ATF Creates Fix for Firearms Left Stranded by Government Contracts
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
15-Day Late Registration Option
ATF proposes a new rule letting manufacturers who were relieved from registering USG firearms register those items within 15 days after they "fall out of" a U.S. Government contract. For manufacturers of destructive devices ATF estimates this late-registration option could produce about $828.9 million in annual savings and profit for the industry, would affect an estimated 384 licensed destructive-device manufacturers, and would require filing ATF Form 2 (estimated time cost about $29 per Form 2).
Relief From Immediate NFA Registration
If you manufacture NFA firearms for the U.S. Government, ATF proposes to codify the Director's existing authority to relieve you from the requirement to register those firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record by the close of the next business day. This would formally let qualifying manufacturers avoid immediate Form 2 filings for firearms manufactured for the U.S. Government while those items remain under government contract.
Required Request Letter for Relief
Manufacturers who want the Director's relief from registering USG firearms must submit a written request letter to ATF that shows how they conduct business with the U.S. Government, the types of firearms involved, proof of the USG contract, the relief requested, and reasons for the request. ATF proposes to retain this letter requirement and locate it in Sec. 479.103 so the relief's terms are in one place.
Marking and Recordkeeping Must Continue
Even if manufacturers receive relief from registering USG firearms or use the 15-day late-registration option, the Gun Control Act marking and record-keeping rules (for example 27 CFR 478.92) and explosives regulations (27 CFR part 555) still apply. If USG contract markings differ from ATF rules, manufacturers must comply with ATF's regulatory marking requirements and may apply for a marking variance under Sec. 479.102 or rely on ATF Ruling 2016-5 when applicable.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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