Federal Register

Department of Justice

DOJ - 100 final rules and 50 proposed rules tracked from the Federal Register.

Rulemaking Activity: Department of Justice

PlainRegWatch tracks 100 Federal Register documents from the Department of Justice (DOJ), split between 53 final rules already in effect and 47 proposed rules still in the comment or review stage. None of these documents are currently flagged as economically significant under Executive Order 12866.

The most recent document on file was published July 6, 2026. Each entry links to the original Federal Register record so you can verify the rule's text, effective date, and comment history directly at the source.

Final Rules (53)

Counter-UAS Authority for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Law Enforcement and Correctional Age...

July 6, 2026

In this interim final rule ("IFR"), the Department of Justice ("DOJ") and the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") (collectively, "the Departments") codify the framework for implementing the SAFER SKIES Act, which authorizes State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement or correctional ("SLTT") agencies to conduct counter-unmanned aircraft system ("C-UAS") operations. This framework governs training and certification (including a two-tiered structure for detection and warning operations and for mitigation operations), authorized technologies, spectrum coordination, airspace approval, real-time air traffic control notification, mitigation reporting, privacy protections, and compliance requirements for SLTT agencies in relation to the exercise of C-UAS authority.

Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers; Withdrawing Direct Final Rule

July 6, 2026

Due to receiving adverse comments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is withdrawing the direct final rule, "Licensee "eZ Check" Verification for Transfers," published on May 6, 2026.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of O-Desmethyltramadol in Schedule I

June 24, 2026

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule O-desmethyltramadol (other names: O-DSMT; desmetramadol; 3-[(1R,2R)-2- [(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-hydroxycyclohexyl]phenol), including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters and ethers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle O-DSMT.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I; Correction

June 24, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration published a temporary order placing 8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H- benzo[f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine (commonly known as bromazolam), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers are possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA published this temporary order that included an invalid chemical name for bromazolam. This document corrects that error, adding the valid chemical name for bromazolam.

EOIR Fees

June 11, 2026

In this interim final rule ("IFR"), the Department of Justice ("Department") is updating its fee regulations for filings with the Executive Office for Immigration Review ("EOIR") to comply with a recent statutory enactment.

Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment ...

June 9, 2026

The "Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (the SUPPORT Act)," which became law on October 24, 2018, amended the Controlled Substances Act to expand the conditions a practitioner must meet to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and expand the options available for a physician to be considered a qualifying physician. The SUPPORT Act also allowed a pharmacy to deliver prescribed controlled substances to a practitioner's registered location for the purpose of maintenance or detoxification treatment to be administered under certain conditions by a practitioner. The Drug Enforcement Administration promulgated an interim final rule with request for comments in November 2020 to amend its regulations to make them consistent with the SUPPORT Act and implement its requirements. On December 29, 2022, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 removed many of the statutory provisions of the SUPPORT Act. This final rule adopts the provisions of the interim final rule that are still applicable as final, with minor changes. In addition, this final rule implements the related provisions of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.

Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application

May 26, 2026

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine in Schedule I

May 22, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues this temporary order to schedule 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-2- (methylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (commonly known as 2- fluorodeschloroketamine or 2-FDCK), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing 2-fluorodeschloroketamine in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle this substance.

Authority of Drug Enforcement Administration Supervisory Diversion Investigators, Field Intelligence...

May 21, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") is revising the Appendix to Department of Justice regulations that contains delegations of certain functions under the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations. This rule authorizes additional DEA personnel, specifically Supervisory Diversion Investigators, Field Intelligence Managers, and Intelligence Group Supervisors, to sign and issue administrative subpoenas.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of CUMYL-PEGACLONE in Schedule I

May 13, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places 5-pentyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)pyrido[4,3- b]indol-1-one (other names: CUMYL-PEGACLONE; SGT-151), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action imposes regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle CUMYL-PEGACLONE.

Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to implement certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 ("PATRIOT Improvement Act") relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. This act amended the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act ("CCTA") by, among other things, reducing the threshold amount of cigarettes necessary to trigger jurisdiction under the CCTA from a quantity in excess of 60,000 to a quantity in excess of 10,000; extending the provisions of the CCTA to cover contraband smokeless tobacco; expanding record-keeping requirements; and imposing reporting requirements.

Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations on the National Firearms Act ("NFA") to reflect statutory changes made to the NFA by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA"). Among other things, the OBBBA reduced the tax remittance rate for certain NFA firearms. This rule is necessary to make conforming changes to ensure that ATF's regulations are current and consistent with the statute.

Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to require that a National Instant Criminal Background Check System background check be performed as part of the approval process to make a National Firearms Act ("NFA") firearm. ATF already conducts such background checks as part of its processing and this amendment to the regulation simply ensures that the regulations addressing NFA processes are consistent with the statutory requirements.

Export Control Reform-Conforming References to Department of Commerce

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to make administrative and technical clarifying revisions. These revisions add conforming references to the Department of Commerce in the relevant processes, and respond to regulatory changes already made by the Departments of Commerce and State that have effectively divided export and temporary import controls between those two agencies. The revisions also make minor technical amendments to punctuation for better clarity.

