Trump ATF Reviewing Definition of "Engaged
in the Business" for Federal Firearms Licenses

DOJ press release on April 7, 2025 included a review of Final Rule 2022R-17F, the definition of what it means to be "engaged in the business" of dealing in firearms. From the atf.gov:

"Today's repeal of the Zero Tolerance Policy and the comprehensive review of stabilizing brace regulations and the definition of 'engaged in the business' marks a pivotal step toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation," said Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. "We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional and protective of Americans' Second Amendment rights."

The leadership of the Biden administration, using the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) had proposed a radical restructuring of the definition of "engaged in the business", based on minor changes made in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The BSCA went into effect on June 25, 2022.

The BSCA made a minor change in the wording of the definition. The words were changed from "with the principle objective of livelihood and profit" to "to predominantly earn a profit". This minor wording change was used as a pretext by the Biden administration to radically change firearms law in the United States. .....