The ATF released suppressor and short-barreled firearm sales rules on October 9, 2026, after Attorney General Todd Blanche signed them. The step came once the Justice Department declined to appeal Judge James Wesley Hendrix’s August 5 decision in Silencer Shop Foundation versus ATF, which struck down federal registration of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns after the related tax ended under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Director Robert Cekada told Breitbart News the agency extended the court’s relief beyond the named plaintiffs to every person who follows the law. From that date ATF ceased requiring National Firearms Act approval or National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record listing before anyone makes or transfers those items or any other weapon under the statute.

Cekada noted the bureau cannot override states that still insist on Form 1 or Form 4 filings for the same devices.