Revising Machine Gun Definition in Response to Supreme Court Decision

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Garland v. Cargill. The Supreme Court held that ATF exceeded its statutory authority in its December 2018 final rule titled "Bump-Stock-Type Devices" by classifying a bump stock as a "machine gun" because a semi-automatic rifle equipped with a non-mechanical bump-stock-type device is not a "machine gun" under the National Firearms Act. Accordingly, ATF is removing from the three regulatory definitions of "machine gun" the two sentences that incorporated bump stocks into those definitions.

Licensee “eZ Check” Verification for Transfers

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to allow federal firearms licensees ("FFLs") that are transferring a firearm to another FFL to verify the transferee FFL's license through ATF's publicly available "FFL eZ Check" system, as an alternative to the current requirement to obtain a certified copy of the transferee's license. Additionally, because the eZ Check system is accessible, free to use, and updated regularly, this rule removes the now-unnecessary provision that allows a transferor to rely on a certified list provided by a multi-licensed organization for up to 45 days to make transfers to licensees operated by such organization.

Removing Triplicate Filing Requirement for Importing Plastic Explosives

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice explosives regulations on importing plastic explosives by removing the requirement to submit the required attestation in triplicate.

Specific Listing for Hexahydrocannabinol, A Currently Controlled Schedule I Substance

May 4, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is establishing a specific listing and DEA Controlled Substances Code Number (drug code) for 6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-1-ol (also known as hexahydrocannabinol, and HHC) in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Although hexahydrocannabinol is not specifically listed in schedule I of the CSA with its own unique drug code, it is a schedule I controlled substances in the United States under drug code 7370 because it meets the definition of tetrahydrocannabinols, a schedule I hallucinogen. Therefore, DEA is simply amending the schedule I hallucinogenic substances list to separately include hexahydrocannabinol.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and M...

May 1, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places methyl 2-[[1-(4-fluorobutyl)indole-3- carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-butanoate (other names: 4F-MDMB-BUTICA; 4F-MDMB-BICA), N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(pent-4-en-1- yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (other name: ADB-4en-PINACA), ethyl 2- [[1-(5-fluoropentyl)indole-3-carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-butanoate (other names: 5F-EDMB-PICA; 5F-EDMB-2201), and methyl 2-(1-(4- fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamido)-3-methyl butanoate (other name: MMB-FUBICA), including their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action imposes regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB- 4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, or MMB-FUBICA.

Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, Chief Administrative Law Judge

April 30, 2026

On October 7, 2020, the Department of Justice ("Department") published an interim final rule ("IFR") amending the regulations governing the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer ("OCAHO"). The amendments reflected changes related to the creation of the position of the Chief Administrative Law Judge ("CALJ") and made additional related technical changes. This final rule adopts the provisions of the IFR with minor technical corrections.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Food and Drug Administration Approved Products C...

April 28, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, which constitutes a final order, the Acting Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice places drug products containing marijuana that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act ("CSA"). This action is required to satisfy the responsibility of the Administrator under the CSA to place a drug in the schedule he deems most appropriate to carry out United States obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. In general, this final rule applies to marijuana as defined in the CSA, marijuana extracts, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other compounds derived from the marijuana plant (other than the mature stalks and seeds) that falls outside the definition of hemp, to the extent that any of these are included in an FDA-approved drug product or are subject to a state-issued license to manufacture, distribute, and/or dispense marijuana or products containing marijuana for medical purposes ("state medical marijuana license"). Also consistent therewith, this final rule adds such drugs to the list of substances that may only be imported or exported pursuant to a permit. This final rule also establishes an expedited registration process under 21 CFR part 1301 for entities holding state medical marijuana licenses, enabling such entities to engage in the manufacture, distribution, and/or dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes under federal law consistent with the requirements of the Single Convention.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I

April 24, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places methyl 3,3-dimethyl-2-(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H- indazole-3-carboxamido)butanoate (other name: MDMB-4en-PINACA), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action imposes regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle MDMB-4en-PINACA.

Extension of Compliance Dates for Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web...

April 20, 2026

By this Interim Final Rule ("IFR"), the Department of Justice ("Department") is revising the regulations implementing title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") to extend the compliance dates for the requirements for web content and mobile application ("app") accessibility that were adopted on April 24, 2024. The compliance date for State and local government entities with a total population of 50,000 or more is extended from April 24, 2026, to April 26, 2027. The compliance date for public entities with a total population of less than 50,000, or any special district government, is extended from April 26, 2027, to April 26, 2028.

Designation of P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical

April 3, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration is finalizing the control of 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid (also known as P2P methyl glycidic acid and BMK glycidic acid) and its esters, its optical and geometric isomers, its salts, salts of its optical and geometric isomers and its esters, and any combination thereof, whenever the existence of such is possible, as a list I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). P2P methyl glycidic acid is used in the illicit manufacture of the controlled substances phenylacetone (also known as phenyl-2-propanone or P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine, and it is important to the manufacture of these substances. This final rule subjects handlers of P2P methyl glycidic acid to the chemical regulatory provisions of the CSA and its implementing regulations.

Registering Emergency Medical Services Agencies Under the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Med...

