ATF Eases Explosives Rules: Less Hauling, More On-Site Kaboom Safety
Published Date: 9/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The ATF is updating rules about how explosives must be stored, making it easier and safer for people who handle them on-site. They’re adding new exceptions for testing, quick use, and special tools, while removing some old limits. These changes aim to cut down on moving explosives around, boost safety, and simplify storage without extra costs. Comments on the proposal are open until November 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Storage exceptions expanded for on-site work
ATF proposes to expand when explosives do not have to be kept in locked magazines by adding a testing exception, allowing items "designated for imminent use" or "awaiting imminent transport," and removing the rule that the materials must be physically handled or only be transported to sites where they will be used or stored. The change applies to licensees/permittees and is intended to let explosives remain in secure delivery vehicles or other supervised locations while awaiting short-term use.
Perforating-gun storage rules loosened
ATF would incorporate the 2010 perforating gun variance into the regulation, remove the 200-gun outdoor limit from the 2010 ruling, and allow storing more than 50 pounds of perforating guns indoors if the storage complies with the applicable ATF distance table and other safety conditions. This change targets operators who use perforating guns (commonly in oil and gas well operations) and removes the need to request a variance in many cases.
Type 3 magazine requirement removed
ATF proposes to eliminate the regulatory requirement to use type 3 temporary attended magazines (removing 27 CFR 555.203(c) and 555.209), meaning licensees/permittees would no longer be required by ATF to buy or use type 3 magazines for temporary on-site storage. ATF estimates about 980 new licensees/permittees per year would avoid purchasing an average IME 22-compliant type 3 magazine costing about $500, producing roughly $490,000 in first-year savings and about $4.90 million in undiscounted savings over ten years.
Fewer moves reduce accident and theft risk
ATF states that allowing explosives to remain in secure, attended vehicles or supervised locations during testing, imminent use, or imminent transport will reduce how often explosives must be moved, which the agency says lowers the chance of accidental initiation and theft. ATF expects these public-safety benefits to accrue while still requiring locked magazines when explosives are not within the excepted activities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19691, Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements
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.
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