Federal Register #2026-09162

ATF Proposed Rule: Firearm Activities in Foreign Trade Zones and Customs-Bonded Warehouses

This notice announces a proposed regulatory change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding firearm activities in foreign trade zones and customs-bonded warehouses. - Government Buyer: - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice - Regulatory Change Details: - Proposes to amend the definition of "importation" under the Gun Control Act (GCA) and National Firearms Act (NFA) - Would exclude items brought into customs-bonded warehouses (CBWs) from GCA and NFA import requirements, similar to the current exclusion for foreign-trade zones (FTZs) - Removes the restriction that items may only be brought into FTZs and CBWs for storage - Does not exempt merchandise from applicable customs requirements - No procurement of products or services is involved - No OEMs, vendors, or specific products/services are mentioned - This is a notice of proposed rulemaking, not a solicitation or award

Description

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes amending the definition of "importation" in the implementing regulations for the Gun Control Act (GCA) and the National Firearms Act (NFA). The proposed rule aims to create an exclusion from the GCA and NFA's import requirements for items brought into a customs-bonded warehouse (CBW), in addition to the existing exclusion for a foreign-trade zone (FTZ). It also proposes to remove the condition that items may be brought into FTZs and CBWs only "for storage." The rule does not exempt merchandise from any applicable customs requirements. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by August 6, 2026.

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