Rules and Regulations Library

Titlesort ascending Description Category Document Type
2013-2 - NFA Electronic Forms (583 KB)
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.   
Firearms Ruling
2013-1 - Electronic Form 6 and 6A (2323 KB)
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.
Firearms Ruling
2012-5 - Type 4 Magazine Construction (69 KB)
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.
Explosives Ruling
2012-3 - AFMER Electronic Form (1442 KB)
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed manufacturers to submit the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER), ATF Form 5300.11, electronically using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. 
Firearms Ruling
2012-2 - Storage of Display Fireworks in Picking Bins (74 KB)
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
Explosives Ruling
2011-4 - Pistols Configured from Rifles; Rifles Configured from Pistols (83 KB)
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).
Firearms Ruling
2011-3 - Alternate Locks Authorized for Explosives Magazines (98 KB)
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.
Explosives Ruling
2011-2 - Locking Requirements for Outdoor Type 5 Bin and Silo Magazines (85 KB)
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.
Explosives Ruling
2010-9 - Supporting Documentation for Import Permit Applications (35 KB)

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. Such persons who are authorized under ATF Ruling 2003-6 to file eForm 6, may submit digitally scanned copies of the original supporting statements and documents with eForm 6, if they certify, under penalties provided by law, that the supporting documentation is true, correct, and complete.

Firearms Ruling
2010-7 - Perforating Gun Storage (86 KB)
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.
Explosives Ruling
2010-6 - State of Residence (98 KB)
For the purpose of acquiring firearms under the GCA, a U.S. citizen who temporarily resides in a foreign country, but also demonstrates the intention of making a home in a particular State, is a resident of the State during the time period he or she actually resides in that State. The intention must be demonstrated to a Federal firearms licensee by presenting valid identification documents.
Firearms Ruling
2010-3 - Identification of Maxim Side-Plate Receivers (182 KB)
The right side-plate of a Vickers/Maxim-type firearm, manufactured with its camming lobe affixed in the proper location, and without an ATF approved block that prevents installation of machinegun fire control components, is a machinegun receiver, and therefore, a machinegun as defined by the GCA and NFA. Provided it has not been disassembled into its component parts, a complete Vickers/Maxim-type machinegun that is currently registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record with its serial number located on a component part of the receiver box other than the right side-plate has been lawfully registered under the NFA and may be lawfully possessed by the registrant under 18 U.S.C. 922(o).
Firearms Ruling
2010-2 - Visibility of Marks on Explosives Containers Stored in Magazines (29 KB)
ATF authorizes alternate storage of containers of explosive materials in magazines so that marks are not visible, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Explosives Ruling
2010-1 - Temporary Assignment of a Firearm by an FFL to an Unlicensed Employee (20 KB)
Requirements for temporary assignment of a firearm by an FFL to its unlicensed employees for bona fide business purposes, where the actual custody of the firearm is transferred for a limited period of time, and where title and control of the firearm remain with the FFL; and by an FFL to its unlicensed agents, contractors, volunteers, or any other person who is not an employee of the FFL, even for bona fide business purposes. Supersedes Revenue Ruling 69-248 and modifies ATF Ruling 73-19. Industry Circular 72-23 is no longer in effect.
Firearms Ruling
2009-2 - Installation of Drop In Replacement Parts (15 KB)
Licensing requirements under the GCA for any person who installs “drop in” replacement parts in or on existing, fully assembled firearms. A “drop in” replacement part is one that can be installed in or on an existing, fully assembled firearm without drilling, cutting, or machining. A replacement part, whether factory original or otherwise, has the same design, function, substantially the same dimensions, and does not otherwise affect the manner in which the weapon expels a projectile by the action of an explosive.
Firearms Ruling
2008R-15P - Federal Firearms License Proceedings - Hearings: Final Rule (217 KB)

The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding administrative hearings held as part of firearms license proceedings. This rule clarifies that persons requesting a hearing will be afforded the opportunity to submit facts and arguments for review and consideration during the hearing, and may make offers of settlement before and after the hearing. The 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.

Firearms Rulemaking
2008-1 - Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC Rifle (12 KB)
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.
Firearms Ruling
2007-3 - Preloading and Temporary Storage of Blasting Agents on Bulk Delivery Vehicles (21 KB)
Under specified conditions, blasting agents may be stored in mobile type 5 magazines (bulk trucks) without meeting 27 CFR 555.211 immobilization requirements.
Explosives Ruling
2007-2 - Temporary Storage of Display Fireworks (74 KB)
Under specified conditions, display fireworks may be temporarily stored in locked, attended motor vehicles at explosives magazine site(s) and fireworks display site(s) without meeting 27 CFR 555.210 locking requirements provided certain security measures are in place.
Explosives Ruling
2007-1 - Maintaining Required Explosives Records in Computerized Form (21 KB)
Under specified conditions, approval is granted to utilize computerized records as required records under 27 CFR 555, Subpart G.
Explosives Ruling
2006-2 - Classification of Devices Exclusively Designed to Increase the Rate of Fire of a Semiautomatic Firearm (68 KB)
The NFA and GCA definition of machinegun includes a part or parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. This language includes a device that, when activated by a single pull of the trigger, initiates an automatic firing cycle that continues until the finger is released or the ammunition supply is exhausted.
Firearms Ruling
2005-4 - A Ported Device Attached to the Barrel of a Paintball Gun (14 KB)
Certain integral devices intended to diminish the report of paintball guns are not “firearm silencers” or “firearm mufflers” under the Gun Control Act of 1968 or the National Firearms Act.
Firearms Ruling
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
2004-5 - Minigun Ruling (941 KB)
The 7.62mm Aircraft Machine Gun, identified in the U.S. military inventory as the "M-134" (Army), "GAU-2B/A" (Air Force), and "GAU-17/A" (Navy), is a machinegun as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(b). Rev. Rul. 55-528 modified.
Firearms Ruling
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