Rules Regulations Library
| Document Type | Title and Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling | 2012-2 - Storage of Display Fireworks in Picking Bins
ATF authorizes alternate storage of display fireworks in fixed, unmarked, and uncovered bins inside explosives storage magazines provided all of the requirements of this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Ruling | 2011-4 - Pistols Configured from Rifles; Rifles Configured from Pistols
Unassembled parts and configurations of parts of pistols, rifles, handguns or other weapons that result in a firearm as defined under the NFA, 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3); 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3) and (a)(4); 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3) and (a)(4); and 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4).
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2011-3 - Alternate Locks Authorized for Explosives Magazines
ATF authorizes alternate use of hidden-shackle "hockey puck" locks, recessed padlocks, and padlocks with boron alloy shackles to secure explosives magazines, provided all of the requirements stated of this ruling have been met.
Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Ruling | 2011-2 - Locking Requirements for Outdoor Type 5 Bin and Silo Magazines
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store bulk blasting agents in outdoor type 5 bin or silo magazines without the specified locks provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling have been met.
Published/Revised: |
Explosives |
| Ruling | 2012-5 - Type 4 Magazine Construction
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store explosive materials in outdoor type 4 magazines with wood-only floors, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1973-13 - Gunsmithing Premises and Regular Business Hours
Because of the nature of operations conducted by a gunsmith, he shall not be required to have business premises open to the general public or to have regular business hours.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1974-13 - Importation of Firearms by Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a resident of any state or territory which requires that a permit or other authorization be issued prior to possessing or owning a handgun shall submit evidence of compliance with state law when applying to import a handgun. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1974-20 - Disposition of Replacement Firearms
Form 4473 shall not be required to record disposition of a like replacement firearm when such firearm is delivered by a licensee to the person from whom the malfunctioning or damaged firearm was received, provided such disposition is recorded in the licensee's permanent records. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2010-7 - Perforating Gun Storage
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store loaded perforating guns outside of a locked magazine provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2012-3 - Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER), Electronic Form
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed manufacturers to submit the AFMER, ATF Form 5300.11, electronically using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2008-1 - Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC Rifle
The upper assembly of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC rifle is classified as the receiver of the firearm for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2013-1 - Electronic Form 6 and 6A
Approved alternate method or procedure for individuals, federal firearms licensees, and registered importers of articles enumerated on the U.S. Munitions Import List (USMIL) to file ATF Form 6 - Part I and Form 6A electronically using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Rulings 2003-6 and 2010-9.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2013-2 - NFA Electronic Forms
Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs, legal entities, and government agencies to file ATF Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10 using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1973-19 - Bonafide Firearms Consultants and Business Premises
Because of the nature of operations conducted by a consultant or expert, he shall not be required to have business premises open to the general public or to have regular business hours. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1973-9 - Federal Firearms Licensees at Multiple Locations and Common Expiration Dates
Licensed firearms or ammunition dealers operating at multiple locations may establish a common expiration date for all licenses. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2010-9 - Supporting Documentation for Import Permit Applications
Persons holding a valid federal firearms license and/or who are registered as importers of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List importing surplus military defense articles importable as curios or relics, may submit photocopies of the original supporting statements and documents with ATF Form 6, if they certify, under penalties provided by law, that the supporting documentation is true, correct, and complete. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2022-01 - Electronic Storage of Forms 4473
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) authorizes an alternate method or procedure from the provisions of Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 478.121, 478.124, 478.129, and 27 CFR 479.131 that require Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to retain the ATF Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 (5300.9) (Form 4473), in a paper format. Specifically, ATF authorizes FFLs to retain an electronic version of each ATF Form 4473 created pursuant to ATF Ruling 2016-2 (or subsequent ruling), instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Additionally, ATF authorizes digital scanning and electronic retention of certain paper ATF Form 4473, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2017-1 - Revoking Certain Guidance Documents
ATF is revoking several guidance documents: specifically three rulings, one procedure, and two industry circulars. ATF Procedure 75-4: Procedure incorporated into the Application for Explosives License or Permit, ATF Form 5400.13/16.; Industry Circular 75-10: Industry Circular incorporated into the Application for Explosives License or Permit, ATF Form 5400.13/16.; ATF Ruling 85-3: Ruling made obsolete by amendments to 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(3).; Industry Circular 85-3: Industry circular made obsolete by amendments to 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(3).; ATF Ruling 2001-1: Ruling made unnecessary and obsolete as the registration period ended May 1, 2001.: ATF Ruling 2004-1: Ruling made obsolete by amendments to 27 CFR 478.11 (definition of "State of residence").
Published/Revised: |
Workforce and Mission |
| Ruling | 2016-5 - Marking Variance for Government Defense Contractors
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure to the firearms marking requirements contained in title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), sections 478.92 and 479.102. Specifically, ATF authorizes licensed manufacturers of certain destructive device munitions that are manufactured for and transferred to the U.S. Government (USG) to mark these destructive device munitions with sequential lot numbers, provided conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2016-4 - Electronic Transmission of Form 6A Information to Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure in lieu of the method or procedure prescribed in the regulations that currently require an importer to submit to U.S. CBP an original, paper copy of ATF Form 6A, Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (Form 6A), to import firearms, ammunition, and other defense articles.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2016-2 - Electronic ATF Form 4473
Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs to use an electronic version of Form 4473, instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Rul. 2008-3.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2016-1 - Requirements to Keep Firearms Records Electronically
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors to maintain their firearms acquisition and disposition records electronically instead of in paper format provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Ruling 2013-5. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2015-1 - Manufacturing and Gunsmithing
Any person (including any corporation or other legal entity) engaged in the business of performing machining, molding, casting, forging, printing (additive manufacturing) or other manufacturing process to create a firearm frame or receiver, or to make a frame or receiver suitable for use as part of a "weapon … which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive," i.e., a "firearm," must be licensed as a manufacturer under the GCA; identify (mark) any such firearm; and maintain required manufacturer’s records.
Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 1957-34 - Classification of 4-inch Diameter Barrel Extension
Classification of a 4-inch diameter barrel extension Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
| Ruling | 2004-2 - Temporary Importation of Firearms Subject to the NFA
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. Published/Revised: |
Firearms |