April 1, 2026

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 3-Methoxyphencyclidine (1-(1-(3-Methoxyphenyl)cyclo...

March 23, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places substance 3-methoxyphencyclidine (1-(1-(3- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl)piperidine; 3-MeO-PCP), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 3-MeO-PCP.

Ordering Schedule I and II Controlled Substances Using DEA Form 222; Technical Amendments

March 20, 2026

On September 30, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published the final rule, New Single-Sheet Format for U.S. Official Order Form for Schedule I and II Controlled Substances (DEA Form 222). The final rule implemented a new single sheet format for DEA Form 222 and provided for a two-year transition period to switch from the triplicate form. This technical amendment corrects certain regulations erroneously not amended in the final rule which creates ambiguities. The amendment clarifies that a DEA Form 222 Power of Attorney may only be executed or revoked by a registrant, a partner of the registrant, or an officer of a registrant corporate entity. It resolves ambiguity over who may sign a DEA Form 222 and removes the obsolete transition provision for the triplicate version of DEA Form 222. These are conforming revisions that do not make any substantive changes to the regulations.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I

March 16, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration issues this temporary order to schedule 8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H- benzo[f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][l, 4]diazepine (commonly known as bromazolam), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers are possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing bromazolam in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these substances.

Designation of Propionyl Chloride as a List I Chemical

March 10, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration is finalizing the control of propionyl chloride as a list I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Propionyl chloride is used in the illicit manufacture of the controlled substances fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and fentanyl-related substances, and it is important to the manufacture of these substances. This final rule subjects handlers of propionyl chloride to the chemical regulatory provisions of the CSA and its implementing regulations.

Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer Electronic Filing

March 2, 2026

The Executive Office for Immigration Review ("EOIR") is implementing electronic filing and records applications for all cases before the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer ("OCAHO"). This interim final rule ("IFR") updates the relevant regulations necessary to implement these electronic filing and records applications, including by requiring certain users to file documents electronically and changing service of process methods. This IFR also includes several additional minor changes to OCAHO's rules of practice and procedure to clarify and improve upon the existing regulatory language.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Clonazolam, Diclazepam, Etizolam, Flualprazolam, an...

March 2, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places clonazolam, diclazepam, etizolam, flualprazolam, and flubromazolam and their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. These five substances were temporarily scheduled in an order dated July 26, 2023, and subsequently extended until July 26, 2026, pursuant to an extension published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. This action also enables the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action makes permanent the existing regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle these five specific controlled substances.

Appellate Procedures for the Board of Immigration Appeals; Extension of Comment Period

February 27, 2026

On February 6, 2026, the Executive Office for Immigration Review ("EOIR") published in the Federal Register the interim final rule ("IFR") "Appellate Procedures for the Board of Immigration Appeals" with comments originally due March 9, 2026. This document extends the deadline for written comments to April 8, 2026.

Privacy Act of 1974; Implementation

February 13, 2026

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), a component within the United States Department of Justice (DOJ or Department), is finalizing without changes its Privacy Act exemption regulations for the system of records titled, Adjudication and Appeal Records of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge and Board of Immigration Appeals, JUSTICE/EOIR-001, which were published as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 29, 2025. Specifically, the Department's regulations will exempt the records maintained in JUSTICE/ EOIR-001 from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act. The exemptions are necessary to protect properly classified information and law enforcement sensitive materials maintained in the system. The Department received one anonymous comment in support of this rulemaking in response to the NPRM.

Appellate Procedures for the Board of Immigration Appeals

February 6, 2026

This interim final rule ("IFR") amends Department of Justice ("Department" or "DOJ") regulations to streamline administrative appellate review by the Board of Immigration Appeals ("Board" or "BIA") of decisions by Immigration Judges by making review of such decisions on the merits discretionary, by setting appropriate times for briefing in cases that are reviewed on the merits, and by streamlining other aspects of the appellate process to ensure timely adjudications and avoid adding to the already sizeable backlog at the Board. Additionally, the Department is making various technical and non- substantive changes to its regulations.

Registering Emergency Medical Services Agencies Under the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Med...

February 5, 2026

The "Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017," (the Act) which became law on November 17, 2017, amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to allow for a new registration category for emergency medical services agencies that handle controlled substances. It also established standards for registering emergency medical services agencies, and set forth new requirements for delivery, storage, and recordkeeping related to their handling of controlled substances. In addition, the Act allows emergency medical services professionals to administer controlled substances outside the physical presence of a medical director or authorizing medical professional pursuant to a valid standing or verbal order. The Drug Enforcement Administration is publishing this final rule to conform its regulations to the statutory amendments of the CSA and to otherwise implement its requirements. This final rule adopts, with minor modifications, the notice of proposed rulemaking published on October 5, 2020.

Revising Definition of “Unlawful User of or Addicted to Controlled Substance”

January 22, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to update the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance," a category of persons who may not possess firearms under federal law. This definition was established in 1996 to facilitate operation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Since then, court decisions and ATF internal guidance have evolved to include recurring use as a factor. As a result, ATF is aligning the definition with the best statutory understanding, as informed by judicial decisions.

