ATF LICENSE OR PERMIT TO BE REQUIRED
FOR ALL PURCHASES OF EXPLOSIVES
Provision of Safe Explosives Act Takes Effect May 24, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Anyone purchasing or receiving explosives on or after May 24, 2003, will be required to have either a permit or a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The new permit requirement of the Safe Explosives Act applies to all receipts of explosives, including those within the purchaser's state of residence.

Many users of explosives are familiar with the new requirements, and ATF has been working closely with the explosives, mining, and pyrotechnics industries in an effort to make the public aware of these new regulations. However, ATF issued the reminder because some users who previously purchased and used explosives in their own states, and were not previously required to obtain permits, may not be aware that they are now required to do so.

People who fall into this category, such as farmers, construction companies, land management enterprises and those who put on fireworks displays, will be required to have a Federal explosives license or permit before they can receive explosives. As has always been the case, people intending to receive or transport any explosives across a state line must have an ATF license or permit in order to do so.

For people with only a limited need for explosives, and who acquire and use them within their state of residence, an ATF limited permit will allow them to acquire explosives beginning May 24, 2003. Limited permits cost $25 the first year and may be renewed for $12 each additional year. Such permits allows the holder to receive explosives up to six times a year in their state of residence.

ATF has proposed to exempt certain explosive pest control devices from the requirements of the law, and anticipates publishing a final rule on that issue in the near future.

Under the Safe Explosives Act, ATF has 90 days from the receipt of a completed application to process the application. This includes background checks of applicants, their responsible persons (officers, directors, etc.) and employee possessors. Therefore, anyone planning professional fireworks shows and displays for the Fourth of July and Labor Day should apply as soon as possible.

People who purchase display fireworks, or any other regulated explosive materials, prior to May 24, 2003, may not lawfully accept delivery of those materials after that date without a valid license or permit issued by ATF.

Cities, towns or other political subdivisions are exempt from the ATF permit requirements. However, all persons, including cities, towns and other political subdivisions, must store any explosive materials in accordance with the requirements contained in Subpart K-Storage, Part 555.201-217, in ATF Federal Explosives Regulations. The regulations are titled Commerce in Explosives, ATF Explosive Regulations, 27 CFR, Part 555 (previously known as Part 55).

For more information about the Safe Explosives Act, visit the ATF web site at www.atf.gov. If you still have questions regarding the new requirements, you may call the ATF Public Safety Branch at (202) 927-2310

In order to obtain a Federal explosives license or permit, contact the National Explosives Licensing Center (NELC) at (404) 417-2750. You may also contact the NELC via e-mail at NLClicenseapplication@atf.gov. The e-mail should contain "Request for Application Package" in the subject line.

Those who do not have access to the web may request applications by mail at:

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