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NFA update

ATF's 2026 Rule Package: What's Final, What's Proposed, What's Next

By , EditorUpdated How we verifyEditorial standards

DOJ and ATF announced a package of 34 final and proposed rules on April 29, 2026 (justice.gov release No. 26-417, with a matching ATF release). The Federal Register published 21 of them on May 6 and 13 on May 8. Five are final rules, two are direct final rules and 27 are proposed rules (NPRMs). Every NPRM comment period in the package has closed, the latest on August 6, 2026. As of November 5, 2026, we found no final rule adopting any of those proposals in the ATF documents we pulled from the Federal Register, and the Federal Register public inspection list showed no firearm items that day.

Answer first (as of November 7, 2026)

  • What changed: Nothing in the 34-rule table below. On Nov. 7 the Federal Register showed no ATF document published after Sept. 25, 2026, and no Federal Register document mentioning "short-barreled" since Oct. 1. The big NFA change of 2026 was not a rule: on Oct. 9 ATF's Director issued an open letter that ended ATF approval and registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and AOWs as a matter of enforcement discretion (court case explained).
  • Who it covers: The letter says its policies "apply uniformly to anyone otherwise subject to these requirements, not just to the plaintiffs in the litigation." Each rule in the table covers the people named in its row.
  • What did NOT change: The letter lists five limits: special (occupational) taxes on businesses still apply; machine guns and destructive devices keep the full NFA process and $200 tax; the Gun Control Act's prohibited-person, recordkeeping and background-check rules stay; interstate transport of SBRs and SBSs still calls for a Form 20, and ATF says it is working on regulations so dealers can transfer them under the Gun Control Act (no such rule was in the Federal Register on Nov. 7), and in the meantime will not enforce 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(4); and state and local laws are not affected.
  • State laws: Each state decides what its own law means for an item that is no longer federally registered. See Florida (Attorney General memorandum of Nov. 6, 2026: law-abiding residents may possess SBRs and SBSs without NFA approval or registration; his interpretation of state law, not a statute, and Form 20 still applies), Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska and Ohio, where our SBR guides cover attorney general statements (each state decides for itself), or the state NFA checker for all 50.

Sources: ATF open letter of Oct. 9, 2026. ATF's own site returns HTTP 403 to automated fetches, so we read the open letter text from the Internet Archive's Oct. 22, 2026 capture of the atf.gov PDF (capture; original atf.gov). Federal Register API queries run Nov. 7, 2026. Florida: the Attorney General's verified X post carrying the signed memorandum. This box is the only part of the page updated on Nov. 7; the table keeps its Nov. 5 status date.

What this page is. A status table for the 34 documents, built from the Federal Register's own record of each one. The one-sentence summaries come from each document's abstract. A proposed rule is not in effect. We link every document so you can read the text yourself.

All 34 rules, with status

Listed in Federal Register order. Titles are the official Federal Register titles. Every date is 2026. The Form 4473 proposal (2026-09182) has a related information-collection notice, 2026-09183 (91 FR 25448, OMB 1140-0020), with comments to July 7, 2026. That notice is not one of the 34.