Definition of “Cannabimimetic Agents” and Assignment of an Administration Controlled Substances Code...

January 20, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration is publishing this final rule to amend its regulations related to "cannabimimetic agents" by including the term's definition, identifying 18 additional substances that meet the definition, and consolidating most existing administration controlled substances code numbers (drug codes) into a single drug code number for substances that meet this definition. The listing for two schedule I "cannabimimetic agents" that are under international control, JWH-018 and AM2201, are moved to the "hallucinogens" paragraph of schedule I but retain their existing drug codes to facilitate quota and international reporting requirements. While this final rule does not change the current and continuing schedule I status for the 18 additional substances meeting the definition of "cannabimimetic agents," these and other substances meeting this definition will be assigned a new administration controlled substances code number once this final rule becomes effective.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4-Fluoroamphetamine in Schedule I

January 15, 2026

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA; 1-(4- fluorophenyl)propan-2-amine; para-fluoroamphetamine), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 4-fluoroamphetamine.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of N-Pyrrolidino Metonitazene and N-Pyrrolidino Proton...

January 12, 2026

With the issuance of this final order, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is permanently placing 2-(4- methoxybenzyl)-5-nitro-1-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (other names: N-pyrrolidino metonitazene or metonitazepyne) and 5- nitro-2-(4-propoxybenzyl)-1-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (other names: N-pyrrolidino protonitazene or protonitazepyne), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts are possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This action imposes permanent regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research or conduct instructional activities with or possess), or handle N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene.

Security Bars and Processing; Confirmation of Effective Date; Partial Withdrawal

December 30, 2025

In December 2020, DHS and DOJ (collectively, "the Departments") issued a final rule that clarified when an alien who poses a public health risk is ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal and revised their credible fear screening regulations. After multiple delays, the rule is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2025. However, since December 2020, the Departments have further amended their regulations, complicating the codification of the 2020 rule. In this final rule, the Departments are withdrawing certain amendments from the 2020 rule while leaving unaltered the rule's substantive public health-related provisions, which will become effective as scheduled.

Office of the Attorney General; Consolidation of the Office of the Executive Secretariat Into the Ju...

December 29, 2025

This rule amends the Department's organizational regulations by eliminating the Office of the Executive Secretariat as a separate office and consolidating its functions within the Justice Management Division.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene and N-Piperidinyl Etonitaz...

December 23, 2025

With the issuance of this final order, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is permanently placing N-ethyl-2- (2-(4-isopropoxybenzyl)-5-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)ethan-1-amine (other name: N-desethyl isotonitazene) and 2-(4-ethoxybenzyl)-5-nitro- 1-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (other names: N- piperidinyl etonitazene; etonitazepipne), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts are possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling action discharges the United States' obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961). This action imposes permanent regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research or conduct instructional activities with or possess), or handle N-desethyl isotonitazene and N-piperidinyl etonitazene.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Extension of Temporary Placement of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINA...

December 16, 2025

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this temporary scheduling order to extend the temporary schedule I status of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA. The schedule I status of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA is in effect through December 12, 2025. This temporary order will extend the temporary scheduling of these four substances for one year, or until the permanent scheduling action for these substances is completed, whichever occurs first. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will continue to be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Extension of Temporary Placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule ...

December 11, 2025

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this temporary scheduling order to extend the temporary schedule I status of MDMB-4en-PINACA. The schedule I status of MDMB- 4en-PINACA is in effect through December 12, 2025. This temporary order will extend the temporary scheduling of MDMB-4en-PINACA for one year, or until the permanent scheduling action for this substance is completed, whichever occurs first. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will continue to be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle MDMB-4en-PINACA.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Extension of Temporary Placement of CUMYL-PEGACLONE in Schedule ...

December 11, 2025

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this temporary scheduling order to extend the temporary schedule I status of CUMYL-PEGACLONE. In an order dated December 12, 2023, DEA temporarily placed CUMYL-PEGACLONE in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This temporary order will extend the temporary scheduling of CUMYL-PEGACLONE for one year, or until the permanent scheduling action for this substance is completed, whichever occurs first. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will continue to be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle CUMYL-PEGACLONE.

Transfer of the Functions of the Tax Division to the Civil Division and the Criminal Division

December 10, 2025

This rule amends Part 0 of the Department of Justice's ("Department") organizational regulations in title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations to transfer the functions of the Tax Division to the Civil Division and the Criminal Division, as appropriate.

Rescinding Portions of Department of Justice Title VI Regulations To Conform More Closely With the S...

December 10, 2025

By this rule, the Department of Justice amends its regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI") to eliminate disparate-impact liability. These amendments align the conduct prohibited by the Department's regulations with Title VI's original public meaning, avoid constitutional concerns, reduce compliance costs, and serve the public interest. In addition, these revisions implement changes directed in Executive Order 14281.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4-Chloromethcathinone in Schedule I

November 17, 2025

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)- 2-(methylamino)propan-1-one), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This action imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 4- chloromethcathinone.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Ethyleneoxynitazene, Methylenedioxynitaze...

October 15, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration issues this temporary order to schedule seven benzimidazole-opioids, as identified in this order, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing these substances in schedule I is necessary to avoid imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these substances.

