The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 3 announced a new rule to help enable the safe and secure storage of firearms and published a Best Practices Guide for federal firearms licensees.
This new rule implements the existing Gun Control Act requires that federal firearms licensees that sell firearms to the general public (non-licensees) must certify that they have available secure gun storage or safety devices, according to a Department of Justice press release.
"Secure gun storage or safety device, as defined by statute and regulation, includes a safe, gun safe, gun case, lockbox or another device that is designed to be or can be used to store a firearm and that is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination or other similar means," the release states.
Since not all devices are fit for all firearms, the new rule requires that FFL's have secure gun storage options that fit the firearms they sell.
“Today’s announcements build on the department’s efforts to reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, according to the release. “Gun safety is a Department of Justice priority, and we will continue to take all appropriate steps to help reduce the number of people killed and injured by the misuse of firearms."