#RuleTypeFR doc / citationPublishedComments closed / effectiveStatus (as of Nov. 5, 2026)Federal Register
1Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions
Would replace the list of proscribed countries for defense-article import denials with a reference to a Department of State list, and leave only the Russian Federation as the proscribed country of origin for most firearm and ammunition imports.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08911
91 FR 24387		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
2Removing CLEO Notification Under the National Firearms Act
Would remove the requirement to forward a copy of NFA make and transfer applications to the chief law enforcement officer of the applicant's locality.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08912
91 FR 24471		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
3Importing Training Rounds
Would clarify that certain training rounds are not "ammunition" under the Gun Control Act and are not regulated by the Arms Export Control Act; less-than-lethal ammunition would still generally be ammunition.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08914
91 FR 24400		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
4Allowing Makers To Adopt Certain Markings for National Firearms Act Firearms
Would let people who make NFA firearms adopt certain markings already placed on the firearm to meet NFA marking requirements.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08915
91 FR 24466		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
5Clarifying Interstate Transportation of Firearms Under the Gun Control Act
Would clarify that activities reasonably necessary to transportation, such as overnight stays and stops for food or fuel, count as "transport" under the Gun Control Act's interstate transport provision, and would address transporting ammunition and accessories and securing firearms.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08916
91 FR 24441		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
6Clarifying Delivery to a Common or Contract Carrier When Transporting Firearms
Would clarify that a person who travels aboard a common or contract carrier and keeps direct control of a firearm or ammunition has not "delivered" it to the carrier.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08917
91 FR 24395		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
7Clarifying Exceptions to the Brady Act Background Check Requirement
Would clarify when a state firearms permit meets the Gun Control Act requirements as an alternative to a NICS check.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08918
91 FR 24436		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
8Revising Regulations Defining “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms
Would remove the Department's added definitions and examples, including the rebuttable presumptions, from the 2024 "engaged in the business" regulations. See the section below.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08919
91 FR 24424		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
9Removing Triplicate Filing Requirement for Importing Plastic Explosives
Removes the requirement to submit the attestation for importing plastic explosives in triplicate.		Final rule2026-08920
91 FR 24364		May 6, 2026Effective June 5, 2026Final rule; effective June 5, 2026Read
10Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act
Would define "component," "accessories and attachments" and "part" for permanent imports under the Arms Export Control Act.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08921
91 FR 24392		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
11Firearms Transactions and Straw Purchases
Would clarify the conduct prohibited by federal law as a straw purchase.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08922
91 FR 24448		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
12Clarifying Special (Occupational) Tax Payments Per Business Activity
Would clarify that a licensee pays one special (occupational) tax per business activity (manufacturing, importing or dealing), not one per license.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08923
91 FR 24478		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
13Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers
Would have let licensees verify a transferee licensee through ATF's public "FFL eZ Check" system instead of getting a certified copy of the license.		Direct final rule2026-08924
91 FR 24357		May 6, 2026Comments to June 5, 2026; would have taken effect August 4, 2026Direct final rule withdrawn July 6, 2026 (2026-13585, 91 FR 40879): "Due to receiving adverse comments"Read
14Definition of Business Premises
Would clarify that "business premises" includes properties that adjoin each other, or are adjacent and adjoin the same parking lot, sidewalk or road.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08925
91 FR 24408		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
15Revising Machine Gun Definition in Response to Supreme Court Decision
Removes the two sentences that put bump stocks into the three regulatory definitions of "machine gun," in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Garland v. Cargill.		Final rule2026-08926
91 FR 24348		May 6, 2026Effective May 6, 2026Final rule; effective May 6, 2026Read
16Export Control Reform-Conforming References to Department of Commerce
Makes administrative and technical revisions that add conforming references to the Department of Commerce for export and temporary import controls.		Direct final rule2026-08927
91 FR 24352		May 6, 2026Comments to June 5, 2026; effective July 6, 2026Direct final rule; effective July 6, 2026 (no withdrawal found)Read
17Transferring Machine Guns Between Qualified Licensees
Would simplify the procedure for transferring machine guns between qualified manufacturers, importers or dealers, for demonstrations to a government entity or when a licensee discontinues business.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08928
91 FR 24485		May 6, 2026Comments closed July 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 6, 2026Read
18Firearm Records Retention Periods
Would set a fixed retention period for licensees' acquisition and disposition records, rather than keeping them indefinitely; ATF is considering 20 or 30 years.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08929
91 FR 24413		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
19Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces”
Would remove the two paragraphs the 2023 final rule added to the regulatory definition of "rifle," which defined "designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder."		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08930
91 FR 24453		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
20Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application
Requires a NICS background check as part of approving an application to make an NFA firearm; ATF says it already does so. A correction was published May 26, 2026 (91 FR 30486).		Final rule2026-08931
91 FR 24362		May 6, 2026Effective May 6, 2026Final rule; effective May 6, 2026Read
21Selecting Biological Sex on ATF Forms
Would make clear that people select their biological sex under the question on "sex" when they complete ATF forms for firearms or explosives.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-08932
91 FR 24462		May 6, 2026Comments closed August 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 4, 2026Read
22Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act
Would let spouses file a joint application to make, transfer or receive, and register an NFA firearm.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09154
91 FR 25243		May 8, 2026Comments closed July 7, 2026Proposed; comment period closed July 7, 2026Read
23Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions
Updates NFA regulations to reflect the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reduced the tax remittance rate for certain NFA firearms.		Final rule2026-09155
91 FR 25112		May 8, 2026Effective June 10, 2026Final rule; effective June 10, 2026Read
24Revising Definitions of “Adjudicated as a Mental Defective” and “Committed to a Mental Institution”
Would update the definitions of "adjudicated as a mental defective" and "committed to a mental institution."		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09156
91 FR 25166		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
25Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements
Would let licensees make non-over-the-counter transfers while complying with background check requirements, and would add remote identity proofing and electronic notices to chief law enforcement officers.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09157
91 FR 25216		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
26Firearms Electronic Record-Keeping
Would let licensees generate, maintain and store records in an electronic record-keeping system.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09158
91 FR 25210		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
27Defining “Willfully” for Firearms Violations
Would define the term "willfully" in the regulations that implement the Gun Control Act.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09159
91 FR 25201		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
28Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Implements PATRIOT Improvement Act provisions on contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, including lowering the trigger from more than 60,000 to more than 10,000 cigarettes.		Final rule2026-09160
91 FR 25118		May 8, 2026Effective June 8, 2026Final rule; effective June 8, 2026Read
29Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act Firearms
Would end the requirement to give ATF notice and wait for approval before moving certain NFA firearms within the U.S. for 365 days or fewer, and would end the wait for approval after notice for longer-term transport or permanent relocation.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09161
91 FR 25229		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
30Firearm Activities in Foreign Trade Zones, Customs-Bonded Warehouses
Would exclude items brought into a customs-bonded warehouse from the Gun Control Act and NFA definition of "importation," as foreign-trade zones already are, and drop the "for storage" condition.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09162
91 FR 25237		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
31Importing Dual-Use Frames, Receivers, or Barrels
Would clarify that licensees may import dual-use frames, receivers or barrels if an identified firearm sporting configuration exists when imported.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09163
91 FR 25192		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
32Converting Temporary to Permanent Imports for Defense Articles
Would let importers apply to convert items imported temporarily to permanent imports without exporting and reimporting them.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09164
91 FR 25159		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
33Removing Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice
Would remove the requirement that licensees who deliver handguns to non-licensees post signs and give written notice under the Youth Handgun Safety Act.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09165
91 FR 25187		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read
34Revising Firearms Transaction Record, “Form 4473”
Would revise the Form 4473 regulations, including streamlining identity and residence verification, doubling the timeframe for completing a transaction after a NICS check, and permitting electronic forms and notice.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-09182
91 FR 25432		May 8, 2026Comments closed August 6, 2026Proposed; comment period closed August 6, 2026Read

