ATF: Firearms Accessory Classifications Immediate Changes

Effective Immediately:

USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) classifies firearms as defined by the Gun Control Act (GCA) and National Firearms Act (NFA) based on the configuration and the design features of the firearm as submitted by members of the industry.

Effective immediately, any requests for a determination on how an accessory affects the classification of a firearm under the GCA or NFA must include a firearm with the accessory already installed. Except in cases of conditional import determinations, FTISB will not issue a determination on an accessory unless it is attached to the submitted firearm.

If you have previously submitted a sample accessory for classification, FTISB will be returning your sample without classification. FTISB will contact you in the near future with further instructions to facilitate the return of your sample.

Comments by Adam Kraut,

“[this] begs an important question that a number of people likely have. If ATF determines that the accessory alters the classification of the firearm, say a pistol to SBR or AOW, will that person or company be subject to criminal charges? In the past, when an item altered a firearms status, ATF would return the item if the submitter had the appropriate SOT that would allow them to manufacture NFA firearms. If the person did not, ATF would not return the accessory. To date, the author has not seen any cases where someone was prosecuted as a result of such a classification.:

“Given this Administration’s push for a ban on bump stocks, the timing of this change is…curious.”

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearms industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

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