Federal Register #2026-08914

ATF Proposed Rule Exempting Training Rounds from Ammunition Regulations

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), part of the Department of Justice, is proposing a regulatory change regarding the importation of training rounds: - Government Buyer: - Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) - Office of Regulatory Affairs - No specific OEMs, vendors, or commercial products are named, as this is a regulatory clarification rather than a procurement request. - Products/Services Affected: - Training rounds (fully assembled) - Defined as rounds not designed for offensive or defensive combat and not used in devices that constitute weapons - Exempted from the definition of "ammunition" under 27 CFR part 478 - Notable Requirements and Impacts: - Training rounds will no longer require ATF import forms (Form 6, part I, or Form 6A) for importation - The rule distinguishes training rounds from less-than-lethal ammunition, which remains regulated - Approximately 1,666 Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) importers and two domestic manufacturers may be affected - The rule clarifies the definition of business premises for regulatory purposes - Expected to reduce regulatory burdens and costs for importers and manufacturers - No contract value, quantities, or part numbers are specified, as this is not a procurement action.

Description

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes amending Department of Justice regulations to clarify that certain training rounds do not meet the definition of "ammunition" as defined by the Gun Control Act and are not regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. This proposed rule would allow importers to import training rounds without needing to complete ATF import forms, increasing flexibility and reducing regulatory burdens. The rule distinguishes training rounds from less-than-lethal ammunition, which will still generally be considered ammunition. Comments on the proposal must be submitted by August 4, 2026.

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