The
U.S. Bomb Data Center provides explosives tracing services to duly authorized
law enforcement agencies in the United States and those in many foreign
countries.
Tracing
is the systematic tracking of explosives from manufacturer to purchaser
(and/or possessor) for the purpose of aiding law enforcement officials
in identifying suspects involved in criminal violations, establishing
stolen status, and proving ownership. The creation of the National
Repository has achieved for these industries, as well as law
enforcement, the most proficient and productive method for researching
the movement of an explosive.
Explosives
manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retail dealers in the United
States and foreign countries cooperate in the tracing endeavor by
providing, on request, specific information from their records of
manufacture, importation, or sale. Because of its licensing authority,
ATF is the only Federal agency authorized access to these records.
The
National Explosives Tracing Center was established to aid law enforcement's
investigative endeavors. The staff of the
U.S. Bomb Data Center is available to assist with any questions you
may have.
REQUEST
FOR AN EXPLOSIVES TRACE
An
explosives trace request can be initiated through any ATF field office.
Federal, State, county, local, or foreign law enforcement agency requests
can be sent directly to the U.S. Bomb Data Center by fax (866) 927- 4570
or by contacting the staff representative at 1-800-461-8841. Regular business hours for The National Explosive
Tracing Center are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Monday
through Friday except on holidays.
During
non-duty hours or weekends, complete ATF F 7530.1 (Request for Explosive
Tracing) form and fax it to the U.S. Bomb Data Center
at (866) 927- 4570. Request will be processed the next working
day. In an event of an emergency, prepare the explosive trace request
and contact the Enforcement Operations Center (EOC) at 1-888-283-2662
for assistance and further instructions.
Do
not call the explosives manufacturers, as they will refer you to the
U.S. Bomb Data Center Branch, in accordance with ATF 0 3320.1D, Explosives
and Arson Enforcement Programs.
INFORMATION
REQUIRED FOR A TRACE
A.
General Information
![](graphics/form1.gif)
Priority (Urgent, Expedite, or Routine).
1.
Requesting agency.
2. Other Agency (Police, DOJ, etc.) Investigation number or case
number
3. Requesting agent, investigator, or officer.
4. Field office, agency, or office.
5. Telephone number.
6. Date/Time of request.
B.
Description of Explosive Material Section A
![](graphics/form2.gif)
7. Manufacturer's name.
8. Product name (e.g., Unigel, TNT, C-4, Primacord E-Cord)
9. Size (e.g., 1-1/8x8", 1,000-ft. roll, and 5-pound bag).
10. Date shift code, lot numbers, etc. (Very Important)
12. Place recovered and Quantity recovered.
Please provide any other information that may be
stenciled or any markings on the product. This information will
help expedite the tracing process. In some cases, pictures when
available, will assist identifying the product when other data
such as date shift code, lot numbers, and nomenclature are not
available. Pictures can be e-mailed or forwarded to the National
Repository for research purpose.
The tracing process will be initiated once the form
is received. Please include other Point of Contact's and number's
in the event that additional information is needed. The information
will be provided as soon as it's obtained from the manufacturer
and/or dealer.