Specific Listing for 1-boc-4-piperidone, a Currently Controlled List I Chemical

October 2, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is establishing a specific listing and DEA Chemical Code Number for tert-butyl 4- oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate (also known as 1-boc-4-piperidone; and CAS Number: 79099-07-3) and its salts as a list I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Although 1-boc-4-piperidone is not specifically listed as a list I chemical of the CSA with its own unique Chemical Code Number, it has been regulated as a list I chemical in the United States as a carbamate of 4-piperidone, a list I chemical, since May 12, 2023. Therefore, DEA is simply amending the list of list I chemicals in its regulations to separately include 1-boc-4-piperidone.

Controlled Substances Ordering System (CSOS) Modernization

October 2, 2025

This rule is amending the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) regulations to conform to the Controlled Substances Ordering System (CSOS) modernization effort by requiring all CSOS enrollment applications and supporting materials to be submitted through the Diversion Control Division secure online portal. These amendments improve the enrollment process by aligning it with DEA's current requirements for other online form submissions. The online submission of enrollment applications and supporting material through the secure online portal increases the efficiency of the enrollment, modification, and revocation processes, and ensures DEA's receipt of accurate documentation in a more timely and organized manner.

Requiring Online Submission of Applications for and Renewals of DEA Registration: Technical Correcti...

October 2, 2025

This final rule updates an existing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulation by removing the reference to paper payments by check or money order for all applications for DEA registrations and renewal of those registrations. This action makes no substantive changes to this regulation.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Seven Specific Fentanyl-Related Substances in Sched...

September 18, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration places seven fentanyl- related substances, as identified in this final rule, including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters and ethers in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle these seven specific controlled substances will continue to apply as a result of this action.

Proposed Rules (47)

Fingerprint and Photograph Requirements for Firearms Applications

July 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending regulatory requirements to submit fingerprints and photographs with firearms applications. Currently, applicants must submit 2" x 2" passport-style photographs and either one or two fingerprint cards, depending on the application type. ATF proposes that all applicants, whether individuals or responsible persons ("RPs") for entity applicants, could instead submit a copy of a photo ID, and that individuals and Gun Control Act RPs would submit just one fingerprint card. RPs under the National Firearms Act would submit one fingerprint card only if needed to facilitate a background check.

Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract

July 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations implementing a statutory exemption and a statutory authority to grant relief from certain National Firearms Act ("NFA") requirements to better distinguish between them. ATF also proposes to amend manufacturer registration requirements to include a provision granting relief to manufacturers from registering firearms they manufacture for the U.S. Government ("USG"). In conjunction with this, ATF is proposing a new provision permitting manufacturers to register such firearms "late"--after the existing regulatory window for registering manufactured firearms--if they fall out of USG contract.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MG...

July 6, 2026

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle these three 7-hydroxymitragynine-related substances.

Schedules of Controlled Substance: Temporary Placement of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Above a Specified Thr...

July 6, 2026

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine above a specified threshold, including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 7-hydroxymitragynine above a specified threshold.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 5,6- Dichloro Brorphine, 5,6-Dichloro Des...

July 1, 2026

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule 1-(1-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-5,6-dichloro-1,3-dihydro- 2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro brorphine or SR-14968); 5,6-dichloro-1-(1-(4-chlorobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-1,3- dihydro-2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine or SR-17018); 3-(3-(1-(1-(4- chlorophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)propanenitrile (commonly known as N-propionitrile chlorphine or cychlorphine); and 8-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-1-phenyl- 1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (commonly known as spirochlorphine or R-6890), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these four specific substances.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Diphenidine in Schedule I

May 26, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing diphenidine (1-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperidine), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. If finalized, this action would impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle diphenidine.

Schedules of Controlled Substances; Removal of Exemption Status for Inactive Butalbital Products

May 26, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposes to revoke the exempted status for certain nonnarcotic prescription products that are currently on DEA's Table of Exempted Prescription Products list but whose National Drug Code (NDC) is inactive because they are no longer available and/or the company that applied for the exemption no longer exists. If finalized, these products would be removed from DEA's Table of Exempted Prescription Products list, and they would no longer be considered exempt prescription products under the Controlled Substances Act. This action will not impact exempted prescription products with active NDC numbers.

Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas

May 20, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposes to revise existing regulations relating to the management of quotas for schedule I and II controlled substances and the list I chemicals, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, to be utilized by DEA- registered manufacturers. This rule is being proposed to: restructure DEA's manufacturing and procurement quota regulations for more clarity and consistency; clarify which use-specific subcategories for quotas should be used for controlled substances that will be sold domestically and controlled substances that will be exported; and revise the applications for individual manufacturing and procurement quota. The changes are necessary to increase visibility into the controlled substance supply chain by providing DEA with more detailed information allowing the agency to react more precisely in preventing drug shortages; and to ensure that enough of the schedule I and II controlled substances and three list I chemicals can be manufactured to meet estimated scientific, medical, lawful export, and inventory needs. This rule also contains revisions to use gender neutral language and other non-substantive revisions.

