How BSI Firearms handles NFA items
Updated October 12, 2026
Our position, shared for transparency
This page explains how BSI Firearms is handling NFA items. It is our own position, not legal advice, and other dealers may be handling NFA items differently. For questions about your transfer or your state's laws, talk to your receiving dealer, ATF or an attorney.
What changed
On October 9, 2026, ATF announced it will no longer enforce the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax-stamp requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and certain "any other weapons." Machine guns and destructive devices are not affected. ATF's full release is below, word for word.
Our process is not changing
- As the originating dealer, BSI Firearms will keep sending NFA items to your dealer only on an approved ATF Form 3.
- Nothing ships until ATF approves the Form 3. NFA orders take 3 to 9 business days, and can run longer while the Form 3 is processed.
- A Form 3 transfer goes dealer to dealer, so your dealer must be a licensed FFL with Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status. ATF's guidance says businesses that deal in these items must still pay the SOT.
- This is back-end paperwork between us and your dealer. It doesn't change anything you need to do with us.
Your transfer is up to your dealer
Once the item reaches your dealer, how they transfer it to you (paperwork, background check, timing and fees) is up to them. We don't control that part, and not every dealer is handling it the same way. Please ask your receiving dealer how they are handling NFA transfers under the new guidance before you order.
State and local laws still apply. Some states still require registration or don't allow these items. Your dealer can tell you what applies where you live.
ATF's release, word for word
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
ATF Press Release
Headquarters
ATFMedia@atf.gov
For Immediate Release
Friday, October 9, 2026ATF issues guidance on National Firearms Act transfers for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors, and certain other firearms
WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today released an Open Letter and Frequently Asked Questions explaining how it will treat ownership, transfer, and transportation of the National Firearms Act firearms for which Congress eliminated the making and transfer taxes in the One Big Beautiful Bill.
The guidance follows an announcement by Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice will not appeal an August decision made by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which held that certain provisions of the NFA were unenforceable. In that decision, the court enjoined enforcement of those NFA provisions only for the plaintiffs in the suit; however, using the Department's enforcement discretion, the Attorney General in his announcement made the policy decision to apply the guidance to everyone, and not only to those covered by the injunction in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, No. 6:25-cv-056 (N.D. Tex.).
"The direction from the President, Congress, and the courts is clear," said ATF Director Rob Cekada. "ATF is now following suit with our enforcement posture while continuing to ensure we remain focused where we are needed the most: combatting violent crime in American communities."
Under ATF's guidance, ATF will not enforce the requirements for individuals to apply and receive ATF approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors (silencers), and certain other concealable firearms known in the law as "any other weapons." ATF also will not enforce the NFA's registration, tax-stamp or related requirements for those covered items. The $200 tax remains in place for machine guns and destructive devices. The NFA requirements apply in full to those weapons.
The guidance does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms. Because many state laws require individuals to register NFA firearms, ATF will continue to process NFA applications that are submitted. The guidance also does not affect the Gun Control Act's requirement to obtain ATF approval before transporting short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns in interstate commerce. Individuals may obtain that approval by filing a Form 20, whether or not the item is registered under the NFA.
Under the guidance, licensed dealers must still complete Form 4473s, run NICS background checks, keep records, and follow all other Gun Control Act requirements. Those engaged in the business are required to pay any special occupational tax. Individuals must also continue to comply with state law, which may be more restrictive.
ATF urges anyone with questions to closely read the frequently asked questions, available at atf.gov. Licensees and members of the public with questions may contact the Firearms Industry Programs Branch at FIPB@atf.gov.
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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
Links in ATF's release: Open Letter · Update to NFA Transfer Guidance
This page states BSI Firearms' own position, shared for transparency. It isn't legal advice, and other dealers may do things differently. For questions about your transfer or your state's laws, ask your receiving dealer, ATF or an attorney.