The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is finalizing two Department of Justice ("Department") interim final rules ("IFRs") implementing the Safe Explosives Act. This rule formally ends those rules' interim status, responds to public comments from 2003 on the IFRs, rescinds ATF Ruling 2003-5 issued in response to IFR comments, and makes certain revisions to IFR provisions in response to the comments. They clarify when federal licensees/ permittees must report changes in responsible persons and authorized employees; eliminate verifying identity of persons accepting delivery on behalf of distributees; and amend regulatory exemption language governing aspects of transporting explosive materials.

The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.