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ATF immediately discontinues accessory classifications

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 9:14 am
by DispositionMatrix
Effective Immediately: Discontinuance of Accessory Classifications
The Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) classifies firearms as defined by the Gun Control Act (GCA) and National Firearms Act (NFA) based on the configuration and the design features of the firearm as submitted by members of the industry.

Effective immediately, any requests for a determination on how an accessory affects the classification of a firearm under the GCA or NFA must include a firearm with the accessory already installed. Except in cases of conditional import determinations, FTISB will not issue a determination on an accessory unless it is attached to the submitted firearm.

If you have previously submitted a sample accessory for classification, FTISB will be returning your sample without classification. FTISB will contact you in the near future with further instructions to facilitate the return of your sample.
ATF DISCONTINUES ACCESSORY CLASSIFICATIONS
Simply put, if an individual or company submits an accessory to ATF for classification and it is not attached to a firearm, they won’t be rendering any decisions on it. Some readers inquired what would happen in a case where the accessory made the firearm subject to the control of the NFA. In the past, ATF has returned those items to individuals or companies that hold the appropriate type of SOT. If the individual or company lacks the appropriate SOT, ATF has not returned the item. To the best of my knowledge, ATF has not previously charged any individuals with GCA or NFA violations for seeking a determination.

With ATF and DOJ expected to take regulatory action in the future, one has to wonder if this is in anyway related.

Re: ATF immediately discontinues accessory classifications

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 9:30 am
by Eris
I saw this, but I don't really understand what it means. Can anyone explain it to me in non-legalese?

Re: ATF immediately discontinues accessory classifications

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 9:32 am
by atxgunguy
Eris wrote: Tue Dec 11, 2018 9:30 am I saw this, but I don't really understand what it means. Can anyone explain it to me in non-legalese?
TFB did a pretty good job.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/201 ... fications/

Re: ATF immediately discontinues accessory classifications

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:22 am
by atxgunguy

Re: ATF immediately discontinues accessory classifications

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:37 am
by StopCollaborate
I felt that the “sky is falling” mentality was a bit ridiculous, but the wording is problematic enough that I can understand why people would be worried about it. I figured it was part of a “cut down on random unexplained requests”, as I certainly get a lot of those at my job and wish I could say “if you don’t describe the problem I will throw it away.”