Rules and Regulations Library
| Title | Description | Category | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 All FFLs-May2007-Open Letter-Virginia Tech Tragic Events (91 KB) | We at ATF were saddened by the tragic events that unfolded at Virginia Tech just last month. In the immediate aftermath, many questions arose about whether the person responsible for the shootings was prohibited under Federal law from possessing a firearm. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Oct2007-Open Letter-Availability of the Personal Firearms Record, ATF Form 3312.8 (86 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to make you aware of the availability of ATF Publication 3312.8, Personal Firearms Record. This record is to help firearms owners adequately identify their firearms in case of a theft or loss.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
Massachusetts-Oct2003-Open Letter-Massachusetts License to Carry No Longer an Alternative to NICS Check (79 KB) |
This open letter is to inform all Massachusetts Federal firearms licensees that as of October 21, 2003 all previously grandfathered Massachusetts licenses to carry will have expired.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
Indiana-Sept2003-Open Letter-Changes to Indiana Background Check Procedures (104 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of important changes to the procedures Indiana Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must follow beginning October 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.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
2004-2 - Temporary Importation of Firearms Subject to the NFA (351 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Ruling |
|
All FELs-July2011-Open Letter-State/Local Government Entities and Explosives Industry Members Distribution To and Receipt Of Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (169 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
2005-3 - Meaning of Term Inhabited Building (17 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on two situations involving structures and whether they are "inhabited buildings" as defined in 27 CFR Part 555.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2005-2 - Meaning of Term Highway (12 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2004-3 - Locking Requirements for Indoor Type 4 Storage Magazines (11 KB) |
ATF provides guidance on three different private roads and whether they are "highways" as defined in 27 CFR 555.11.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2002-4 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in Business Premises Directly Adjacent to a Residence or Dwelling (86 KB) |
ATF requires approval of variances for indoor storage of explosives in business premises directly adjacent to a residence or dwelling.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
All FELs-Apr2011-Open Letter-Importance of Security When Storing or Transporting Explosive Materials (64 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Nov2010-Open Letter-Explosive Pest Control Devices (EPCDs) (164 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Aug2008-Open Letter-Guidance for Pending Natural Disasters (175 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
2002-3 - Indoor Storage of Explosives in a Residence or Dwelling (11 KB) |
ATF will approve variances to store explosives in a residence or dwelling only upon certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of a certification of compliance with State and local law, and documentation that local fire safety officials have received a copy of the certification.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
All FFLs-July2004-Open Letter-ATF Requests Assistance in National Effort to Prevent Terrorism (152 KB) | This open letter provides awareness information for Federal firearms licensees to incorporate in their daily business activities. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Jun2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding the Limited Permit (166 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-May2003-Open Letter-Reminder Regarding Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act (177 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-Nov2002-Open Letter-Safe Explosives Act Provisions for Blasting/Mining Educators (203 KB) |
This open letter provides information for public and private institutes and the provisions pertaining to the Safe Explosives Act
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FELs-May2002-Open Letter-ATF Asks that Explosives Licensees and Permittees Remain Vigilant When Selling Explosive Materials (102 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.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-July2002-Open Letter-Importer Dealer Sales Samples (42 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
Georgia-July2006-Open Letter-Georgia's Concealed Weapons Permit Again Qualifies as Alternative to NICS Check (38 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of an important change to the procedure you may follow beginning July 1, 2006. On this day, Georgia’s Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) will again qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. Accordingly, the October 17, 2005, Open Letter to Georgia Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) is superseded.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Apr2006-Open Letter-Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 (32 KB) |
This open letter serves to notify Federal firearms licensees that the Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 makes it generally unlawful for “any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun to any person, other than another licensee, unless the transferee (buyer) is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device for that handgun.”
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Mar2006-Open Letter-Filing National Firearms Act (NFA) Transaction Forms by Facsimile Transmission (35 KB) | 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, DC. | Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Jan2006-Open Letter-Certain Firearms Transfers Affected by the Change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (36 KB) |
The purpose of this Open Letter is to advise all Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) of a recent change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as it relates to the transfer of certain types of firearms.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
|
All FFLs-Jan2006-Open Letter-Change to the Look of the Federal Firearms License (FFL) (50 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of a change to the look of the Federal firearms license (FFL) beginning January 12, 2006, in response to feedback received from licensees.
| Firearms | Open Letter |