The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released guidance for businesses in the firearms industry following the federal government shutdown that began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025. The shutdown occurred after lawmakers failed to agree on a Continuing Resolution funding bill.
According to NSSF, the closure will affect several agencies important to the firearms industry. Parts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) will be closed because the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) does not consider their services “essential.” As a result, many normal commercial activities in the industry will be disrupted.
However, NSSF noted that “FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), however, is expected to remain open as it has in prior shutdowns.” Other ATF services related to commercial activity—such as those provided by the National Firearms Act Division, Imports branch, Firearm and Ammunition Technology Division, and Federal Firearms Licensing Center—will not be fully staffed. Forms and applications can still be submitted to ATF but will not be processed during the shutdown.
“Services tied to law enforcement, military and national security will continue as they are likely to be deemed ‘essential’ by OMB,” NSSF stated. If the shutdown lasts for an extended period, there is some hope that ATF might receive permission from OMB and DOJ to resume processing certain forms related to commercial activities under the National Firearms Act. However, there is no clear timeline for when this might happen.
Commercial export licensing by BIS and DDTC will also stop during the shutdown since these are considered non-essential functions. Businesses with federal firearms licenses expiring during this period are advised by NSSF: “If your federal firearms license expires during a shutdown, you should contact your local ATF office to confirm that your license remains valid during the government shutdown.”
NSSF added: “We are requesting further guidance from ATF, BIS and DDTC.”
