# 2026-08921: ATF Spells Out Gun Parts: What's a Component in Arms Exports?

2026-08921, Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act, is a Federal Register proposed rule from Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau published 2026-05-06, effective Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) July 6, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the federal e-rulemaking portal comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period.; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08921
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-08921
- Title: Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act
- Type: Proposed Rule
- Agencies: Justice Department; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau
- Citation: 91 FR 24392
- Published: 2026-05-06
- Effective: Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) July 6, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the federal e-rulemaking portal comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period.
- Comments close: 2026-07-06
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 1140-AA77
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

ATF Spells Out Gun Parts: What's a Component in Arms Exports?

## Summary

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) wants to clarify what counts as a 'component,' 'accessory,' or 'part' when it comes to defense items under the Arms Export Control Act. This change helps everyone understand the rules better, especially businesses dealing with importing defense articles. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to send in comments—no money changes yet, just clearer definitions!

## Abstract

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to include terms that the United States Munitions List uses to describe the composition of defense articles ("compositional terms"). Specifically, the proposed rule would amend Department regulations that implement the Arms Export Control Act ("AECA") to define the compositional terms "component," "accessories and attachments," and "part" for purposes of permanent imports under the AECA.

## Effects PRIA read

- Adds clear component/part definitions: benefit, low. ATF will add definitions for “Accessories and attachments,” “Component,” and “Part” to 27 CFR 447.11 and align those definitions with the Department of State’s ITAR definitions at 22 CFR 120.40. This change is meant to help businesses that import defense articles understand what counts as a compone…
- Firearms category clarified to exclude accessories: benefit, low. ATF will revise 27 CFR 447.21(e) (USMIL Category I—Firearms) to state that the phrase “components and parts for such firearms” does not include any single unassembled element of an accessory or attachment that is not normally subject to disassembly without destroying or impairing its designed use.…
- No new costs or paperwork for importers: benefit, low. ATF states this proposed rule imposes no new costs, would not be a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ per OMB, and would not create new information-collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. ATF also certifies the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial num…

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## Sources
- [2026-08921 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/06/2026-08921/adding-component-definitions-under-the-arms-export-control-act)
- [2026-08921 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-06/pdf/2026-08921.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-08919, Revising Regulations Defining “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08919)
- [Next: 2026-08922, Firearms Transactions and Straw Purchases](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08922)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08921 (as of 2026-06-11).