"Engaged in the business": the 2024 rule ATF proposes to rescind

The one proposal in the package that revisits a 2024 rule is 2026-08919 (91 FR 24424, Docket ATF-2026-0074). Its abstract says ATF proposes to remove the Department's added definitions and examples of covered activities that "established rebuttable presumptions of being engaged in the business of dealing in firearms." It keeps what Congress wrote in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The abstract adds that ATF "has determined that the changes have not shown the expected impact on federal firearms licensee applications, administrative licensing actions, civil forfeitures, or other anticipated effects." Comments closed August 4, 2026.

ATF's own page for the 2024 rule carries an "Update as of May 6, 2026: ATF is revising regulatory changes it made to the definition of the 'engaged in the business' of dealing in firearms." The page identifies the 2024 rule as published at 89 FR 28968 (April 19, 2024). It also notes that in Texas et al. v. ATF, 2:24-cv-00089-Z (N.D. Tex.), the court issued a preliminary injunction on May 19, 2024. The page says the injunction restrains enforcement of that rule "against Plaintiffs Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Utah, Jeffery Tormey, the Gun Owners of America, Inc., the Gun Owners Foundation, the Tennessee Firearms Association, and the Virginia Citizens Defense League, pending the resolution of this lawsuit." It adds, "DOJ and ATF are complying with that order."

Other 2026 ATF and DOJ rules outside the package

These Federal Register documents were published separately in 2026. They are not part of the April 29 package. Two Sept. 25 explosives proposals are still open for comment.