Revising Firearms Transaction Record, “Form 4473”

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is proposing to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations governing ATF Form 5300.9, Firearms Transaction Record, ("Form 4473"). Specifically, ATF proposes streamlining identity and residence verification requirements and documents; doubling the performance timeframe for transactions under Form 4473 following a National Instant Criminal Background Check System ("NICS") check; permitting electronic forms and notice, auto-populating, and attached copies; addressing private party transfers and firearms handler checks; incorporating ATF rulings and other guidance; further aligning regulations with statutory text; and making minor technical revisions.

Removing Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes to remove Department of Justice ("Department") regulations regarding the Youth Handgun Safety Act. If finalized, this rule would remove the requirement that federal firearms licensees who deliver handguns to non-licensees post signs and provide written notice regarding the Act's provisions to each handgun purchaser.

Converting Temporary to Permanent Imports for Defense Articles

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations regarding the permanent import provisions of the Arms Export Control Act ("AECA"). The proposed rule would allow importers to apply for ATF authorization to convert items imported temporarily-- under a Department of State ("DOS") authorization or under the entry clearance requirements for temporary imports in the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") maintained by the Department of Commerce ("DOC")--to permanent imports in compliance with other applicable federal firearms laws, without having to export and then reimport the items.

Importing Dual-Use Frames, Receivers, or Barrels

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that federal firearms licensees ("FFLs") may lawfully import frames, receivers, or barrels that may be used on both sporting and non-sporting firearms ("dual-use frames, receivers, or barrels") if, at the time imported, there is an identified firearm sporting configuration for the frame, receiver, or barrel. Further, once the frame, receiver, or barrel is in the United States, a dual-use frame, receiver, or barrel may be used to assemble a sporting, non- sporting, or National Firearms Act ("NFA") firearm, provided assembling such firearm complies with other federal firearms laws.

Firearm Activities in Foreign Trade Zones, Customs-Bonded Warehouses

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending the definition of "importation" in the implementing regulations for the Gun Control Act ("GCA") and the National Firearms Act ("NFA"). Specifically, the rule proposes to create an exclusion from the GCA and NFA's import requirements for items brought into a customs-bonded warehouse ("CBW") (in addition to the existing exclusion for a foreign-trade zone ("FTZ")). The proposed modification to the definition would also remove the condition that items may be brought into FTZs and CBWs only "for storage." The proposed rule does not exempt merchandise from any applicable customs requirements.

Interstate Transport and Temporary Export of National Firearms Act Firearms

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations for transporting firearms registered under the National Firearms Act ("NFA") in interstate or foreign commerce. ATF proposes to no longer require that persons transporting certain NFA firearms within the United States for short-term purposes (365 days or fewer) submit notice to ATF and await approval before transporting; and that persons transporting certain NFA firearms within the United States for long-term purposes (more than 365 days) or for permanent relocation would no longer have to await approval after submitting notice before transporting.

Defining “Willfully” for Firearms Violations

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes to define the term "willfully" in Department of Justice ("Department") regulations that implement the Gun Control Act.

Firearms Electronic Record-Keeping

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to authorize federal firearms licensees ("FFLs" or "licensees") to generate, maintain, and store records in an electronic record-keeping system.

Revising Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements

May 8, 2026

Federal law permits federal firearms licensees ("FFLs") to transfer firearms to a person residing in the same state but who does not appear in person. These are "non-over-the-counter" ("NOTC") sales. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations on NOTC sales. These proposed changes would remove restrictions limiting this option to background check-exempt transfers. The proposed rule would permit FFLs to conduct NOTC transfers while complying with background check requirements and adds remote identity proofing and electronic notices to chief law enforcement officers. These changes would provide greater flexibility for individuals lawfully purchasing firearms.

Revising Definitions of “Adjudicated as a Mental Defective” and “Committed to a Mental Institution”

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to update the definitions of "adjudicated as a mental defective" and "committed to a mental institution."

Joint Registration for Spouses Under the National Firearms Act

May 8, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to authorize spouses to file a joint application to make, transfer or receive, and register a firearm under the National Firearms Act ("NFA"). If the joint application is approved, both spouses would have a joint right to make or possess the firearm(s), and transferring the firearm(s) between the registered spouses would not constitute a further transfer within the meaning of the NFA, thus not requiring a transfer application.

Selecting Biological Sex on ATF Forms

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to make clear that when individuals complete ATF forms for firearms or explosives, they should select their biological sex under the question on "sex."

Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces”

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is proposing to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations on firearms with attached stabilizing braces. Courts have found that ATF's revisions in the 2023 final rule on the same topic violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Several courts have enjoined, stayed, or vacated the final rule, which has rarely been in effect. ATF is therefore proposing to remove from the regulatory definitions of "rifle" the two paragraphs added by the 2023 final rule that defined the term "designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder."

Firearm Records Retention Periods

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations establishing records retention periods for federal firearms licensees' ("FFLs" or "licensees") acquisition and disposition ("A&D") records, and the retention period for records the National Tracing Center ("NTC") receives. Specifically, ATF is proposing these records be retained for a specific period rather than indefinitely, and is considering either 20 or 30 years for the specified period. ATF is also proposing a brief retention period for forms used to facilitate private-party transfers or to conduct voluntary firearm handlers checks.

