ATF Redesigns Explosive 'Magazines': Safer Booms Without the Boom Costs
Published Date: 9/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The ATF is updating rules for storing explosives safely by combining several confusing rules into one clear set. This affects anyone who keeps explosives in special storage buildings called magazines, making safety easier to follow and allowing new storage options. Comments on these changes are open until November 24, 2026, with no big cost changes expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
One-stop rules for magazine storage
ATF proposes to combine the storage and safety rules from 27 CFR 555.212, 555.213, 555.214, and 555.215 into a single revised Sec. 555.212 and to remove Secs. 555.214 and 555.215 and paragraph (b) of Sec. 555.213. The new Sec. 555.212 is organized into three parts covering (a) outside a magazine, (b) inside a magazine, and (c) storing requirements.
Label visibility — keep a list instead
Licensees/permittees must store containers so markings are visible unless they maintain and make available for inspection an accurate, complete, and updated list of all explosive materials on a pallet or in a stacked group. ATF will rescind ATF Ruling 2010-2 when the final rule is effective and incorporate this list option into the regulation.
Clear outside-magazine rules (50 ft and 25 ft)
The proposal requires maintaining a 25-foot perimeter free of rubbish, brush, and dry grass around outdoor magazines, allows temporary parking of transport vehicles near magazines for loading/unloading, and requires that unpacking or repacking of metal explosive containers occur outside a magazine at least 50 feet from the magazine. Smoking, open flames, spark- or flame-producing devices, and volatile materials (except fuel in temporarily parked vehicular magazines) are prohibited within 50 feet of any outdoor magazine.
Move-but-don't-store equipment inside magazines
Inside magazines, licensees/permittees must use non-sparking tools and cleaning utensils and may use forklifts, pallet jacks, and similar equipment to safely move explosives. However, the rule also states that forklifts, pallet jacks, and similar equipment may not be stored in magazines.
Recordkeeping change and PRA burden increase
The rule would incorporate into Sec. 555.212 the ATF requirement that licensees/permittees keep an accurate, complete, and updated list of explosive materials on pallets or stacked groups when container markings are not visible, revising the information collection under OMB control number 1140-0030. ATF estimates 9,096 respondents, adding 0.1667 hours per respondent and 1,516 industry burden hours annually (raising the total to 116,126 hours).
No significant economic impact certification
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Director certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, stating the rule is deregulatory, reduces time and compliance burdens, and creates no costs or barriers to entry.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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