Export Controls Eased on Firearms

The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule rescinding a May 2024 interim final rule that tightened export controls on civilian firearms and related ammunition and components.

According to a BIS press release, the interim rule “imposed a range of excessive and burdensome requirements,” including (1) a presumption of denial for civilian firearms exports to 36 countries, (2) export license requirements on sporting shotguns and optics to U.S. allies, and (3) bureaucratic hurdles on firearms export licenses such as extensive documentation requirements and short validity periods.

BIS states that it is now restoring rules under which exports of most pistols, rifles, and non-long-barrel shotguns will remain subject to a worldwide export license requirement. Long-barrel shotguns and most optics can be exported without a license to U.S. allies and certain partners. License application paperwork requirements for firearms will be streamlined and consistent with normal BIS practice.

BIS is, however, retaining amendments in the interim final rule that (1) added four new export control classification numbers (0A506, 0A507, 0A508, and 0A509) to the Commerce Control List and (2) require ECCN item paragraph classification or other control descriptors in the electronic export information filing in the Automated Export System.