The National Repository provides explosives tracing services to duly authorized law enforcement agencies in the United States and those in many foreign countries.

Tracing is the systematic tracking of explosives from manufacturer to purchaser (and/or possessor) for the purpose of aiding law enforcement officials in identifying suspects involved in criminal violations, establishing stolen status, and proving ownership. The creation of the National Repository Branch has achieved for this industry, as well as law enforcement, the most proficient and productive method for researching the movement of an explosive.

Explosives manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retail dealers in the United States and foreign countries cooperate in the tracing endeavor by providing, on request, specific information from their records of manufacture, importation, or sale. Because of its licensing authority, ATF is the only Federal agency authorized access to these records.

The National Explosives Tracing Center was established to aid law enforcement's investigative endeavors. The staff of the National Repository is available to assist with any questions you may have.

REQUEST FOR AN EXPLOSIVES TRACE

An explosives trace request can be initiated through any ATF field office. Federal, State, county, local, or foreign law enforcement agency requests can be sent directly to the National Repository Branch by fax (202-927-4570) or by contacting the staff representative at 202-927-4590 or 1-800-461-8841. Regular business hours for The National Explosive Tracing Center are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Monday through Friday except on holidays.

During non-duty hours or weekends, complete the ATF F 3325.1 - Request for Explosive Tracing form and fax or email this form to the National Repository Branch office at (202) 927-4570. Request will be processed the next working day. In an event of an emergency, prepare the explosive trace request and contact the Enforcement Operations Center (EOC) at 1-888-283-2662 for assistance and further instructions.

Do not call the explosives manufacturers, as they will refer you to the National Repository Branch, in accordance with ATF 0 3320.1D, Explosives and Arson Enforcement Programs.

Please provide any other information that may be stenciled or any markings on the product. This information will help expedite the tracing process. In some cases, pictures when available, will assist identifying the product when other data such as date shift code, lot numbers, and nomenclature are not available. Pictures can be e-mailed or forwarded to the National Repository for research purpose.

The tracing process will be initiated once the form is received. Please include other Point of Contact's and number's in the event that additional information is needed. The information will be provided as soon as it's obtained from the manufacturer and/or dealer.