Implementing the Safe Explosives Act

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 555 [ATF No. 2002R-341F] RIN 1140-AA00 and 1140-AA20 ( printed page 61074) AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) is finalizing two Department of Justice (“Department”) interim final rules (“IFRs”) implementing the Safe Explosives Act. This rule formally ends those rules' interim status, responds to public comments from 2003 on the IFRs, rescinds ATF Ruling 2003-5 issued in response to IFR comments, and makes certain revisions to IFR provisions in response to the comments. They clarify when federal licensees/permittees must report changes in responsible persons and authorized employees; eliminate verifying identity of persons accepting delivery on behalf of distributees; and amend regulatory exemption language governing aspects of transporting explosive materials. DATES: This rule is effective October 26, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Regulatory Affairs, by email at ORA@atf.gov , by mail at Office of Regulatory Affairs; Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Department of Justice; 99 New York Avenue NE; Washington, DC 20226; or by telephone at (202) 648-7070. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Executive Summary II. Background III. Analysis of Comment…