The Commerce Department announced that due to national security and foreign policy considerations, the United States has ceased issuing export licenses for the majority of civilian weapons and ammunition for a period of ninety days to all non-governmental uses.
The Commerce Department stated that an urgent review will be conducted to determine the “risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.” Other than shotguns and optical sights, no further information was provided regarding the reason for the pause.
Beyond what was posted on its website, the Commerce Department declined to comment.
According to Johanna Reeves, a lawyer with the Washington law firm Reeves & Dola who specializes in export restrictions and firearms, the halt applies to the majority of rifles and ammunition that may be bought in a U.S. gun store.
Reeves claimed she had never witnessed the Commerce Department behave in such a broad manner. “For sure, they have individual country policies – but nothing like this,” she continued.
Export permits for Israel, Ukraine, and a few other close allies will not be impacted by the temporary suspension of shipments.
The export prohibition may affect American gun-selling companies like Sturm Ruger & Co. (RGR.N), Smith & Wesson Brands (SWBI.O), and Vista Outdoor (VSTO.N).
Distributors and gun retailers are among the clients from abroad.
During the hold, exporters may still submit licensing requests; however, they will be “held without action” until the pause is lifted.
According to Commerce, previously granted export licenses are unaffected by the halt.
Exporters must identify specific end users for shipments to government clients; applications including anonymous government, military, or law enforcement users will be “returned without action.”
