SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALL FEDERAL EXPLOSIVES LICENSEES AND PERMITTEES

The purpose of this letter is to ask that you continue to be vigilant in light of heightened security concerns regarding possible terrorist activity involving explosives. All precautions should continue to be taken to prevent explosives from falling into the hands of those who would use them to harm others.

It is especially important to be extra-vigilant during the Fourth of July holiday. Symbolism is an important aspect of terrorism, and large gatherings of people at parades and other events provide a target-rich environment for terrorist bombers.

We would like to remind you that anyone purchasing or receiving explosive materials is required to have a license, user permit, or a new intrastate limited permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The newly created limited permit will allow the purchaser to receive explosive materials on no more than six occasions during the period of the permit; however unlike a user permit or license, the limited permit will not allow the holder to ship, transport, receive, or possess explosive materials outside his or her State of residence. These receipts will be tracked by ATF by using a coupon system. The limited permittee must furnish the dealer with a valid ATF F 5400.30, Intrastate Purchase of Explosives Coupon (IPEC).

We also ask that if you have sold explosive materials within the last several months under suspicious or unusual circumstances, or which in hindsight now appear suspicious, please report these activities to your nearest ATF and local law enforcement offices immediately.

In addition to the above, we remind you of the steps outlined in our earlier advisory to the explosives industry, and we ask that you take appropriate action. Once again, these steps are:

1. Maintain a correct and current full inventory of all explosive items in your possession.
   
   
2. Report any indication of shortages, losses, or theft of any explosive items to ATF immediately
   at 1-888-ATF-BOMB. Report any stolen, lost, or destroyed Intrastate Purchase of Explosives
   Coupons (IPEC). Remember to submit ATF Form 5400.5, Theft or Loss Explosive of Materials.
   
   
3. Immediately report any indication of break-ins or attempted break-ins of any explosive magazine.
   
   
4. Report any suspicious IPEC's.

Please keep the ATF hotline number (1-888-ATF-BOMB) available at your premises for immediate use should any of the above concerns arise. Should you have any questions regarding this memorandum, please contact the Public Safety Branch at (202) 927-2310.

Sincerely yours,

John P. Malone
Assistant Director
(Firearms, Explosives and Arson)