Federal Register #RIN 1140AA95

ATF Proposed Rule: Firearm Records Retention Periods for Federal Firearms Licensees

This opportunity is a proposed regulatory change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding firearm records retention: - Government Buyer: - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being purchased; the rule affects recordkeeping practices for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) - Notable Requirements: - Proposes to set a defined retention period (either 20 or 30 years) for FFLs' acquisition and disposition (A&D) records, replacing the current indefinite retention requirement - Introduces brief retention periods for forms related to private-party firearm transfers and voluntary firearm handler checks - Requires records to be maintained at the business premises, in paper or approved electronic format, and accessible for inspection - Applies nationwide to all FFLs - No contract value, product line items, or service line items are associated with this regulatory action

Description

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes to amend Department of Justice regulations to establish specific records retention periods for federal firearms licensees' acquisition and disposition records and for records received by the National Tracing Center. The proposal considers retention periods of either 20 or 30 years instead of indefinite retention. Additionally, a brief retention period is proposed for forms used to facilitate private-party transfers or voluntary firearm handler checks. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by August 4, 2026.

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