Base
Proposed RuleOpen for Comment2026-089112026-05-06

Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions

Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau

Abstract

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is proposing to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to remove the existing, outdated list of proscribed countries from which ATF denies applications to permanently import defense articles and services and update it to reference a Department of State list of proscribed countries. The rule also proposes to remove the list of former Soviet countries from which ATF currently denies applications to permanently import most firearms and ammunition, leaving only the Russian Federation as the proscribed country of origin for these imports.

Action & Dates

Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Dates
Comments must be submitted in writing on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) July 6, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the federal e-rulemaking portal comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period.

CFR References

Topics

Administrative practice and procedureArms and munitionsChemicalsCustoms duties and inspectionImportsPenaltiesReporting and recordkeeping requirementsScientific equipmentSeizures and forfeitures

Public Comment

Comments Close
2026-07-06 — Open for comment

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 27 CFR Part 447 [Docket No. ATF-2026-0232; ATF No. 2025R-04P] RIN 1140-AA91 AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) is proposing to amend Department of Justice (“Department”) regulations to remove the existing, outdated list of proscribed countries from which ATF denies applications to permanently import defense articles and services and update it to reference a Department of State list of proscribed countries. The rule also proposes to remove the list of former Soviet countries from which ATF currently denies applications to permanently import most firearms and ammunition, leaving only the Russian Federation as the proscribed country of origin for these imports. DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) July 6, 2026. Commenters should be aware that the federal e-rulemaking portal comment system will not accept comments after midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 1140-AA91, by either of the following methods— Federal e-rulemaking portal: https://www.regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. ( printed page 24388) Mail: ATF Rulemaking Comments; Mail Stop 6

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Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 24387