GHOST Act of 2025

The GHOST Act of 2025 creates a federal system for reporting the interstate shipment of certain firearm parts. It requires entities shipping covered firearm components (barrels, slides, or bolt carriers) across state lines to register the shipment with the Attorney General, provides for a database of registrations, allows seizure of unregistered components, and establishes penalties for violations.

Sec. 2, Federal Interstate Firearm Parts Reporting System: The Attorney General must establish a program to monitor interstate shipment of covered firearm components. Entities must register shipments within 5 business days before shipping, providing their information, recipient information, shipping method, and a list of items. Shipments by mail must use registered or certified mail; other deliveries require recipient signature. Within 5 business days after registration, entities must submit delivery confirmation or a certification that they have not received it, with additional certifications every 5 business days until delivery is confirmed. There are safe harbor provisions for retroactive registration after shipment or for recipients to file a putative registration, but the Attorney General may prohibit an entity from using retroactive registration if it routinely fails to comply.

Sec. 2, Database of Registrations: The Attorney General must compile a database of registration information, which can be disclosed to federal, state, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, federal agencies, or authorized individuals. The information is exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sec. 2, Unregistered Shipments: The Attorney General or designated government entities may seize covered firearm components shipped without registration. State, local, or tribal law enforcement may seize them in exigent circumstances with a risk of injury or death. The Attorney General may use administrative proceedings to destroy seized components if no one objects; otherwise, a court order is required for destruction.

Sec. 2, Unlawful Acts and Penalties: It is unlawful to knowingly ship a covered firearm component across state lines without registration with intent to evade the requirements. Violators face a fine, up to 1 year in prison, or both; if the offense involves 50 or more components in a single act, the penalty increases to a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

Sec. 2, Effective Date: The amendments take effect 120 days after enactment.