Revising Requirements and Exceptions for Storing Explosives

What it does

• •Proposes adding a testing exception to allow explosive materials to remain outside locked magazines during temperature sensitivity testing and similar non-manufacturing operations conducted in specialized chambers.
• •Proposes removing restrictions that currently limit existing exceptions to materials being physically handled or transported only to storage or use sites, and instead creates exceptions for materials to be imminently used or transported more generally.
• •Proposes adopting a perforating gun exception and eliminating the requirement for type 3 magazines (portable outdoor magazines requiring attendants).
• •These changes would reduce the frequency explosives must be moved between locations and acknowledge current industry testing practices.

Why it matters

• •The stated purpose is to streamline on-site operations at industrial sites (mines, construction sites, quarries, oil fields, etc.) where explosives are used and reduce the burden of repeatedly transporting explosives between work sites and permanent storage facilities.
• •ATF asserts the changes increase safety by reducing the number of times explosives are moved, as movement can cause sensitivity issues, while still maintaining security through the exceptions' narrow scope.
• •The proposal aims to acknowledge developments in industry practices and eliminate the need for less secure type 3 magazines by allowing explosives to remain available at work sites under specified circumstances.

Who is affected

• •Federal explosives licensees and permittees who manufacture, store, or use high explosives in commercial operations such as mining, construction, demolition, oil and gas extraction, and fireworks display.
• •Industrial and construction sites (mines, quarries, trenches, pipelines, oil fields, ski slopes) where explosives are currently used and where type 3 magazines are temporarily deployed.

What happens next

The public comment period closes November 24, 2026; comments must be submitted through the federal e-rulemaking portal at regulations.gov or by mail to ATF using RIN 1140-AA86.