Base
Proposed RuleOpen for Comment2026-089172026-05-06

Clarifying Delivery to a Common or Contract Carrier When Transporting Firearms

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

Abstract

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that, for purposes of the Gun Control Act of 1968, a person who travels aboard a common or contract carrier while in possession of a firearm or ammunition is not considered to have "delivered" or "caused to be delivered" said firearm or ammunition to the common or contract carrier, provided that the person possesses and maintains direct control over the firearm or ammunition for the duration of the trip.

Action & Dates

Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Dates
Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) August 4, 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 munitionsExportsFreightImportsIntergovernmental relationsLaw enforcement officersMilitary personnelPenaltiesReporting and recordkeeping requirementsResearchSeizures and forfeituresTransportation

Public Comment

Comments Close
2026-08-04 — 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 478 [Docket No. ATF-2026-0007; ATF No. 2025R-23P] RIN 1140-AA84 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”) proposes amending Department of Justice (“Department”) regulations to clarify that, for purposes of the Gun Control Act of 1968, a person who travels aboard a common or contract carrier while in possession of a firearm or ammunition is not considered to have “delivered” or “caused to be delivered” said firearm or ammunition to the common or contract carrier, provided that the person possesses and maintains direct control over the firearm or ammunition for the duration of the trip. DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing, and must be submitted on or before (or, if mailed, must be postmarked on or before) August 4, 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: Comments may be submitted, identified by RIN 1140-AA84, by either of the following methods— Federal e-rulemaking portal: https://www.regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: ATF Rulemaking Comments; Mail Stop 6N-518, Office of Regulatory Affairs; Enfo

Read full document on FederalRegister.gov →

Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 24395