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Make your Voice Heard!
Deadlines Loom for ATF Proposed Rulemakings
Many of you are aware of the unprecedented number of proposed rulemakings the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published this summer as part of its efforts to modernize the regulations governing firearms and ammunition. What you may not realize is that ATF needs and is strongly encouraging industry to comment on these proposed regulatory revisions. There are several proposed rulemakings for which the comment period is due to close in the next few days. Participate! Do not take the rulemaking process for granted. The notice and comment period is a unique and valuable opportunity in the United States for members of industry and the public to educate and inform the governing agency about the impact regulatory change will have on lawful business operations.
Below is a list showing some of the proposed rulemakings that are closing soon for comment. The list includes direct links to the respective pages on regulations.gov, the official U.S. government website through which you can view the proposed rulemaking document and provide comments. In the interest of time and space, not every proposed rulemaking is listed below. You can view all the ATF rulemaking publications on regulations.gov.
Comment Period Closing Aug.4, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
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RIN 1140-AA73 Clarifying Interstate Transportation of Firearms under the Gun Control Act - Amend regulations to clarify that activities reasonably necessary to transportation are protected under the GCA provisions allowing interstate transport of firearms. Examples of such activities include staying overnight in temporary lodging, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, or medical treatment, or transiting between modes of transportation.
Comment Period Closing Aug. 6, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
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RIN 1140-AA68 Converting Temporary to Permanent Imports for Defense Articles - Amend regulations to allow importers to apply for ATF authorization to convert items lawfully imported temporarily—under a Department of State authorization or under the entry clearance requirements for temporary imports in the Export Administration Regulations maintained by the Department of Commerce—to permanent imports in compliance with other applicable federal firearms laws, without having to export and then reimport the items.
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RIN 1140-AA93 Firearm Activities in FTZs, CBWs - Amend definition of “importation” to exclude import requirements for items brought into a customs-bonded warehouse (CBW) in addition to the existing exclusion for a foreign-trade zone (FTZ).
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RIN 1140-AA96 Importing Dual-Use Frames, Receivers, or Barrels - Amend regulations to clarify that federal firearms licensees may lawfully import “dual use” frames, receivers, or barrels (may be used on both sporting and non-sporting firearms) if, at the time imported, there is an identified firearm sporting configuration for the frame, receiver, or barrel.
Participate in this important process. ATF will review all comments and take each into consideration when finalizing the proposed changes. If you will be impacted, now is your chance to comment on clarity, the costs and benefits of the proposed rule, especially reduced burdens, where applicable. If you are in favor of a proposed rulemaking, MAKE THE COMMENT. Positive comments will help the agency build an administrative record to protect against legal challenges. Time is running out so act now.
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