control Act because they are not designed for use in any “firearm” as defined in the permanent importation regulations implementing that statute. An importer of training rounds that are not designed for use in any firearm may import the rounds without submitting an ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (Form 5330.3A). Note, however, less-than-lethal ammunition, which is distinct from training rounds, is generally considered ammunition. This Ruling only applies to training rounds that are not designed for use in any firearm. 

Published/Revised: June 24, 2025

Any person engaged in the business of selling firearms or pistol or revolver ammunition which are received in interstate commerce, either directly or indirectly, must obtain a Federal Firearms license.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1958

The Department of Justice (“Department”) is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) regulations to implement the provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that broaden the definition of when a person is considered “engaged in the business” (“EIB”) as a dealer in firearms other than a gunsmith or pawnbroker.

Published/Revised: April 11, 2024

This analysis provides an assessment of the impacts to industry, the public, and government from the changes that are detailed in the final rule titled Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms. This RIA does not attempt to precisely replicate the regulatory language of the final rule; the regulatory text of the published rule, not the text of this analysis, is legally binding. 

Published/Revised: April 11, 2022

Published/Revised: January 30, 2006

This is to update information regarding the filing of certain National Firearms Act (NFA) forms by facsimile transmission as the functions of the NFA Branch have been relocated to Martinsburg, West Virginia from Washington, D.C.

Published/Revised: March 24, 2006

Published/Revised: October 14, 2004

This open letter contains information about recent changes that may affect your day-to-day operations and/or long-range plans regarding dealer sales samples of machineguns.

Published/Revised: July 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 is a reminder of the procedures to follow when completing ATF Form 6A as outlined in 27 CFR 478.112 and on the instruction page of the form.

Published/Revised: May 5, 2008

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance to federally licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles and clarification on the importability of firearms barrels.

Published/Revised: June 25, 2008

The purpose of this open letter is to reminder Federal firearms licensees of their responsibility in reporting any theft or loss of firearms from their inventory to ATF.

Published/Revised: January 14, 2019

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance on the use and acceptance of electronically transmitted permanent change of station (PCS) military order to establish a transferee's state of residence.

Published/Revised: January 13, 2009

Published/Revised: April 19, 2013

Published/Revised: June 3, 2014

This open letter has been rescinded.  The purpose of this letter is to advise you of your responsibilities under the permanent provisions of the Brady law. On Nov. 30, 1998, the interim provisions of the Brady law will cease to apply, and the permanent provisions of the Brady law will take effect.

Published/Revised: July 29, 2025

Published/Revised: July 1, 2011

Published/Revised: May 4, 2006

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

Published/Revised: January 20, 2005

Published/Revised: May 1, 2016

Published/Revised: August 29, 2011

Published/Revised: May 25, 2016