ATF proposed defining “willfully” for certain Gun Control Act enforcement actions as intentional conduct undertaken with actual knowledge that the conduct is unlawful. The proposal also addresses when a licensee or responsible person could be treated as willful based on an employee’s violation. This standard is proposed, not a final change to enforcement rules. The public comment deadline was August 6, 2026.
ATF proposed easing its prior-notice and approval process for interstate transport of certain registered NFA firearms. Under the proposal, short-term domestic transport of 365 days or less would no longer require advance notice and approval; longer transport or permanent relocation would still require notice but not waiting for approval. The proposal does not itself change current requirements. Comments closed August 6, 2026.
ATF proposed changing the regulatory definition of firearm “importation” to exclude items entering customs-bonded warehouses, as it already does for foreign-trade zones. The proposal would also remove the condition that items in those facilities be brought in only for storage. It would not waive customs requirements. This is a proposal, not an effective exemption; comments closed August 6, 2026.
ATF proposed amending regulations governing Form 4473. The proposal covers identity and residence verification, the post-NICS transaction timeframe, electronic forms and notices, auto-population, attached identification copies, private-party transfers, and other revisions. These are proposed changes, not current requirements from this notice. Its public comment period closed August 6, 2026; licensees should continue following the applicable current form and rules unless a final change takes effect.
ATF issued a Paperwork Reduction Act notice for a proposed revision to the Form 4473 information collection, OMB Control No. 1140-0020. The notice describes a reorganized, shorter proposed form, revised questions and identification-document handling, and estimated completion burden. It is an information-collection notice, not an instruction to begin using a new form. The comment deadline stated in the notice was July 7, 2026.
ATF proposed removing the requirement to send a copy of specified NFA making or transfer applications, and applicable responsible-person forms, to the local chief law enforcement officer. This is a proposed change, not an effective removal of the notice requirement from this notice. Comments closed July 6, 2026. ATF’s later October 9 open letter separately addresses approval and registration enforcement for certain $0-tax NFA items.
ATF proposed allowing makers of NFA firearms to use certain markings already placed on a firearm to satisfy NFA marking requirements, instead of duplicating them. The details and eligibility depend on the text of the proposed rule. This is not an effective blanket waiver of marking duties. Comments closed July 6, 2026.
ATF proposed clarifying that reasonably necessary stops during interstate firearm transport—such as lodging, fuel, food, maintenance, emergencies, medical care, and transfers between travel modes—can remain part of protected transport under the Gun Control Act. The proposal also discusses ammunition, accessories, and securing firearms in transit. It is not a final change to federal or state transport law. Comments closed August 4, 2026.
ATF proposed clarifying that a person riding on a common or contract carrier has not “delivered” a firearm or ammunition to the carrier for Gun Control Act purposes if the person retains possession and direct control throughout the trip. The proposal does not itself change current carrier policies or transportation requirements. Comments closed August 4, 2026.
ATF proposed removing additional regulatory definitions and rebuttable presumptions adopted to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s “engaged in the business” dealer definition. The statutory definition would remain. This is a proposed rollback, not a final repeal of licensing requirements. Comments closed August 4, 2026.
ATF proposed adding regulatory text describing conduct prohibited as a straw purchase and clarifying the duties of buyers and FFLs. The proposal discusses false statements about the actual purchaser and distinctions involving bona fide gifts and transfers to prohibited persons. Existing federal law and court decisions continue to govern; this notice is a proposal, not a new final rule. Comments closed August 4, 2026.
ATF published a direct final rule on May 6, 2026 that would have let a transferring FFL verify another FFL through ATF eZ Check instead of obtaining a certified license copy. ATF received adverse comments and withdrew the rule effective July 6, before its planned August 4 effective date. This May notice is historical and did not create an operative alternative. See ATF’s withdrawal notice, Federal Register document 2026-13585, for the controlling update.