RuleTypeFR doc / citationPublishedComments closed / effectiveStatus (as of Nov. 5, 2026)Federal Register
Revising Definition of “Unlawful User of or Addicted to Controlled Substance”
Updates the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance."		Interim final rule2026-01141
91 FR 2698		January 22, 2026Effective January 22, 2026; comments closed June 30, 2026Interim final rule; effective January 22, 2026; comment period closed June 30, 2026. The document says ATF will publish a final rule adopting the IFR, with or without changes. We found none in our pull.Read
Commerce in Explosives; 2026 Annual List of Explosive Materials
Publishes the 2026 List of Explosive Materials, which is the same as the 2025 list.		Notice2026-12492
91 FR 37142		June 22, 2026Effective June 22, 2026List effective June 22, 2026Read
Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
Would let manufacturers register NFA firearms "late" if they fall out of a U.S. Government contract.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-13586
91 FR 40944		July 6, 2026Comments closed September 4, 2026Proposed; comment period closed September 4, 2026Read
Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications
Would let applicants submit a copy of a photo ID instead of passport-style photographs, and would require one fingerprint card from individuals and Gun Control Act responsible persons.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-13587
91 FR 40924		July 6, 2026Comments closed October 5, 2026Proposed; comment period closed October 5, 2026Read
Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
Sets the Department of Justice criteria for granting relief from federal firearm disabilities; the Department began soliciting applications from individuals on that date.		Final rule (DOJ)2026-16981
91 FR 54054		August 20, 2026Effective September 21, 2026Final rule; effective September 21, 2026
DOJ opened the public application on November 4, 2026 and reached its 5,000-applicant limit the same day; the site is temporarily closed until January 2027, per DOJ. See federal firearm rights restoration: portal status.		Read
Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements
Would consolidate explosives magazine requirements from four regulatory sections into one.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-19691
91 FR 60920		September 25, 2026Comments due November 24, 2026Proposed; comment period open until November 24, 2026Read
Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives
Would revise the exceptions to the requirement that explosive materials be stored in locked magazines.		Proposed rule (NPRM)2026-19692
91 FR 60911		September 25, 2026Comments due November 24, 2026Proposed; comment period open until November 24, 2026Read
Implementing the Safe Explosives Act
Finalizes two interim final rules implementing the Safe Explosives Act.		Final rule2026-19693
91 FR 61074		September 25, 2026Effective October 26, 2026Final rule; effective October 26, 2026Read
Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority
Adds a requirement to give the local fire authority written notice every 12 months, and when storage ends.		Final rule2026-19694
91 FR 60803		September 25, 2026Effective October 26, 2026Final rule; effective October 26, 2026Read
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers
Authorizes licensees to use NICS for voluntary "firearm handler background checks" of eligible employees.		Final rule (DOJ)2026-21920
91 FR 67460		October 27, 2026Effective November 27, 2026Final rule; effective November 27, 2026Read

ATF's chief counsel is leaving

An ATF news release dated October 30, 2026 says ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider "has resigned from his position at ATF and is expected to return to his academic post as Assistant Professor of Law at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University." The release says he joined ATF in early 2025 and supported "the agency's development and release of more than 40 proposed and final rules." We have nothing beyond what the release says.

What this does not change: the Oct. 9 NFA guidance

ATF's October 9, 2026 NFA guidance is separate from this rule package. ATF's page says that under its guidance, ATF "will not enforce the requirements for individuals to apply and receive ATF approval before making or transferring" short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and "any other weapons," and will not enforce the NFA registration, tax-stamp or related requirements for those items. The page also says "The $200 tax remains in place for machine guns and destructive devices," and that the guidance "does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms." The guidance responds to Silencer Shop Found. v. ATF, No. 6:25-cv-056 (N.D. Tex. Aug. 5, 2026). Read ATF's Update to NFA Transfer Guidance and its open letter.

A proposed rule is not in effect. None of the 27 NPRMs above changes anything until a final rule is published. For the NFA side, see our NFA updates and Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF explained.

How to read a Federal Register notice
  • FR doc number: the document's ID, such as 2026-08919. It is also in the Federal Register web address.
  • Citation: volume and first page. "91 FR 24424" is volume 91, page 24424.
  • DATES section: near the top. For a proposed rule it gives the comment deadline. For a final rule it gives the effective date.
  • Docket number: the identifier for the rulemaking, such as ATF-2026-0074. Use it to find the record and comments.
  • Comment deadline: in these notices, the portal "will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period."
  • regulations.gov: the federal e-rulemaking portal where the notices direct comments and where dockets live.