Transferring Machine Guns Between Qualified Licensees

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to update the procedure for transferring machine guns between qualified manufacturers, importers, or dealers. Specifically, the proposed rule would simplify the regulatory requirements for such machine gun transfers pursuant to requests to demonstrate firearms to a government entity or due to a licensee discontinuing business. The proposed changes would allow the implementing regulations to more closely mirror the statutory authority provided by the Gun Control Act.

Definition of Business Premises

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that the term "business premises" includes properties that adjoin each other; or that are adjacent to each other and adjoin the same parking lot, sidewalk, or road.

Clarifying Special (Occupational) Tax Payments Per Business Activity

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that a person engaged in the business of dealing, importing, or manufacturing firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act must pay a special (occupational) tax ("SOT") for each business activity conducted at the same location. However, they are not required to pay a tax for each license they have at that location if the licenses are for the same type of business activity. The rule proposes clarifying that licensees pay one SOT per business activity (manufacturing, importing, or dealing).

Firearms Transactions and Straw Purchases

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to provide clarity for conduct prohibited by federal law commonly referred to as a straw purchase.

Adding Component Definitions Under the Arms Export Control Act

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to include terms that the United States Munitions List uses to describe the composition of defense articles ("compositional terms"). Specifically, the proposed rule would amend Department regulations that implement the Arms Export Control Act ("AECA") to define the compositional terms "component," "accessories and attachments," and "part" for purposes of permanent imports under the AECA.

Revising Regulations Defining “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is proposing to revise regulations implementing the "engaged in the business" definition from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act ("BSCA"). Although Congress defined that term in BSCA, the Department of Justice ("Department") provided additional definitions in its implementing regulations to further define terms within the statutory definition and to include examples of covered activities that established rebuttable presumptions of being engaged in the business of dealing in firearms. This rule proposes to remove those changes. ATF has determined that the changes have not shown the expected impact on federal firearms licensee applications, administrative licensing actions, civil forfeitures, or other anticipated effects.

Clarifying Exceptions to the Brady Act Background Check Requirement

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify when a state's firearms-related permit meets the requirements under the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System check and includes minor changes to ensure that the regulatory language adheres closely to the language used in the statute.

Clarifying Delivery to a Common or Contract Carrier When Transporting Firearms

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that, for purposes of the Gun Control Act of 1968, a person who travels aboard a common or contract carrier while in possession of a firearm or ammunition is not considered to have "delivered" or "caused to be delivered" said firearm or ammunition to the common or contract carrier, provided that the person possesses and maintains direct control over the firearm or ammunition for the duration of the trip.

Clarifying Interstate Transportation of Firearms Under the Gun Control Act

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that, for purposes of transporting firearms interstate, any activities that are reasonably necessary to transportation such as staying overnight in temporary lodging, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, or medical treatment, or transiting between modes of transportation, are considered "transport" and thus protected by the Gun Control Act provision that addresses interstate transport of firearms. The proposed rule also addresses transporting ammunition and firearm accessories between states and the requirements for securing firearms during such transit.

Allowing Makers To Adopt Certain Markings for National Firearms Act Firearms

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to allow persons making National Firearms Act ("NFA") firearms to adopt certain markings previously placed on the firearm to comply with NFA marking requirements.

Importing Training Rounds

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to clarify that certain training rounds do not meet the definition of "ammunition" as defined by the Gun Control Act and are not regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. Less-than-lethal ammunition, which is distinct from training rounds, will still generally be considered ammunition.

Removing CLEO Notification Under the National Firearms Act

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") proposes amending Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to remove the requirement that a copy of all applications to make or transfer a firearm subject to the National Firearms Act, and the specified form for responsible persons, as applicable, be forwarded to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the applicant/transferee or responsible person is located.

Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions

May 6, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") is proposing to amend Department of Justice ("Department") regulations to remove the existing, outdated list of proscribed countries from which ATF denies applications to permanently import defense articles and services and update it to reference a Department of State list of proscribed countries. The rule also proposes to remove the list of former Soviet countries from which ATF currently denies applications to permanently import most firearms and ammunition, leaving only the Russian Federation as the proscribed country of origin for these imports.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana; Withdrawal

April 28, 2026

The Department of Justice published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on May 21, 2024, which proposed to transfer marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule III. The Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") published a notice of hearing on the proposed rule in the Federal Register on August 29, 2024. Upon further review, DEA is withdrawing the notice of hearing and terminating the pending hearing proceedings. As directed by Executive Order 14370, DEA has determined that the most expeditious manner of completing the rulemaking process in accordance with Federal law is to terminate the pending hearing proceedings and initiate new hearing proceedings. DEA is publishing a new notice of hearing elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Marijuana

April 28, 2026

This is notice that the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") will hold a hearing with respect to the proposed rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act beginning June 29, 2026. The proposed rescheduling of marijuana was initially proposed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2024. In accordance with Executive Order 14370, DEA is completing this process in the most expeditious manner in accordance with Federal law.

