Recently, several Illinois Manufacturer/SOT's have inquired regarding an apparent change in NFA Branch policy. While "regular" folks are prevented from owning suppressors in the state of Illinois, state regulations have allowed licensed manufacturers to own them for business purposes. The feedback we are getting is that NFA Branch is now refusing to approve Form 3 transfers to 07/SOT's in Illinois and when asked is giving a response of something along the lines of the denials being part of a "reinterpretation of the regulations." The state regulations are reprinted below and the NFATCA will keep you advised and informed as we learn new information.

Illinois State Regulations

5/24-1(a)(6)refers to the possession of silencers.

5/24-2 EXEMPTIONS.
(g-5) Subsection 24-1(a)(6) does not apply to or affect persons licensed under federal law to manufacture any device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm, firearms, or ammunition for those firearms equipped with those devices, and actually engaged in the business of manufacturing those devices, firearms, or ammunition, but only with respect to activities that are within the lawful scope of that business, such as the manufacture, transportation, or testing of those devices, firearms, or ammunition. This exemption does not authorize the general private possession of any device or attachment of any kind designed, used, or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm, but only such possession and activities as are within the lawful scope of a licensed manufacturing business described in this subsection (g-5). During transportation, those devices shall be detached from any weapon or not immediately accessible.