Federal Register #ATF20260002

ATF Proposed Rule for Electronic Record-Keeping by Federal Firearms Licensees

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the Department of Justice, is proposing a regulatory change to modernize record-keeping for federal firearms licensees (FFLs): - The rule would allow FFLs to generate, maintain, and store required records electronically - Electronic systems must meet minimum standards for completeness, searchability, unalterability, and secure storage - Remote storage is permitted if servers or host facilities are located within the U.S. or its territories and subject to U.S. legal process - Regular data backups are required, and procedures for handling older paper records are outlined - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a regulatory proposal, not a procurement for products or services - The ATF is seeking public comment on the rule's clarity, costs, and benefits - Notable requirements include secure, accessible, and compliant electronic record-keeping, with options for remote storage and mandatory backup procedures

Description

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes amending Department of Justice regulations to authorize federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to generate, maintain, and store records in an electronic record-keeping system. The proposed rule aims to simplify and modernize record-keeping requirements, establish minimum standards for electronic systems, and allow remote storage of electronic data within the United States or its territories. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by August 6, 2026.

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