Certification Process for State Capital Counsel Systems

March 16, 2026

Chapter 154 of title 28, United States Code, provides special procedures for federal habeas corpus review of cases brought by prisoners in state custody who are under a sentence of death. The special procedures are available to States that the Attorney General has certified as having established mechanisms for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable litigation expenses of competent counsel in state postconviction proceedings brought by indigent prisoners, and as providing standards of competency for the appointment of counsel in these proceedings. This rule would remove impediments to certification that chapter 154 does not authorize and would enable more prompt decisions on States' requests for certification.

Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys

March 5, 2026

The Department of Justice ("Department") proposes to establish a process for reviewing bar complaints and allegations against its attorneys. Under the proposed rule, before a current or former Department lawyer may participate in any investigative steps initiated by the bar disciplinary authority of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia in response to allegations that a current or former Department attorney violated an ethics rule while engaging in that attorney's federal duties, the Department will have the right to review the allegations in the first instance and shall request that the bar disciplinary authority suspend any parallel investigations until the completion of the Department's review.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine in Schedule I

January 20, 2026

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexan-1-one (commonly known as 2-fluorodeschloroketamine or 2-FDCK), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 2-fluorodeschloroketamine.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and M...

December 16, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing methyl 2- [[1-(4-fluorobutyl)indole-3-carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (other names: 4F-MDMB-BUTICA; 4F-MDMB-BICA), N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1- oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (other name: ADB-4en-PINACA), ethyl 2-[[1-(5-fluoropentyl)indole-3- carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-butanoate (other names: 5F-EDMB-PICA; 5F- EDMB-2201), and methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamido)- 3-methyl butanoate (other name: MMB-FUBICA), including their salts, isomers (including optical, positional, and geometric isomers), and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. 4F- MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA were temporarily scheduled in an order dated December 12, 2023. If finalized, this action would make permanent the existing regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, or MMB-FUBICA.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I

December 15, 2025

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notification of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule 8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-benzo[f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][l, 4]diazepine (commonly known as bromazolam), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers are possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. When it is issued, the temporary scheduling order will impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle bromazolam.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of CUMYL-PEGACLONE in Schedule I

December 11, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing the substance CUMYL-PEGACLONE (SGT-151; 5-pentyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2- yl)pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-one), including its salts, isomers (including optical, positional, and geometric isomers), and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. CUMYL-PEGACLONE was temporarily scheduled in an order dated December 12, 2023. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. If finalized, this action would make permanent the existing regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle CUMYL-PEGACLONE.

Designation of P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical

October 2, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the control of the chemical 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid (also known as P2P methyl glycidic acid and BMK glycidic acid) and its esters, its optical and geometric isomers, its salts, salts of its optical and geometric isomers and its esters, and any combination thereof, whenever the existence of such is possible, as a list I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). P2P methyl glycidic acid is important to the manufacture of the schedule II controlled substances phenylacetone (also known as phenyl-2-propanone or P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine, and it is used in clandestine laboratories to illicitly manufacture these controlled substances. If finalized, this proposed rule would subject handlers of P2P methyl glycidic acid to the chemical regulatory provisions of the CSA and its implementing regulations. This rulemaking does not establish a threshold for domestic and international transactions of P2P methyl glycidic acid. As such, all transactions of P2P methyl glycidic acid, regardless of size, shall be regulated. In addition, chemical mixtures containing P2P methyl glycidic acid are not exempt from regulatory requirements at any concentration. Therefore, all transactions of chemical mixtures containing any quantity of P2P methyl glycidic acid shall be regulated pursuant to the CSA. However, manufacturers may submit an application for exemption for those mixtures that do not qualify for automatic exemption.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I

October 2, 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration proposes placing methyl 3,3-dimethyl-2-(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)butanoate (other name: MDMB-4en-PINACA), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. If finalized, this action would make permanent the existing regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possess) or propose to handle MDMB-4en-PINACA.

Department of Justice; Withdrawal of Rulemaking Actions

September 11, 2025

The Department of Justice ("DOJ" or "the Department") is withdrawing 16 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRMs"), Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking ("ANPRMs"), and Supplemental Notices of Proposed Rulemaking ("SNPRMs") as well as 38 other previously announced regulatory actions. The Department is withdrawing these actions as part of the Federal Government's deregulatory initiative and because of ongoing assessments of agency needs, priorities, and objectives.

Privacy Act of 1974; Implementation

August 29, 2025

In the Notice section of today's Federal Register, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), a component within the United States Department of Justice (DOJ or Department), has published a notice of a modified system of records, Adjudication and Appeal Records of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge and Board of Immigration Appeals, JUSTICE/EOIR-001. This system of records has been exempted from the access and amendment provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, U.S.C. 552a(d), pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(1), and (k)(2). See 28 CFR 16.83. In this notice of proposed rulemaking, EOIR proposes to update 28 CFR 16.83 consistent with the system of records' modifications to exempt this system of records from certain provisions of the Privacy Act to protect properly classified information and law enforcement sensitive materials maintained in the system. For the reasons provided below, the Department proposes to update its Privacy Act regulations exempting records in this system from certain provisions of the Privacy Act. Public comment is invited.

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