Explosives Industry Programs Branch
Receive Explosives Industry UpdatesBranch Responsibilities
The Explosives Industry Programs Branch (EIPB) is responsible for the classification of explosive materials (27 CFR 555.202) and the interpretation of the regulations codified under 27 CFR, Part 555. The EIPB is also responsible for issuing rulings, determinations, opinions, and variances relating to explosives. In addition, the EIPB issues the List of Explosives on an annual basis, the Explosives Newsletter, and special notices on an as needed basis.
EIPB serves as the primary point of contact for other Governmental agencies for explosives regulatory issues. It participates in liaison activities such as industry seminars, training presentations for industry symposiums, and workshops.
EIPB develops and maintains relationships with explosives industry associations such as the Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME), the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA), the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI), the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), and the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).
Finally, EIPB includes the Explosives Relief of Disabilities Section (EROD), which handles questions and comments related to the application for restoration of explosives privileges. The section is also responsible for maintaining these applications and for coordinating background investigations with ATF’s special agents.
For any comments or answers to questions, please contact the EIPB at 202-648-7120. For questions regarding Relief of Disabilities, please contact the EROD section at 202-648-7110. Questions for both the EIPB and EROD can also be e-mailed to EIPB@atf.gov. Please put “EROD” in the subject line for all EROD questions.
Important Links
Relief from Disabilities
Click here.Federal Explosives Laws
Safe Explosives Act Information
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Implementation of the Safe Explosives Act - Interim Rule (03/20/03)
Common and Contract Carriers No Longer Have to Complete an Explosives Delivery Record Form (9/11/03)
The Department of Justice issued an interim rule today removing the requirement that common or contract carriers taking possession of explosive materials for delivery to a licensee or permittee complete ATF Form 5400.8 (Explosives Delivery Record) prior to taking possession of explosive materials. Read entire text- Recent Regulations Issued by the Department of Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration on Commercial Transportation of Explosives (8/11/03)
On May 2, 2003, and on June 9, 2003, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) promulgated three interim final rules and a notice generally exempting from 18 U.S.C. § 842(i) the transporting, shipping, receiving, and possessing of explosives incident to and in connection with the commercial transport of explosives by motor carrier, water, and air and rail. Read entire text.
- Explosives Transportation Issues Related to the Safe Explosives Act
On February 3, 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the Department of Transportation (DOT), issued a regulation regarding the transportation of explosives by commercial motor vehicles and railroads. See 68 Fed. Reg. 6083 (February 6, 2003) (to be codified at 49 C.F.R. pt. 1572). The regulation sets forth rules for the lawful commercial transportation of explosives into the United States from Canada by railroad and commercial motor carrier not using United States citizens or lawful permanent residents as drivers or railroad crews (2/11/03). Read entire text.
- Recent Regulations Issued by the Department of Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration on Commercial Transportation of Explosives (8/11/03)
Important Interpretation Letters Click here.
Rulings
- 2007-3 Preloading and Temporary Storage of Blasting Agents on Bulk Delivery Vehicles
- 2007-2 Temporary Storage of Display Fireworks
- 2007-1 Maintaining Required Explosives Records in Computerized Form
- 2006-1 Temporary Emergency Variations from the Explosives Marking Requirements
- 2005-3 - Meaning of Term 'Inhabited Building'
- 2005-2 Meaning of Term "Highway"
- 2004-3 Locking Requirements for Indoor Type 4 Storage Magazines; Alternate Methods or Procedures; Emergency Variations from Requirements
- 2003-5 Distribution of Explosives to Limited Permittees
- 2002-4 Indoor Storage of Explosives in Business Premises Directly Adjacent to a Residence or Dwelling
- 2002-3 Indoor Storage of Explosives in a Residence or Dwelling
Special Notices and Open Letters to the Industry
- Advisory Notice to All Explosives Industry Members - 2/26/09
- Open Letter To All Federal Explosives Licensees And Federal Explosives Permittees - 8/29/08
- Open Letter to All Fireworks Licensees and Permittees - 6/04/08
- Open Letter 040507 - Preparing for Natural Disasters – 4/05/07
- Special Notice 091605 - Hurricane Katrina Damaged Areas
- Special Notice 070704 - "Be Aware" and "Be Secure" Campaigns
- Open Letter 070704 - Be Aware for America
- Special Notice 062703 - Vigilance During Fourth of July Holiday
- Open Letter 051903 - Provisions of the Safe Explosives Act
- Open Ruling 021203 - Proposed Rulemaking NPRM 968
- Special Notice 112902 - New Requirement for Responsible Persons
- Open Letter 112902 - To Blasting/Mining Educators
- Open Letter 112902 - Provisions of Safe Explosives Act
- Special Notice 052102 - Vigilance During Memorial Day and July Fourth Holidays
- Special Notice 091901 - Report Suspicious Activity at 1-888-ATF-BOMB
Requesting Variances, Exemptions, and Determinations Click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- General QA
- Licenses and Permits QA
- Storage QA (Updated 12/01/03)
- Scenario QA
- Questions and Answers - Hobby Rocket Motors (8/09/04)
- Questions and Answers Update - Hobby Rocket Motors (2/21/06)
Publications
- ATF P 5400.7, Federal Explosives Law and Regulations
- ATF P 5400.15 - Safety and Security Information for Federal Explosives Licensees and Permittees
- Explosives Newsletters
Applications and Forms Click here.
Federal Explosives Licensing Center Click here.
State Fire Marshals Click here.