Frequently asked questions

What were the April 29, 2026 ATF rule changes?
April 29, 2026 is the date of the announcement, not of the rules themselves. That day the Justice Department announced that DOJ and ATF were releasing that week 34 notices of final and proposed rulemaking, following a review under Executive Order 14206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. The documents themselves were published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2026 (21 documents) and May 8, 2026 (13 documents). Of the 34, 27 are proposed rules, 5 are final rules and 2 are direct final rules. The final rules include removing bump stocks from the regulatory definitions of "machine gun" after Garland v. Cargill (2026-08926) and changes to NFA tax remittance provisions (2026-09155). ATF later withdrew the eZ Check direct final rule. See the table above for every document and its status.
How many ATF rules did DOJ announce on April 29, 2026?
DOJ and ATF said they were releasing 34 notices of final and proposed rulemaking (justice.gov release No. 26-417). The Federal Register published 21 on May 6, 2026 and 13 on May 8, 2026. Five are final rules, two are direct final rules and 27 are proposed rules.
Which of the 34 ATF rules are in effect?
The five final rules took effect on their stated dates: the plastic explosives filing rule on June 5, the machine gun definition rule on May 6, the making-application NICS change on May 6, the NFA tax remittance rule on June 10 and the PATRIOT Act contraband cigarettes rule on June 8. One direct final rule, the Commerce references rule, was set to take effect July 6, and we found no withdrawal. A proposed rule is not in effect.
Can I still comment on the ATF proposed rules?
Not on the 27 proposals in the April 29 package. Their comment periods closed between July 6 and August 6, 2026. Two separate explosives proposals published September 25, 2026 stay open until November 24, 2026.
What is the NICS firearm handler background check rule?
FR Doc. 2026-21920, published October 27, 2026 and effective November 27, 2026, amends DOJ's NICS regulations so licensees (FFLs) can voluntarily run NICS background checks on eligible current or prospective employees, called firearm handler background checks. It applies to licensees' hiring, not to a customer's purchase.
What happened to the eZ Check direct final rule?
ATF withdrew it. A July 6, 2026 notice (2026-13585, 91 FR 40879) says "Due to receiving adverse comments" ATF was withdrawing the direct final rule published May 6, 2026.
What does ATF propose on "engaged in the business"?
ATF proposes to remove the Department's added definitions and examples of covered activities, including the rebuttable presumptions, from the 2024 regulations. It keeps the definition Congress wrote in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Comments closed August 4, 2026, and we found no final rule.
Does this rule package change the NFA tax or the Oct. 9 ATF guidance?
No. ATF's October 9, 2026 NFA guidance is separate. It covers enforcement for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and "any other weapons." ATF says the $200 tax remains for machine guns and destructive devices. See our <a href="/nfa-updates/">NFA updates</a>.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs: DOJ and ATF Announce Regulatory Reforms (release No. 26-417, April 29, 2026) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  2. ATF press release: DOJ and ATF Announce Regulatory Reforms (April 29, 2026) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  3. ATF: Final Rule: Definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a Dealer in Firearms (rule page with May 6, 2026 update) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  4. ATF press release: ATF chief counsel to return to George Mason University (Oct. 30, 2026) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  5. Federal Register: Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions (91 FR 24387, doc. 2026-08911) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  6. Federal Register: Removing CLEO Notification Under the National Firearms Act (91 FR 24471, doc. 2026-08912) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  7. Federal Register: Importing Training Rounds (91 FR 24400, doc. 2026-08914) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  8. Federal Register: Allowing Makers To Adopt Certain Markings for National Firearms Act Firearms (91 FR 24466, doc. 2026-08915) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  9. Federal Register: Clarifying Interstate Transportation of Firearms Under the Gun Control Act (91 FR 24441, doc. 2026-08916) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  10. Federal Register: Clarifying Delivery to a Common or Contract Carrier When Transporting Firearms (91 FR 24395, doc. 2026-08917) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  11. Federal Register: Clarifying Exceptions to the Brady Act Background Check Requirement (91 FR 24436, doc. 2026-08918) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  12. Federal Register: Revising Regulations Defining “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms (91 FR 24424, doc. 2026-08919) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  13. Federal Register: Removing Triplicate Filing Requirement for Importing Plastic Explosives (91 FR 24364, doc. 2026-08920) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  14. Federal Register: Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act (91 FR 24392, doc. 2026-08921) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  15. Federal Register: Firearms Transactions and Straw Purchases (91 FR 24448, doc. 2026-08922) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  16. Federal Register: Clarifying Special (Occupational) Tax Payments Per Business Activity (91 FR 24478, doc. 2026-08923) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  17. Federal Register: Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers (91 FR 24357, doc. 2026-08924) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  18. Federal Register: Definition of Business Premises (91 FR 24408, doc. 2026-08925) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  19. Federal Register: Revising Machine Gun Definition in Response to Supreme Court Decision (91 FR 24348, doc. 2026-08926) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  20. Federal Register: Export Control Reform-Conforming