The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced Friday that it will stop enforcing federal tax-stamp, registration, and prior-approval requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and several other categories of firearms, marking a significant change in how the federal government regulates the items.

The guidance, effective October 9, follows a decision by the Trump administration not to appeal a federal court ruling that found certain provisions of the National Firearms Act unenforceable for covered firearms. Attorney General Todd Blanche directed the Justice Department to extend the nonenforcement policy nationwide rather than limit it to the parties covered by the court's injunction.

The change follows legislation signed by President Donald Trump that reduced the federal making and transfer taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other weapons to $0. Previously, many of these items required buyers to submit paperwork to the ATF, receive federal approval, and pay a tax before legally making or transferring them.

Under the new guidance, the agency will no longer enforce the National Firearms Act provisions requiring prior ATF approval or registration for the covered items. The change also removes the federal tax-stamp requirement associated with those taxes. The agency said it will continue accepting voluntary registration applications.

However, the policy does not eliminate all federal firearms regulations. Licensed dealers must still complete Form 4473 paperwork, conduct required background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and maintain transaction records. Federal restrictions on firearm possession by prohibited individuals also remain in effect.

The change does not apply to machine guns or destructive devices, which remain subject to the National Firearms Act's existing tax and registration requirements. Businesses manufacturing, importing or dealing in regulated firearms must also continue meeting applicable licensing and occupational tax requirements.

State and local restrictions remain in force as well, meaning firearm owners may still face additional requirements depending on where they live. The ATF also said that individuals transporting short-barreled rifles or shotguns across state lines must continue to obtain the required approval under separate federal law.

The administration's move follows years of debate over the National Firearms Act, a federal law dating to 1934 that imposed special taxes and registration requirements on certain firearms and devices. Supporters of reducing those requirements have argued that the system creates unnecessary barriers for lawful gun owners, while gun-control advocates have raised concerns about weakening federal oversight.

The ATF said the updated enforcement policy is intended to provide consistent treatment nationwide following the court ruling. The agency emphasized that the change does not make the covered firearms exempt from every federal or state law governing firearms.