Rules and Regulations Library

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is amending the regulations to implement the provisions of the Safe Explosives Act, Title XI, Subtitle C of Pub. L. 107–296, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (enacted Nov. 25, 2002).

Published/Revised: September 25, 2015

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on applications for restoration of Federal firearms and/or explosives privileges.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) intends to enter into cooperative agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies to assist them in providing the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program to school students. This notice also sets forth the intended funding priorities and criteria, as well as the application procedures that ATF will use to select, and award Federal funds to, State and local law enforcement agencies to deliver the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

Published/Revised: January 26, 2016

This order delegates authority to maintain custody and control of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and authority to execute certifications relative thereto.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

This order delegates certain authorities of the Director to subordinate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to make determinations on applications for relief from Federal firearms and/or explosives disabilities.

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

This order delegates the authority to approve ATF F 1345.4, Request and Nondisclosure Agreement, for current, departing, and former employees who are removing or accessing Bureau documents.

Published/Revised: November 9, 2015

This order delegates authority for issuing General Services Administration (GSA) Form 2957, Reimbursable Work Authorizations, when required for alterations, renovations, repairs or services to real property occupied by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

This order delegates authority for issuing requests for space on Standard Form 81, Request for Space.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

The purpose of this delegation order is to grant supervisors authority to designate acting supervisory officials of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

The Department of Justice is proposing to amend the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding administrative hearings held as part of firearms license proceedings. This proposed rule clarifies that such hearings are held in an informal setting and that persons requesting a hearing will be afforded the opportunity to submit facts, arguments, offers of settlement, or proposals of adjustment for review and consideration. The proposed regulations are intended to ensure that federal firearms licensees and persons applying for a federal firearms license are familiar with the hearing process relative to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a firearms license, or imposition of a civil fine.

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

To protect the lives and safety of law enforcement officers from the threat posed by ammunition capable of penetrating a protective vest when fired from a handgun, the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), as amended, prohibits the import, manufacture, and distribution of "armor piercing ammunition" as defined by the statute. Interpreting the meaning of this statutory language, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has developed a framework that will apply to requests seeking a determination that certain projectiles qualify for this "sporting purpose" exemption.

Published/Revised: September 28, 2015

This order delegates the authority to exercise the authorities and responsibilities committed to the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, Public Law 110–180 (NIAA).

Published/Revised: May 12, 2016

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (NGSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), has been granted relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws by the Director of ATF with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms.

Published/Revised: September 23, 2015

Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc. (NGGECI) (formerly Litton Systems, Inc.), a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), has been granted relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws by the Director of ATF with respect to the acquisition, transfer, receipt, shipment, or possession of firearms.

Published/Revised: September 24, 2015

Notice of List of Explosive Materials.  Removes ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP)

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. One addition: Black powder substitutes

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Notice of List of Explosive Materials. Two additions: Tetrazole explosives, and Ammonium perchlorate having particle size less than 15 microns.

Published/Revised: October 12, 2016

Published/Revised: November 28, 2023

Published/Revised: November 23, 2022

This form is used to apply the tax-exempt transfer of an unserviceable (welded) firearm to anyone other than a federal firearms licensee who has paid the required special (occupational) tax to deal in National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms and to or from government agencies.

Published/Revised: September 1, 2019

This form is used to determine the eligibility of the employee possessor (EP) to engage in certain explosives operations.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

This form is used to conduct an investigation to establish if it is likely that the applicant will act in a manner dangerous to public safety or contrary to public interest.

Published/Revised: November 1, 2015

This form is used to apply to permanently import firearms, ammunition and implements of war.

Published/Revised: December 1, 2019

This form is used to apply to temporarily import firearms and ammunition for lawful hunting or sporting purposes. For use by visiting foreign nationals (nonimmigrant aliens) only.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

This form is used by federal, state and local, military and international law enforcement personnel applying for training conducted by ATF.

Published/Revised: November 1, 2010