References to Department of Commerce (91 FR 24352, doc. 2026-08927) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  21. Federal Register: Transferring Machine Guns Between Qualified Licensees (91 FR 24485, doc. 2026-08928) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  22. Federal Register: Firearm Records Retention Periods (91 FR 24413, doc. 2026-08929) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  23. Federal Register: Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces” (91 FR 24453, doc. 2026-08930) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  24. Federal Register: Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application (91 FR 24362, doc. 2026-08931) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  25. Federal Register: Selecting Biological Sex on ATF Forms (91 FR 24462, doc. 2026-08932) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  26. Federal Register: Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act (91 FR 25243, doc. 2026-09154) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  27. Federal Register: Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions (91 FR 25112, doc. 2026-09155) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  28. Federal Register: Revising Definitions of “Adjudicated as a Mental Defective” and “Committed to a Mental Institution” (91 FR 25166, doc. 2026-09156) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  29. Federal Register: Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements (91 FR 25216, doc. 2026-09157) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  30. Federal Register: Firearms Electronic Record-Keeping (91 FR 25210, doc. 2026-09158) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  31. Federal Register: Defining “Willfully” for Firearms Violations (91 FR 25201, doc. 2026-09159) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  32. Federal Register: Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco (91 FR 25118, doc. 2026-09160) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  33. Federal Register: Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act Firearms (91 FR 25229, doc. 2026-09161) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  34. Federal Register: Firearm Activities in Foreign Trade Zones, Customs-Bonded Warehouses (91 FR 25237, doc. 2026-09162) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  35. Federal Register: Importing Dual-Use Frames, Receivers, or Barrels (91 FR 25192, doc. 2026-09163) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  36. Federal Register: Converting Temporary to Permanent Imports for Defense Articles (91 FR 25159, doc. 2026-09164) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  37. Federal Register: Removing Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice (91 FR 25187, doc. 2026-09165) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  38. Federal Register: Revising Firearms Transaction Record, “Form 4473” (91 FR 25432, doc. 2026-09182) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  39. Federal Register: Licensee "eZ Check" Verification for Transfers; Withdrawing Direct Final Rule (91 FR 40879, doc. 2026-13585) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  40. Federal Register: Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application, correction (91 FR 30486, doc. C1-2026-08931) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  41. Federal Register: Form 4473 information collection notice (91 FR 25448, doc. 2026-09183) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  42. Federal Register: Revising Definition of “Unlawful User of or Addicted to Controlled Substance” (91 FR 2698, doc. 2026-01141) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  43. Federal Register: Commerce in Explosives; 2026 Annual List of Explosive Materials (91 FR 37142, doc. 2026-12492) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  44. Federal Register: Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract (91 FR 40944, doc. 2026-13586) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  45. Federal Register: Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications (91 FR 40924, doc. 2026-13587) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  46. Federal Register: Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms (91 FR 54054, doc. 2026-16981) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  47. Federal Register: Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements (91 FR 60920, doc. 2026-19691) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  48. Federal Register: Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives (91 FR 60911, doc. 2026-19692) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  49. Federal Register: Implementing the Safe Explosives Act (91 FR 61074, doc. 2026-19693) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  50. Federal Register: Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority (91 FR 60803, doc. 2026-19694) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  51. Federal Register: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers (91 FR 67460, doc. 2026-21920) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  52. ATF: Update to NFA Transfer Guidance and FAQ (page last updated Oct. 16, 2026) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)
  53. ATF Open Letter on NFA transfers, effective Oct. 9, 2026 (PDF) (checked Nov. 4, 2026)

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GunReleases.com (The Release Desk), “ATF rule changes 2026: status of each rule,” updated Nov 7, 2026. https://gunreleases.com/nfa-updates/atf-rule-changes-2026/

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<a href="https://gunreleases.com/nfa-updates/atf-rule-changes-2026/">ATF rule changes 2026: status of each rule</a> — data by <a href="https://gunreleases.com/">GunReleases.com</a>, updated Nov 7, 2026, licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY 4.0</a>

License: our compiled tables and CSV file are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0): share and adapt them, including commercially, if you credit GunReleases.com, link to this page and note any changes. Download the CSV. The underlying third-party source data (for example from the ATF, the FBI NICS section, manufacturers, courts and state or federal officials, wherever a table cites them) belongs to its publishers and is not relicensed by us. Full terms: open data and how we track.