An ATF proposed rule would let eligible manufacturers register National Firearms Act firearms within 15 days after the items fall out of a U.S. government contract. Comments are due September 4, 2026.

ATF says manufacturers currently receive relief from registering NFA firearms made for or on behalf of the government, but the regulations do not provide a general mechanism to register those firearms later. Without a variance, items that leave a contract may have to be destroyed or exported.

The proposal would also put ATF's existing registration relief and request-letter process into the regulations. It is aimed at manufacturers, not individual owners, and other NFA and Gun Control Act requirements, including applicable marking and recordkeeping rules, would remain in place.